Which Steel Profile Is Right for Your Project?
Tuscan Secco vs. S40 vs. Classic Series: Which Steel Profile Is Right for Your Project?
Steel windows and doors are available in a variety of profile systems, each designed to meet different aesthetic, performance, and budget goals. Whether you’re designing a luxury home, renovating a historic property, or creating a modern interior, selecting the right steel profile is key to achieving the look and functionality you want. The French Steel Company offers three primary options—Classic Series, Tuscan S40, and Tuscan Secco—each with distinct advantages. This guide compares their features, ideal applications, and key differences to help you determine which system is the best fit for your project.
When designing custom steel windows and doors, choosing the right steel profile is just as important as selecting the finish, glass, or hardware. Each profile offers a unique balance of aesthetics, performance, and budget.
At The French Steel Company, homeowners, architects, builders, and designers can choose from three primary profile systems:
Classic Series – Traditional hot-rolled steel with exceptional versatility and value.
Tuscan S40 Series – Ultra-slim steel profiles designed primarily for interior applications.
Tuscan Secco Series – Premium thermally broken steel for high-performance exterior windows and doors.
Here’s how they compare.
Steel Profile Comparison
| Feature | Classic Series | Tuscan S40 | Tuscan Secco |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Value-oriented custom steel | Ultra-slim interior applications | Premium exterior performance |
| Thermal Break | Configuration dependent | No | Yes |
| Primary Use | Residential & commercial | Interior doors, partitions, wine rooms | Exterior windows & doors |
| Appearance | Traditional steel character | Minimal, ultra-slim sightlines | Slim European-style profiles |
| Budget | Most economical | Mid-range specialty profile | Premium investment |
Which Series Should You Choose?
Choose the Classic Series If…
The Classic Series is ideal for projects that prioritize authentic steel craftsmanship while maintaining a more budget-conscious approach.
It offers the broadest range of applications, including:
- Entry doors
- Pivot doors
- Sliding doors
- Bifold doors
- Custom windows
- Window walls
- Wine rooms
- Glass partitions
Its slightly heavier hot-rolled steel profiles complement traditional, industrial, farmhouse, and transitional architecture while still fitting beautifully into contemporary designs.
Best for: Homeowners seeking custom steel with maximum design flexibility and excellent value.
Choose the Tuscan S40 Series If…
If your project focuses on interior spaces, the Tuscan S40 Series delivers the slimmest steel sightlines available.
Because it isn’t thermally broken, S40 is designed primarily for interior applications where energy efficiency isn’t a concern. The result is an elegant, minimalist profile that allows light to flow freely between spaces.
Popular applications include:
- Interior steel doors
- Glass partitions
- Home offices
- Wine rooms
- Cabinet doors
- Interior bifold doors
Best for: Modern interiors where openness, natural light, and minimal framing are top priorities.
Choose the Tuscan Secco Series If…
For exterior windows and doors, Tuscan Secco provides the highest level of performance.
Built using thermally broken Secco steel profiles, it helps reduce heat transfer while maintaining the slim, refined appearance that luxury steel windows and doors are known for.
Ideal applications include:
- Entry doors
- French doors
- Pivot doors
- Sliding doors
- Bifold systems
- Exterior windows
- Large glass openings
- Whole-home window and door packages
Tuscan Secco is also available with impact-rated configurations for qualifying coastal and hurricane-prone projects.
Best for: Luxury homes and commercial projects where energy efficiency and refined aesthetics are equally important.
Can You Mix Different Steel Profiles?
Absolutely.
Many projects combine multiple profile systems to maximize both performance and budget. For example:
- Tuscan Secco for exterior windows and doors
- Tuscan S40 for interior partitions and wine rooms
- Classic Series for statement architectural features
Using consistent finishes and hardware allows the different systems to work together seamlessly throughout the project.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Steel Profile
Before selecting a steel profile, consider:
- Is the opening interior or exterior?
- Does your climate require a thermally broken system?
- How slim do you want the sightlines?
- Is energy performance a priority?
- What’s your overall project budget?
- Will the project require impact-rated products?
Answering these questions early can help narrow down the best solution for your space.
Which Steel Profile Offers the Best Value?
The “best” profile isn’t necessarily the least expensive, it’s the one that delivers the right combination of aesthetics, performance, and functionality for your project.
- Classic Series offers outstanding versatility and value.
- Tuscan S40 creates ultra-slim interior steel features with a refined modern look.
- Tuscan Secco delivers premium thermal performance for exterior applications.
Whether you’re building a new home, renovating a historic property, or designing a commercial space, selecting the right steel profile ensures your windows and doors perform beautifully for years to come.
Ready to compare profile options? Contact The French Steel Company to discuss your project and receive expert guidance on selecting the ideal steel system for your design goals.
