Starting a Aluminium Doors and Windows business is one of the smartest opportunities in India’s growing construction and real estate sector. But the biggest question new entrepreneurs face is:
Should you start with aluminium doors & windows or uPVC doors & windows?
Both markets are profitable — but their demand, customer awareness, and business potential differ widely.
And based on my own experience here in Northeast India, a massive shift is happening:
Aluminium continues to dominate, but uPVC is rising fast — especially in residential and mid-income projects.
Let’s break it down with real numbers, real experiences, and real market insights.
you may also like to read: Real Small Business Ideas From a Tea Seller in Guwahati — Entrepreneurship Lessons for MSMEs
Why Aluminium Doors and Windows Dominated for Decades
For years, aluminium was the undisputed king of the Indian doors and windows market. Contractors trusted it, builders specified it, and architects loved it for its premium look.
Key Advantages of Aluminium
- Extremely strong and durable
- Slim and modern-looking profiles
- Weather-resistant and long-lasting
- Available in multiple finishes
- Ideal for large glass areas and premium projects
Aluminium Windows Price
- Basic aluminium windows: ₹350 – ₹600 per sq. ft.
- Premium/double glazing: ₹650 – ₹1,000 per sq. ft.
Where Aluminium Wins
- Commercial buildings
- Showrooms
- High-rise apartments
- Luxury homes
Aluminium is a proven and established category — and demand will always remain strong in the premium segment.
Why compared to Aluminium Doors and Windows uPVC Is Growing Faster Than Ever
uPVC (Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride) has been in India for years, but only recently has it become a serious option for customers.
Key Advantages of uPVC
- Excellent thermal and sound insulation
- Low maintenance — no painting required
- Eco-friendly and fully recyclable
- Resistant to humidity, moisture, and heavy rains
- Great for residential properties and energy-efficient homes
uPVC Window Price
- Standard uPVC: ₹350 – ₹550 per sq. ft.
- Premium/double glazing: ₹600 – ₹900 per sq. ft.
Where uPVC Wins
- Residential homes
- Apartments
- Modern housing societies
- Homes in hot, humid, or rainy regions
My On-Ground Experience of Aluminium Doors and Windows: What Customers Really Think (The “Awareness Gap”)
Talking to customers in Northeast India gave me an important insight:
Most customers do not fully understand uPVC — many have never heard of it.
Some even forget the name entirely and say things like:
- “PVC windows”
- “plastic windows”
- “the white windows”
- “UPVP or UVPC windows”
This clearly shows that awareness is growing, but still low.
What this means for entrepreneurs:
- You need to educate customers
- Show samples, explain benefits, and give comparisons
- Once they understand insulation and maintenance advantages, they show strong interest
In fact, after explaining uPVC benefits, many customers who were planning aluminium switched instantly to uPVC for their homes.
Market Trend of Aluminium Doors and Windows From My Region (Northeast India)
Traditionally, 90% installations were aluminium.
But in the last two years, awareness has grown rapidly.
A contractor told me recently:
“Earlier only 1 out of 10 customers asked for uPVC. Now it’s 4 out of 10.”
This is a huge shift.
The rise is especially visible in:
- new apartment blocks
- individual houses
- renovation projects
- modern interiors
The uPVC market is not fully matured yet — which makes it a big opportunity for early entrepreneurs.
Profit Margin & Business Potential of Aluminium Doors and Windows and upvc
Aluminium Business
- Higher initial investment
- Machinery needed
- Good margins in premium projects
- Strong demand in commercial sector
uPVC Business
- Lower investment compared to aluminium
- Demand rising in residential markets
- Easier to start as a dealer or fabricator
- Early-mover advantage in many Indian cities
Entrepreneur Tip: Keep Both Options Open (Serve What the Customer Wants)
As a new entrepreneur, don’t limit yourself.
Offer both aluminium and uPVC.
This strategy helps you:
- Serve every type of customer
- Capture both commercial and residential markets
- Increase your sales potential
- Build a stronger brand than competitors who sell only one material
Let customers choose based on:
- budget
- design
- insulation needs
- aesthetic preferences
Your job is to guide — not push.
The most successful dealers in India today sell both aluminium and uPVC together.
Comparison Table: Aluminium Doors and Windows vs uPVC
| Feature | Aluminium | uPVC |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Very High | Moderate |
| Insulation | Low | High |
| Maintenance | Requires repainting | Almost maintenance-free |
| Lifespan | 40–50 years | 20–30 years |
| Price | ₹450–₹1,000 | ₹350–₹900 |
| Best For | Commercial & luxury | Residential & mid-segment |
Conclusion: Aluminium Still Leads, But uPVC Is Growing Faster Than Ever
The doors and windows industry in India is evolving rapidly.
- Aluminium will always dominate commercial and luxury projects
- uPVC is the future of residential and eco-friendly housing
- Customer awareness is increasing, but still low — which means opportunity
If you’re starting a business today, a balanced approach works best:
Start with uPVC (fast-growing segment) and add aluminium (premium segment) as you scale.
You’ll serve more customers, get more business, and build a future-proof brand.
If you want, I can now prepare:
✅ FAQs (SEO-Optimised & Practical)
1. Which is better for a new doors and windows business, aluminium or uPVC?
Both are profitable. Aluminium dominates commercial markets, while uPVC is growing fast in residential housing. Starting with uPVC and adding aluminium later is a smart approach.
2. Why is uPVC becoming popular in India?
Customers now seek insulation, noise reduction, low maintenance, and eco-friendly options — all of which uPVC provides.
3. Do customers understand what uPVC is?
Most customers lack awareness and often mispronounce or forget the name. Proper explanation and samples greatly help them understand its benefits.
4. Is aluminium still in demand?
Yes. Aluminium is preferred for commercial buildings, large glass areas, and modern premium designs. It remains a strong and stable market.
5. What is the price difference between aluminium and uPVC windows?
Aluminium windows cost ₹450–₹1,000 sq.ft depending on grade and glazing. uPVC windows cost ₹350–₹900 sq.ft based on profile and glass.
6. Should new entrepreneurs offer both materials?
Yes. Offering both aluminium and uPVC helps you serve more customers and increases business opportunities.
Author Bio
Tabrez Khan is an entrepreneur, exporter, and digital strategist who simplifies complex business concepts for MSMEs. Through BusinessZindagi.com, he shares practical, experience-based insights that help small businesses grow with confidence.
