Window Grilles and SDL Bars
Grilles can change the entire character of a window. They can make a new window feel more traditional, more architectural, or more consistent with an existing home.
Give Your Windows the Right Architectural Character
Window grilles and SDL bars can transform the appearance of a window. Use them to add traditional divided-lite character, complement contemporary architecture or coordinate new windows with the established design of a home or building.
Explore Inline Fiberglass SDL profiles, flat bars, brickmolds and frame extender options. Our team can help you compare the available designs and confirm which profiles are compatible with your selected window series.
Choose the Detail That Fits Your Design
The right window detail should support the architecture rather than compete with it. Inline offers several ways to customize the appearance of the glass and the transition between the window and the surrounding wall.
Window Grilles
Window grilles add a visible pattern across the glass. Depending on the profile and layout, they can help a new window complement traditional, transitional or contemporary architecture.
Inline can supply grille options, although exact styles and availability should be confirmed for the selected window series.
SDL Bars
SDL stands for simulated divided lite. SDL bars are non-removable profiles applied to the glass to create the appearance of separate panes while retaining a continuous insulated glass unit.
They provide greater surface depth and visual definition than a grille pattern, making SDL bars well suited to projects where divided-lite character is an important architectural feature.
Flat Bars
Flat bars offer a straighter, cleaner interpretation of the divided-lite look. Their simple geometric profiles work particularly well with modern homes, contemporary renovations and commercial designs.
Brickmolds and Frame Extenders
Grilles and SDL bars shape the appearance of the glass. Brickmolds and extenders help finish the perimeter of the window and coordinate it with the building’s exterior wall, siding or trim condition.
What Is the Difference Between Grilles and SDL Bars?
“Window grille” is a broad term for a decorative pattern that visually divides the glass.
An SDL system is a more specific option in which dimensional bars are applied to the surface of the glass. SDL bars create stronger shadow lines and a more substantial divided-lite appearance.
For projects that need traditional character, architectural depth or a closer visual connection to individually glazed panes, SDL bars may be the preferred choice. For a simpler or more contemporary result, a flat bar or lighter grille treatment may be more appropriate.
The final choice should consider:
- The architectural style of the building
- The size and proportions of the window
- The desired amount of visual definition
- Interior and exterior frame colours
- The selected Inline window series
- Whether the profile is required on the interior, exterior or both
Inline Fiberglass SDL Options
Inline’s available SDL collection includes five aluminum profile designs. Compatibility varies by window series and by interior or exterior application.
1004 Aluminum
A broad, rounded profile that creates strong depth and traditional architectural character.
Consider the 1004 profile for heritage-inspired homes, classic façades and custom residential designs that call for a more divided-lite appearance.
1005 Aluminum
A slimmer rounded profile that adds traditional detail without visually dominating the window.
Its narrower proportions work well for transitional homes, colonial-inspired designs and projects that need a more refined divided-lite treatment.
1006 Aluminum
A straight, angular profile with clean lines and a crisp geometric appearance.
The 1006 profile is a strong choice for contemporary homes, minimalist architecture and commercial applications where the grille pattern should feel precise and modern.
1008 Aluminum
A wider contoured profile that adds noticeable depth and definition across larger panes of glass.
Its substantial appearance can help balance oversized windows and custom window assemblies without relying on an overly ornate profile.
1009 Aluminum
A lower-profile contoured design that provides subtle definition and softer architectural detailing.
The 1009 profile can complement both transitional and contemporary projects where the divided-lite effect should remain understated.
Inline Fiberglass Flat Bar Options
Flat bars offer clean, uninterrupted lines for modern window grille patterns. Four widths are available, allowing the visual weight of the bars to be matched to the scale of the window and the architecture.
1" Flat Bar
The narrowest available flat bar creates a clean, understated pattern.
It is well suited to projects that want subtle definition while preserving open views and a lighter appearance across the glass.
1.25" Flat Bar
The 1¼-inch option provides a balanced level of visual definition.
It is wide enough to make the grille pattern noticeable while maintaining the streamlined appearance associated with modern flat bars.
1.5" Flat Bar
The 1½-inch flat bar creates a bolder pattern with greater presence across the window.
Consider this width for larger windows, more prominent elevations or projects where the grille layout is intended to be a visible design feature.
2" Flat Bar
The widest flat bar produces the strongest geometric statement.
Its greater visual weight can complement large window assemblies and contemporary designs that call for substantial, sharply defined lines.
Inline Fiberglass Brickmolds, Nailing Fins and Frame Extenders
Brickmolds and frame extenders provide additional options for coordinating the window perimeter with the building’s exterior construction and trim. These components should be selected with the window series, wall depth, cladding condition and installation approach in mind.
110 Brickmold
112 Brickmold
128 Brickmold
128A Brickmold
140 Brickmold
1.25" Extender
1.62" Extender
2.25" Extender
3.25" Extender
4.25" Extender
Nailing Fin
Confirm Compatibility Before Finalizing Your Selection
Not every SDL or flat bar profile is available on every Inline window series. Compatibility can also differ between interior and exterior applications.
Before selecting a profile, Inline will help confirm:
- The window series and operating style
- Interior and exterior profile availability
- Bar width and proportions
- Finish and colour availability
- Window size and configuration
- The proposed grille layout
- Related brickmold or extender requirements
This review helps ensure the selected details work together as part of the complete window system.
A Simple Selection Process
1. Share Your Design Direction
Send Inline your plans, elevations, window schedule, inspiration images or photographs of the existing building.
2. Select the Window Series
Grille, SDL and trim availability depends on the underlying window product and configuration.
3. Compare Profiles and Widths
Review the SDL contours and flat bar widths against the scale and style of the project.
4. Confirm Compatibility and Finishes
Inline will help confirm which profiles, colours, brickmolds and extenders are available for the selected products.
5. Include the Options in Your Quote
Once the details are confirmed, the selected options can be included in the project quotation.
Common Questions About Window Grilles and SDL Bars
Find clear answers to common questions about fiberglass Window Grilles and SDL Bars
What does SDL mean?
SDL means simulated divided lite. SDL bars are applied to the glass to recreate the appearance of a window made from multiple smaller panes while using a continuous insulated glass unit.
Are SDL bars the same as window grilles?
SDL bars are one type of window grille treatment. The term “grille” can refer broadly to decorative patterns across the glass, while SDL bars are dimensional profiles applied to the glass surface.
Does Inline offer standard grilles as well as SDL bars?
Yes. Inline can supply grille options, although SDL profiles are often selected when a project calls for greater depth and a more architectural divided-lite appearance. Available options should be confirmed by product series.
Which flat bar widths are available?
Inline’s flat bar options include 1 inch, 1¼ inches, 1½ inches and 2 inches.
Are all SDL profiles available on every Inline window?
No. Availability varies by window series, configuration and interior or exterior application. Review the compatibility chart or contact Inline before finalizing the design.
Can SDL bars be colour-matched to the window?
Finish options vary by profile and product series. Inline can review the requested window colour and confirm the compatible SDL or flat bar finishes during the quoting process.
What brickmold profiles does Inline offer?
The current brickmold profile list includes 110, 112, 128, 128A and 140. Compatibility and installation details should be confirmed for the specific project.
What frame extender sizes are available?
Current extender options include 1¼, 1⅝, 2¼, 3¼ and 4½ inches.
Can I see these options before ordering?
Book a showroom visit or speak with an Inline product specialist to review the available renderings, samples and compatibility information before finalizing your quote.
Design the Details Before Manufacturing Begins
Tell Inline about your project and the window series you are considering. Include plans, elevations, existing-home photos or design references when available. Our team will help you review profile compatibility, finish options, brickmolds and extenders before the details are added to your quote.