What are counter & servery shutters?
Schools, canteens, leisure centres, hospitals, pubs and offices use counter shutters to close a service point without a door. The bottom rail usually sits on the counter top, so the counter edge and any equipment on it are measured at survey.
Where a hatch is in a fire-resisting wall, such as between a kitchen and a corridor, the shutter must be a fire-rated counter shutter tested for that use and released by a fusible link, heat detector or the fire alarm, as the fire strategy specifies, so it closes automatically.
Finishes include anodised aluminium, stainless steel and powder-coated colours to match the interior.
Which options can you choose?
- OperationManual with a spring balance, or electric with a key switch.
- FinishAnodised aluminium, stainless steel or a powder-coated colour.
- Fire ratingFire-rated counter shutters for hatches in fire-resisting walls.
- LockingBottom-rail lock or motor lock.
Typical specification
| Typical opening | 1,000–4,000 mm wide, 600–1,500 mm high |
|---|---|
| Material | aluminium or stainless steel |
| Lead time | usually 2–4 weeks; fire-rated may be longer |
How much do counter & servery shutters cost?
| Counter & servery shutters | Ex VAT | Inc VAT |
|---|---|---|
| Servery up to 2,000 × 1,000 mm, manual | £695 – £1,195 | £835 – £1,435 |
| Servery up to 3,000 × 1,200 mm, electric | £1,195 – £1,995 | £1,435 – £2,395 |
| Fire-rated counter shutter | £1,495 – £2,995 | £1,795 – £3,595 |
Guide prices, per shutter, supplied and fitted. VAT at 20% where it applies.
Every price is fixed in writing after a survey. See all roller shutter prices or use the quote tool for a guide range for your size.
What should you check before ordering?
- Fire separation: If the hatch breaks a fire-resisting wall, the shutter must be a tested fire-rated product installed to the manufacturer's instructions; a standard counter shutter will not do.
- Approvals (England): Where a fire-rated counter shutter is part of building work, such as a new hatch in a fire-resisting wall, building control approval is needed, from the council or a registered building control approver.
- Approvals (Wales): Where a fire-rated counter shutter is part of building work, such as a new hatch in a fire-resisting wall, building regulations approval is needed from local authority building control.
- Approvals (Scotland): Where a fire-rated counter shutter is part of building work, such as a new hatch in a fire-resisting wall, a building warrant from the council's building standards service is normally needed before work starts.
- Approvals (Northern Ireland): Where a fire-rated counter shutter is part of building work, such as a new hatch in a fire-resisting wall, building regulations approval is needed from council building control.
- Hygiene: In food areas, choose finishes that are easy to clean and keep the bottom rail clear of food prep.
How does the process work?
Tell us about the opening
Use the quote tool or the form: what it is for, rough sizes and a few photos if you have them.
Free survey
We measure the opening and the space around it, check fixings and power, and talk through options.
Fixed written price
You get a clear quotation with the product, controls, fitting and lead time. Nothing is ordered until you accept.
Made, fitted, handed over
The shutter is made to measure, fitted, set up and demonstrated, with the manufacturer's documents left with you.
Questions about counter & servery shutters
Do I need a fire-rated counter shutter?
If the hatch is in a wall that is meant to resist fire, such as a kitchen wall onto a corridor, yes. Your fire risk assessment or building drawings will usually say.
Can a counter shutter be electric?
Yes, with a small tube motor and key switch. Manual spring-balanced shutters are simpler and suit smaller hatches.
What finish is best for kitchens?
Stainless steel or anodised aluminium are easy to wipe down and resist corrosion.
