In this project, two balustrade solutions, glass and wire, have been combined to suit both the architecture of the house and the setting. On the deck there is a glass balustrade with stainless steel posts and clear laminated safety glass that protects without interrupting the view of nature. The staircase balustrade down to ground level has horizontal wires fixed in the same type of posts, giving a uniform, discreet solution.
The project is a clear example of how different infills in the same post system can result in two solutions that both work and look different, yet still belong together.
Why is there glass on the deck and wire on the stairs?
Many projects use the same material throughout the entire installation – either glass or wire all the way through. This division is a more deliberate choice, in which each part is tailored to the needs of the location.
- Glass on the deck
- The glass encloses the deck and also provides shelter, since it blocks the wind. On a deck where you spend a lot of time, windbreak is part of the appeal.
- Wire on the stairs
- The wires provide a boundary and support without adding visual weight to the staircase’s line. They can follow the slope of the staircase and form parallel lines that run with the movement.
When do glass and wire work best?
The choice depends on what the site needs most: shelter, visibility, privacy screening or a look that follows a staircase. The table shows how the two infills differ.
| Location or need | Laminated safety glass | Wire in stainless steel |
|---|---|---|
| A deck exposed to wind | Fits well, also works as windbreak | Doesn't fit very well; lets the wind through |
| Staircase with a slope | Doesn't fit very well; the glass needs to be divided into sections to match the slope of the stairs | Fits well; wires can follow the slope |
| Unobstructed view of the scenery | Fits well, unobstructed view through clear glass | Fits well, minimal visual obstruction |
| Need for privacy | Goes well with frosted glass | Doesn't fit very well; open design |
| A lot of pollen, leaves, and dirt | Dirt is more visible, so the glass needs to be cleaned more often | Leaves and pollen pass through more easily; dirt is less visible |
How do glass and wire come together as one balustrade?
What makes the solution cohesive despite the different infills is that the posts are the same: the same profile, the same diameter, the same surface, and the same fixings. It’s a small detail that ties the installation together, so that the eye isn’t distracted where one rail transitions into the next.
If the deck and the staircase had had different posts, the result would have looked like two balustrades that met. With the same posts, it becomes a single balustrade with different infills, which is a more sophisticated solution.
What should you plan for when installing a combination balustrade?
A combined balustrade must be designed as a whole, since the deck and the stairs influence each other.
Three questions to answer first
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Did you measure the deck and the stairs at the same time?
The placement of the posts needs to be planned so that the transition is visually logical.
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Where should the transition take place?
Decide whether to place it at the top step of the stairs or a little way up on the deck.
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How should the handrail be handled?
The handrail should be easy to grip and run continuously, without being interrupted where the glass meets the wire.
How do you maintain a balustrade that has both glass and wire?
Glass and wire have different maintenance requirements, so a combination balustrade requires a little extra consideration. Always follow the maintenance instructions for the specific product.
- Glass
- Clean the glass regularly with regular window cleaner. Pollen, bird droppings, and lime stains are the most common types of dirt, and how often you need to clean depends on the environment.
- Wires
- Check the tension of the wires at regular intervals. Adjustments are normally made using a simple tool, according to the product instructions.
- Stainless posts
- Wipe down posts with stainless steel cleaner a few times a year. In certain environments, external iron particles may cause a superficial layer of rust to form on the surface. This can usually be removed with stainless steel cleaner and a soft sponge.
