The right balustrade for decking, a balcony or stairs is chosen based on fall risk, function, setting and how it can be anchored. Glass, aluminium, stainless steel, wrought iron style, timber and wire balustrades have different strengths depending on the site and what the balustrade needs to do.
On raised decking or a balcony, fall protection and safe design are central. A decking or balcony balustrade also affects views, wind, overlooking and the overall look. On stairs, the staircase balustrade also needs to work with the handrail, fixings and the load-bearing structure.
In this balustrade guide we compare materials and balustrade types for indoor and outdoor settings and cover what to consider regarding rules, installation, maintenance and ordering. The aim is to help you choose a balustrade based on safety, use and the look of the space.
What determines which balustrade is the right choice?
Five things mainly decide which balustrade suits: fall risk, function, setting, fixings and how the balustrade should fit the site. So don’t start with the material or the look – start with what the balustrade needs to cope with.
On decking, a balcony or stairs, the same type of balustrade can face very different conditions. Drop height, how the space is used, whether young children may be there, weather exposure and the load-bearing substrate together affect which specification is suitable. Once you have assessed these conditions, it is easier to compare balustrades by material and design.
Assess the entire area before choosing a balustrade
How high is the drop?
Drop height, how the area is used and who uses it affect the need for fall protection and how the balustrade should be designed.
What is the purpose of the balustrade?
The balustrade can act as fall protection, wind shelter, privacy screening or a boundary, and sometimes do several of these at once.
How exposed is the site?
Moisture, salt, wind, dirt, and temperature fluctuations affect which materials, finishes, and hardware are suitable.
What should the balustrade be attached to?
The balustrade must be anchored to a load-bearing structure. The substrate determines which fixings and installation solutions can be used.
How should the balustrade fit in?
The material, colour, infill, and shape need to work in harmony with the house, the staircase, the patio, or the surroundings where the balustrade will be installed.
What types of balustrades can you choose from?
The most common options are glass, aluminium, stainless steel, timber, wrought iron style and wire balustrades. Which suits best depends on the function the balustrade should have, how exposed the setting is and the look you want to create.
For decking, balconies and stairs you therefore need to compare more than appearance. Views, wind and overlooking, maintenance, fixings and any climbing risk affect which material and infill are suitable on the site.
| Balustrade Type | Particularly suitable when | Strength | Att tänka på |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass balustrade | You want to preserve the view and natural light or create a solid barrier on, for example, a deck or balcony. | The glass provides an unobstructed view and can also reduce wind and overlooking, depending on the type of glass you choose. | Glass, hardware, profiles, or posts and fixings must work together as a complete balustrade system. |
| Aluminium balustrade | You want low weight, little maintenance and the option to adapt the colour and look of the balustrade. | Aluminium has good corrosion resistance and can be combined with several different types of infill. | Surface treatments, fittings, and other components must be suited to the level of exposure. |
| Stainless Steel Balustrades | You want a sturdy balustrade with a clean, metallic look, whether indoors or outdoors. | Stainless steel can be used in many settings when the grade is chosen to suit the exposure. | Stainless steel is not maintenance-free, and the steel grade must be selected with consideration for factors such as salt and other chlorides. |
| Timber balustrade | You want a warm, classic or traditional look on decking, a veranda or stairs, for example. | Timber is easy to customise in terms of shape, dimensions, and finish. | Outdoor timber requires regular inspection and surface treatment to withstand the elements and moisture. |
| Wrought iron railing | The balustrade should be suitable for a classic, decorative, or more traditional house. | Wrought iron style can become a clear part of a building’s architecture and can be designed to be simple or decorative. | Surface protection and any damage must be inspected over time to prevent corrosion. |
| Wire balustrade | You want to preserve the view and create an airy, discreet boundary. | Wire has a minimal visual impact and is suitable for places where visibility and an open feel are important. | Horizontal wires must be evaluated specifically in areas where young children may be present, since the balustrade is intended to prevent climbing. |
When is a glass balustrade a good choice?
A glass balustrade is especially suitable when you want to keep views and light while the balustrade gives a solid boundary. A glass balustrade for decking or a balcony can also reduce wind without the space feeling as closed as with a solid wall or other opaque infill.
How open the balustrade feels depends on both the glass and whether the design uses posts or profiles. When comparing glass balustrades, you therefore need to consider views, overlooking, wind, fixings and how the balustrade will work on the site.
Which type of glass is right for your needs?
Colour and transparency primarily affect the view, the amount of light that enters, and how much visibility the glass balustrade provides.
For an unobstructed view
Provides a transparent barrier and is ideal when the view should be affected as little as possible.
For a more colour-neutral look
Has less of the glass's natural green tint and is suitable when colours and views need to be reproduced as neutrally as possible.
For more privacy
Allows light to pass through but limits direct visibility and is suitable for situations where a glass balustrade is also intended to provide more screening.
For a darker look
Reduces transparency and gives the balustrade a darker visual appearance without making the infill completely opaque.
When is an aluminium balustrade a good choice?
Aluminium balustrades are ideal when you want a lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and low-maintenance balustrade that can be used both indoors and outdoors. On patios and balconies, aluminium is particularly practical when the balustrade needs to withstand the elements, be easy to handle during installation, and at the same time complement the home’s style.
Aluminium is often used for posts, profiles and top rails and can be combined with glass, wire or vertical infill, for example. An aluminium balustrade can also be powder-coated in different colours, making it easier to match the balustrade to the façade, windows and other details.
Low weight simplifies installation
Aluminium weighs less than steel, which makes posts, profiles, and other parts easier to carry, fit, and handle when installing the balustrade.
Powder coating offers a variety of finishes
Powder coating makes it possible to choose a colour to match the façade, windows, or other architectural details, for example, while also providing the aluminium surface with a protective coating.
Requires little maintenance in many settings
Aluminium has good corrosion resistance and usually requires only simple cleaning. In more exposed locations, surface treatments, fittings, and other components must also be adapted to the environment.
When is a stainless steel balustrade a good choice?
A stainless steel balustrade suits you when you want a robust balustrade with a clear metallic look. It can be used both indoors and outdoors, such as on decking, a balcony or stairs, and combined with glass, wire or vertical infill depending on how open the balustrade should be.
For an outdoor stainless steel balustrade, the environment is particularly important. Salt, moisture, and other chlorides increase the risk of corrosion, which means that the steel grade, surface finish, hardware, and cleaning routine need to be adapted to the level of exposure at the location. An indoor balustrade typically faces much milder conditions.
What is the difference between AISI 304 and AISI 316?
AISI 304 and AISI 316 are stainless steel grades with different corrosion resistance. The more salt and chlorides the balustrade is exposed to, the more important the choice of grade becomes.
AISI 304
Best suited for dry indoor environments and other environments with low exposure to salt and chlorides. In such environments, the corrosion load is normally significantly lower than in exposed outdoor locations.
AISI 316
It has better resistance to chloride exposure than AISI 304 and is therefore more suitable for many exposed outdoor environments, such as those where the balustrade is regularly exposed to salt.
Stainless does not mean maintenance-free. Salt, dirt and foreign iron particles need rinsing or washing off, and an outdoor stainless steel balustrade usually needs cleaning and checking more often in coastal or other exposed settings than in a sheltered location.
Which balustrade material best suits your needs?
Glass is often best when views, light or wind shelter matter. Aluminium suits you when you prioritise low weight and little maintenance, stainless steel when you want a robust metallic look and timber when you want a warmer, more traditional feel.
Wrought iron style and wire meet other needs: wrought iron style suits classic architecture, while wire gives an airy look with little visual impact. So compare materials by function, setting, maintenance and how the balustrade will be used – not just by appearance.
| If you prioritise | First, take a look at | Why | Check before choosing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unobstructed views and plenty of light | Glass balustrade or wire balustrade | Glass provides a transparent and solid boundary, while wire creates an even more airy look with minimal visual impact. | Consider whether the balustrade should also reduce wind or provide privacy, and whether its design needs to take special account of younger children. |
| Little ongoing maintenance | Aluminium balustrade | Aluminium has good corrosion resistance, is lightweight, and is generally relatively easy to clean. | Verify that the surface treatment, fittings, and other components are suitable for the level of exposure. |
| A robust, metallic look | Stainless Steel Balustrades | stainless steel provides a distinct metallic look and can be combined with, for example, glass, wire, or vertical panels. | Choose the steel grade based on the environment, especially where salt, moisture, or other chlorides may affect the balustrade. |
| A warm and traditional look | Timber balustrade | Timber is a natural fit for timber houses, decking and verandas, for example, and can be adapted a great deal in both shape and size. | Expect to need regular inspections and surface treatment when timber is used outdoors. |
| Classic or decorative style | Wrought iron railing | Wrought iron style suits especially when the balustrade should be a clear part of the architecture and look of the house. | Check the surface treatment periodically and repair any damage before corrosion has a chance to develop. |
| Wind shelter or more screening | Glass balustrade | The solid glass surface can reduce wind, and the choice of glass also affects how much of a view and how much privacy the balustrade provides. | Decide how much of the view you want to preserve and make sure that the glass, fittings, profiles, or posts and fixings work well together. |
| Exposed outdoor environment | Aluminium or the right grade of stainless steel | Both materials can perform well outdoors when the material, surface treatment, and components are selected based on the exposure. | Take into account moisture, salt, wind, and how often the balustrade can be cleaned and inspected. |
How do you choose a top rail and a handrail?
Choose a top rail based on how the balustrade should be finished and feel, but choose a handrail based on how the hand will grip it for balance. The parts can look similar but have different main functions, so they do not need the same shape or position.
On a decking or balcony balustrade, the top rail is often the top finish of the balustrade. On stairs or a ramp, a handrail instead provides support while moving and must be positioned and shaped so that it is easy to grip.
When appearance and finishing details matter most
The top rail sits at the top of the balustrade and ties the whole together visually. Timber gives a warmer feel, while aluminium or stainless steel gives a more cohesive metallic look.
For outdoor use, materials and finishes must be chosen based on the weather, humidity, and how exposed the location is. A top rail that is frequently touched should also have a shape and surface that feels comfortable to the touch.
When Grip and Balance Support Are Most Important
A handrail should give a safe, comfortable grip when you use stairs or a ramp. Its shape must therefore be easy to grip and its position should give support all the way.
A handrail should normally run continuously along the stairs or ramp and be designed to give support before you start and as you finish. The material can be timber, aluminium or stainless steel, for example.
The top rail is the top finish of the balustrade, while the handrail is the part that gives grip and balance support. In some balustrades the same part can act as both top rail and handrail if its position, shape and function meet both needs.
How do you install and secure a balustrade?
A balustrade is installed by first identifying the load-bearing structure, then choosing fixings to suit the substrate and the loads the balustrade must take, and finally checking the whole balustrade system after installation. The fixings must therefore be planned based on the structure – not just on posts, screws or how the balustrade will look.
On a deck, the load-bearing substrate may be timber joists, concrete or an edge beam, for example, while a staircase balustrade may need anchoring to a stringer, joist or other load-bearing part. The same balustrade may therefore need different fixings depending on where and how it is installed.
Start with the structure, not the screw
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Check what the balustrade will be fixed to
Start by identifying the load-bearing structure. Decking, flooring, and other surface layers do not, in and of themselves, indicate how the balustrade can be anchored. You need to know what is behind or beneath the surface layer and where the fixings can transfer the load.
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Choose fixings to suit the substrate
Screws, bolts, anchors and any reinforcement must be chosen based on the material of the load-bearing structure and the loads the fixings must transfer. Timber, concrete and steel therefore need different installation solutions.
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Check the entire balustrade after installation
Once posts and the other components are installed, the balustrade must be inspected as a whole. Posts, fittings, infill, top rail, and fixings must collectively provide the stability and functionality required by the design.
Posts can be mounted on top of or on the side of a load-bearing structure. Which option is best depends, among other things, on the substrate, edge clearance, available space, and how the fixings can be anchored. Side mounting can free up floor space, but it is the load-bearing structure that determines which solution is possible.
How do you choose indoor balustrades?
Choose an indoor balustrade based on where it will be installed and the function it needs to serve. On a staircase, grip, support, and fixing are key, while a balustrade near a loft, mezzanine, or an open floor edge primarily needs to provide fall protection without making the room feel unnecessarily closed off.
Indoors, the impact of the weather is minimal, so the choice of materials can be guided to a greater extent by light, sightlines, and how the balustrade complements the stairs, flooring, and other interior design elements. Glass is often a good choice when you want to preserve natural light and a sense of space, while timber or metal can create a more distinctive look.
Prioritise grip, support, and fit
An indoor staircase balustrade must follow the shape of the stairs while being comfortable to use every day. The position and grip of the handrail are important, as is how posts and fixings connect to the stairs and floor structure. See examples of balustrades and handrails for stairs.
Preserve Light and Space
A balustrade for a loft or mezzanine is often right in the line of sight of the room. A glass balustrade can keep daylight and visibility between floors, while vertical timber or metal parts give a clearer visual boundary. Where the balustrade acts as fall protection, its design must always suit the fall risk and how the space is used.
Highlight the difference in level without closing off the room
At an open edge or level change, an indoor balustrade can create a clear boundary without replacing the open feeling with a solid wall. Here, fall protection, sightlines, and the room’s architecture need to work together, especially when the balustrade is visible from multiple angles and becomes a distinct part of the interior.
How do you choose an outdoor balustrade?
Choose an outdoor balustrade based on how exposed the location is, what function the balustrade will serve, and how it can be anchored. Rain, moisture, wind, salt, dirt, and temperature fluctuations affect the materials, surface treatment, hardware, and the amount of maintenance the balustrade requires.
On decking, a balcony or a terrace, you also need to decide whether the balustrade should mainly give fall protection, keep the view, reduce wind or give more privacy. For decking, the change in level, exposure and how open the space is therefore all affect which balustrade suits.
The outdoor environment affects the entire balustrade system
Consider the location's exposure, materials, fixing, and function together before deciding how the balustrade should be designed.
Weather and moisture
A balustrade in an exposed, unsheltered location is more exposed to rain, wind, and dirt than a balustrade under a roof. In coastal environments, salt is also a factor, which can increase corrosion on materials and hardware.
Materials and surface finishes
Aluminium, stainless steel, timber, and wrought iron age differently when exposed to the elements. Therefore, choose the material, steel grade, and finish based on the environment where the balustrade will actually be installed, not just on its appearance.
Fixings and substrates
The balustrade must be anchored to a load-bearing structure. Timber joists, concrete and steel need different fixings, and outdoor moisture must be taken into account when choosing fittings and fastenings.
Views, wind and privacy
Glass suits you when you want to keep the view while creating a more solid surface against the wind. More open balustrades affect the view less but usually give less wind shelter and privacy, so the infill must be chosen for what the site actually needs.
What do you need to keep in mind in public and commercial settings?
In public and commercial settings, balustrades must be evaluated based on how the space is used, the risk of falling, and the people who will be using the area. The fact that a space is used commercially does not in itself mean that the same requirements apply as in a place accessible to the general public.
Therefore, start by determining whether the public has access to the site. Next, the balustrade, handrail, fixings, materials, and other design elements must be adapted to the intended use, the load, and the regulations that apply to the specific building and environment.
Distinguish between public spaces and other commercial spaces
When the venue is open to the public
A public setting is a place to which the general public has access, such as a shop, restaurant, reception area, or public area of a hotel. Even an activity that requires a ticket or membership is often aimed at the general public and should therefore be assessed in the same way.
Where many people move around, it is also important that handrails are easy to see, for example through contrast with surrounding surfaces, and there may be requirements for this. The rest of the balustrade design must also suit the fall risk and use.
When the setting is commercial but not open to the public
A workplace, production facility, or other operational space does not become a public space simply because the activity is commercial. If the general public does not have access, the location must therefore be assessed based on its actual conditions of use.
The balustrade must still be specified and designed based on the risk of falling, load, use, and environment. There may also be other requirements that are relevant to the specific activity or workplace.
Which balustrade is suitable for coastal and exposed locations?
In coastal and other exposed locations, the entire balustrade system must be adapted to salt, moisture, wind, dirt, and weather. It is therefore not enough to simply choose a material that fundamentally has good corrosion resistance – the quality, surface treatment, hardware, fixings, and maintenance must also be suited to the exposure.
Stainless steel, aluminium and glass can all be used in balustrades for exposed settings, but they are affected in different ways. Near the sea, chlorides can build up, especially on metal components, making material quality and regular cleaning more important than in a sheltered inland location.
Don't choose based solely on the material name
Just because a material is called stainless or corrosion-resistant does not mean it is unaffected by salt, moisture and dirt. Finishes and smaller components can also decide how well the balustrade performs over time.
- Don't assume that the same materials and quality are equally suitable for all outdoor environments.
- Don’t assess just the posts without also checking fittings, screws, fastenings and fixings.
- Do not assume that stainless steel or powder-coated means that the balustrade is maintenance-free.
Consider how exposed the location is
Start by considering the amount of salt, moisture, and weather to which the balustrade is exposed . Then, select the material quality, surface treatment, and components so that the entire balustrade system is suitable for the specific environment.
- In the presence of significant chloride exposure, AISI 316 has better corrosion resistance than AISI 304.
- Consider whether the balustrade is sheltered under a roof or exposed to rain, sea breeze, and salt spray.
- Match posts, fittings, fixings, and surface treatments to the same exposure level.
What determines the height and design of a balustrade as fall protection?
A balustrade or other fall protection is needed on stairs, ramps, balconies, access decks, roof terraces and other areas where there is a particular risk of injury from falls. How high the balustrade should be and how it should be designed depend on how the area is used, the drop height and who uses it – there is no single measurement that suits every location.
The requirements are set by the building regulations in force where the building is located and may differ between new construction and alterations to an existing building. Therefore, always check which requirements apply to your project before deciding on the height and design of the balustrade.
What factors determine how high the balustrade should be?
Drop height and use determine the height
A high balcony or roof terrace has different requirements than a ground-level patio. The larger the drop height and the more people who use the space, the more important the balustrade’s height and stability become.
The entire balustrade forms part of the fall protection
Height is only one aspect of fall protection. The balustrade with infill and fixings must also be able to withstand the impacts and loads that can occur when someone leans against or bumps into it.
A measurement from a drawing or an older guide is not automatically correct for your project. The height of the balustrade must be determined based on the use of the location, drop height, and the requirements that apply where the balustrade is to be installed.
How should balustrades be designed in areas where children are present?
In areas where young children may be present, fall protection must be designed so that children cannot climb over it, fall through it, or get stuck in it. The exact dimensions for openings and climbing guards must comply with the building regulations in effect where the balustrade is to be installed.
Avoid footholds on the lower part of the balustrade
The lower part of the balustrade should not have any horizontal elements that could serve as footholds. Glass and vertical infill are therefore common choices in areas where children are present.
Keep the gaps in the infill small
The gaps between bars, wires, or other parts of the infill must be small enough that a child cannot squeeze through.
Limit the opening towards the floor and stairs
The distance between the bottom of the balustrade and the floor, the balcony slab, or the stair treads must also be limited so that a child cannot crawl under the balustrade.
Avoid openings where a head or foot could get trapped
Openings in and above the lower part of the balustrade must be designed so that a child cannot get their head or foot stuck.
What affects the delivery time for a balustrade?
Delivery times for a balustrade mainly depend on the balustrade type, made-to-measure sizing, glass and other special options, colour or finish, how complete the order information is and whether the chosen components are available.
So there is no single delivery time that applies to every balustrade. A system with standardised components may have different conditions from a balustrade with made-to-measure glass or specially made parts. Always check the current delivery time for the specification you actually order.
| This affects | Why this might affect the time | Worth checking |
|---|---|---|
| Balustrade types and designs | Different balustrade systems consist of different components and may need different amounts of manufacturing or preparation before delivery. | Check the current delivery time for the balustrade type and design you actually choose. |
| Made-to-measure sizing | Made-to-measure parts must be manufactured to the dimensions given in the order. This applies to glass and other components adapted to the site, for example. | Make sure that lengths, heights, corners, and other relevant measurements are verified before placing the order. |
| Glass and special options | The type of glass, special dimensions, and other options may require that parts be manufactured specifically for the order. | Decide on the type of glass and other options at the same time as the balustrade dimensions are determined. |
| Colour and Finish | The choice of colour or finish may affect which production steps are required before the balustrade components are finished. | Make sure you have selected the colour and surface finish before confirming the order. |
| Complete order documentation | Missing or unclear information may mean that the order needs to be completed before it can be processed further. | Check the dimensions, quantity, fixing, colour, and other product selections before placing your order. |
| Availability of components | Delivery time may be affected if a certain component or a specific configuration is not available for immediate production or delivery. | When planning the project, use the current delivery time for the confirmed order as your starting point. |
How do you maintain the balustrade?
How much maintenance a balustrade needs depends on the material, finish and how exposed the site is. Glass and powder-coated aluminium often mainly need cleaning, stainless steel needs keeping clean and timber balustrades usually need more regular care of the finish.
Also inspect the balustrade as a whole. Fittings, fixings, finishes, and other components can be affected to varying degrees by moisture, salt, dirt, and wear, especially in coastal or other harsh environments.
How do you take care of a glass balustrade?
Wash the glass with water and a mild detergent that is suitable for glass. Salt, pollen, and other dirt should not be left on the glass any longer than necessary, especially in exposed areas.
At the same time, check the fittings, glass clamps, profiles, and fixings to ensure that the entire balustrade system is in good condition.
How do you take care of an aluminium balustrade?
Powder-coated aluminium surfaces should be cleaned gently with water, a soft cloth or sponge, and a mild detergent. Avoid methods that could scratch or damage the surface finish.
If the surface is damaged, it should be assessed based on the manufacturer's care instructions, since the correct course of action depends on the type of surface treatment the balustrade has.
How do you care for a stainless steel balustrade?
stainless steel is corrosion-resistant but not maintenance-free. Salt, dirt, and foreign iron particles should be rinsed or washed off so that they do not remain on the surface.
A balustrade near the sea, a pool, or another environment with high chloride levels may need to be cleaned more often than a balustrade that is in a more sheltered location.
What do you need to check on other types of balustrades?
Timber balustrades need care according to the type of timber and finish. Wrought iron railings should be checked to make sure paint or other corrosion protection is intact, and wire balustrades need keeping clean while wires, fittings and fixings are checked.
Always follow the care instructions for the specific balustrade system, since combinations of materials and surface treatments may require different care measures.
What should you check before ordering a balustrade?
Check the location, fall risk, load-bearing substrate, dimensions, and product selection before ordering the balustrade. Once these factors are determined, it will be easier to choose the right design and reduce the risk of having to change the dimensions or fixings later on.
Examine the entire area, not just the length of the balustrade. Changes in level, corners, stairs, connections, and the supporting structure can affect both the measurements and how the balustrade should be installed.
Check these six points
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Decide where the balustrade should start and end
Mark the entire length of the balustrade, including corners, openings, stairs, and other connections. This will make it clearer which sections need to be measured and how the balustrade should be divided.
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Assess the risk of falls and who uses the area
Check the drop height, how the area is used and whether younger children can be there. This affects, among other things, the height of the balustrade, openings, and how fall protection needs to be designed.
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Check what the balustrade will be anchored to
Determine where the load-bearing structure is located and whether the posts should be mounted on top or on the side. Decking and other surface layers are not, in and of themselves, sufficient to determine which fixing method is needed.
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Take final measurements once the conditions are established
Measure each balustrade section at the installation site and double-check the measurements. Small differences between different sections can affect custom-fit components.
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Decide on the materials and design
Choose material, infill, colour, top rail and other options based on the function and setting of the site. In exposed locations, fittings, fastenings and finishes also need to suit the exposure.
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Review the entire order one last time
Check the dimensions, number of sections, corners, fixings, materials, and other selections before submitting the order. A complete set of specifications reduces the risk of additional requests and incorrect order details.
Once the location, safety requirements, load-bearing substrate, dimensions, and product selection have been determined, the order can be based on the actual conditions at the site.
Which balustrade is best for your space?
Start from where the balustrade will go, what function it should have, which material suits the setting and how it can be anchored. Compare our balustrades or contact customer service if you would like help choosing.
What do you need to know before choosing a balustrade?
The most common questions concern balustrade height, fall protection, child safety, fixing, materials, maintenance, and price. Here you’ll find brief answers to things you should know before choosing or ordering a balustrade.
How high should a balustrade be?
There is no single height that fits all balustrades. The height of the fall protection is determined based on how the surface is used, drop height, and the risk of injury, and complies with the building regulations that apply where the balustrade is to be installed.
When is a balustrade or other fall protection needed?
A balustrade or other fall protection is needed on stairs, ramps, balconies and other areas used by people where there is a particular risk of injury from falls. The assessment depends on the use of the area, the drop height and other conditions.
How should a balustrade be designed where children may be present?
In areas where young children are present, the balustrade must prevent climbing and have openings small enough that children cannot fall through or get stuck. This applies to both the gaps in the infill and the opening at the bottom of the balustrade. Exact dimensions must comply with the building regulations in effect where the balustrade is to be installed.
Can you fix a balustrade directly to timber decking?
A balustrade should not be anchored to the deck boards alone. The fixings need to reach a load-bearing structure that can take the loads on the balustrade.
Which balustrade is best for a deck or balcony?
The choice depends on fall risk, views, wind, overlooking, maintenance and how the balustrade can be anchored. Glass often suits when a clear view or wind shelter matters, while aluminium, stainless steel, timber, wrought iron style and wire have other strengths depending on the setting and desired look.
Which balustrade material requires the least maintenance outdoors?
Powder-coated aluminium and glass often mainly need cleaning, while stainless steel also needs keeping clean, especially where there is salt or chlorides. No balustrade material is completely maintenance-free, and the need normally increases in more exposed settings.
What factors affect the price of a balustrade?
The price depends on the length and shape of the balustrade, material, infill, number of corners, stair sections, fixings and any special options. Two balustrades of the same length can therefore have different prices depending on how they are designed and installed.
