A safe staircase balustrade starts with the right fall protection, a handrail that is easy to grip and secure fixings. The choice needs to suit how the stairs are used, the fall risk and whether young children may be there – not just materials and appearance.
The staircase balustrade needs to minimise the risk of falls, while the handrail provides support and balance when going up or down. At the same time, the balustrade infill, posts, fittings, and fixings must work in conjunction with the staircase’s design and the loads to which the balustrade may be subjected.
In this guide we look at how to choose a staircase balustrade, how local building regulations affect the design and what sets glass, aluminium, stainless steel and wire apart. You will also get help with measurements, fixings and installation, handrails, child safety, maintenance and choices for indoor and outdoor stairs.
Why do the staircase balustrade, handrail and fixings need to be planned together?
A safe staircase balustrade must be planned as a whole. The balustrade reduces the risk of falls, while the handrail provides support as you move up and down the stairs, and the fixings anchor the structure to the staircase’s load-bearing components. If one part does not work with the others, the entire solution is affected.
Therefore, start by assessing the staircase’s specific conditions before choosing materials and design. Determine where fall protection is needed, how the handrail should be used, and where the balustrade can be anchored. This will make it easier to choose the type of balustrade and installation method without compromising the staircase’s functionality or clear space.
Reduces the risk of falls
The balustrade acts as fall protection along the open side of the staircase. The design must be adapted to the risk of falling, how the staircase is used, and whether young children may be present there.
Therefore, height, openings, and climbability must be assessed for the specific location. The materials and infill then affect both the balustrade’s function and appearance.
Provides support and a secure grip
A handrail has a different function than the fall protection itself. It needs to be easy to grip and provide balance support when you're going up or down the stairs.
The handrail should normally run continuously along the staircase and be designed so that support is available when you step up and down the stairs.
Anchors the balustrade to the staircase
The balustrade must be anchored to a surface that can support the load. Posts, fittings, and fixings must therefore work in conjunction with the staircase’s load-bearing structure.
The solution depends, among other things, on whether the staircase is made of wood, concrete, or steel, and whether the balustrade is mounted on top or from the side. The substrate should determine the choice of fixing.
Which glass balustrade is suitable for a staircase?
A glass balustrade suits stairs when you want to keep the light and create an open look without solid infill. The choice is mainly between a post system, where the glass sits between posts, and a frameless solution where glass, profile and fixings form one balustrade system.
On stairs, the solution also needs to suit the pitch, landings and load-bearing structure. So start with the dimensions of the stairs and possible fixing points before choosing the glass type. For a glass balustrade, the glass, fittings, profiles and fixings must be designed to work together in the chosen system.
When is an aluminium balustrade suitable for stairs?
Aluminium balustrades are ideal when you want a lightweight, corrosion-resistant balustrade that can be used both indoors and outdoors. The material can be powder-coated in a variety of colours and combined with materials such as glass, making it easy to customise the balustrade to match both the staircase and the house.
In staircases, aluminium is often used for posts, handrails, and load-bearing profiles. At the same time, the choice must be tailored to fixing, the environment, and the extent to which the balustrade is exposed to moisture, dirt, wear and tear, and other stresses.
Easy to handle
Aluminium is lightweight compared to many other metallic materials. This can make handling easier when posts and profiles need to be carried, fitted, and installed in or next to a stairwell.
Flexible design
Powder coating allows you to choose a colour that matches stair treads, walls, windows, or the façade, for example. Dark shades can create contrast, while a colour that blends in with the surroundings makes the balustrade more understated.
Works indoors and outdoors
Aluminium is also suitable for outdoor staircases. However, how well the balustrade holds up over time depends on the surface treatment, the environment, and how regularly the surfaces and fixings are cleaned and inspected.
When is a stainless steel staircase balustrade appropriate?
A stainless steel balustrade is ideal when you want a sturdy material with a distinctly metallic look. It can be used both indoors and outdoors and is often combined with glass, vertical bars, or a timber handrail to match the balustrade to the staircase and the house.
The appropriate stainless steel grade depends primarily on the environment. A balustrade in a dry indoor environment is exposed to significantly less corrosive stress than a balustrade near the sea, a busy road, or another environment where salt and chlorides can accumulate on the surface.
304 and 316 have different levels of corrosion resistance
AISI 304 may be suitable for less exposed environments
AISI 304 is often used in dry indoor environments and in other locations with low corrosive exposure. In such environments, the material can provide good corrosion resistance without requiring the higher alloy content found in 316 steel.
Even in a mild environment, the surface finish, cleaning, construction, and the presence of dirt affect how well the balustrade holds up over time.
AISI 316 offers better resistance to chlorides
AISI 316 contains molybdenum, which provides better resistance to, among other things, pitting and crevice corrosion in environments where chlorides are present. This makes the grade more suitable for many coastal and other harsh environments.
The site’s exposure, its proximity to the sea or exposure to road salt, and how often the surface is cleaned still affect which material is appropriate.
When is a wire balustrade suitable for stairs?
A wire balustrade suits you when you want a visually light balustrade where posts and thin wires take up little of the view. It can work particularly well on open stairs and in settings where you want to keep sightlines without continuous glass or panel infill.
A wire balustrade also needs to be planned on more than appearance. The direction and tension of the wires, the position of the posts, the fixings and who will use the stairs affect whether the solution suits the site.
Visually light
Thin wires give an airy look and let the shape, materials and surroundings of the stairs show more clearly. It suits you when you want a discreet balustrade without large continuous infill panels.
Correct tension
Wires must be properly installed and tensioned so that the balustrade retains its shape and function. Fixings and tensioning devices must therefore be checked regularly and adjusted if the wires become loose.
Adapt to the environment
Outdoors, wires, fittings, and posts are affected by moisture, dirt, and any chlorides present. Material quality and surface treatment must therefore be selected based on the environment in which the balustrade is installed, not solely on its appearance.
What material is best suited to a staircase balustrade?
Glass suits you when light and openness matter most, aluminium when you want low weight and a flexible finish, stainless steel when you prioritise a robust metallic look and wire when the balustrade should feel visually light. The handrail can then be timber when you want a warmer grip.
Wrought iron style is mainly a choice of form and style rather than a material in itself. An aluminium balustrade in a wrought iron style can give the same classic, decorative look as traditional wrought iron but has the weight and finish properties of aluminium. Always compare the balustrade type together with infill, fixings, maintenance and who will use the stairs.
| Property | Glass | Aluminium | Stainless steel | Wire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Open and modern | Clean and flexible | Sturdy and metallic | Airy and understated |
| Light and Visibility | Excellent visibility through clear glass | Depends mainly on the infill chosen | Depends mainly on the infill chosen | Very little visual obstruction |
| Maintenance | The glass is cleaned as needed | Cleaning and Inspection of the Surface Treatment | Cleaning Tailored to the Environment | Cleaning and Checking Wire Tension |
| Outdoors | Yes, when the entire system is designed with the environment in mind | Yes, with the appropriate surface treatment | Yes, with steel grades tailored to the environment | Yes, when wire, fittings, and posts are chosen correctly |
| Child safety | Continuous infill can reduce obvious footholds | It depends on how the balustrade infill is designed | It depends on how the balustrade infill is designed | Horizontal wires require special consideration |
| Installation | Glass panels require careful handling and precise measurements | A low material weight can make handling easier | Profiles and components may be heavier than aluminium | Posts and wires are assembled and tensioned as a single system |
| Adapting to the staircase | The glass and fixings are adapted to the slope of the stairs | Profiles and posts are tailored to the flight of stairs | Posts, the handrail and the infill follow the slope of the stairs | The wire layout is adapted to the posts and the shape of the staircase |
| Particularly suitable when | You want to preserve light and openness | You want to combine a lightweight design with a choice of colours | You want a clean and sturdy metal look | You want to minimise the visual bulk of the balustrade |
How do you measure up and plan the installation of a staircase balustrade?
Start by considering the staircase’s geometry before determining the dimensions of the balustrade. The number of steps, the depth and height of the steps, the staircase’s slope, the landing, and changes in direction affect how posts, glass, wires, and handrail can be positioned.
Next, the dimensions must be linked to the fixing itself. A staircase balustrade must not only fit the shape of the staircase but also be able to be anchored to a load-bearing surface without compromising the usable tread area or the function of the staircase.
From stair measurements to secure fixings
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Map the entire staircase
Count the steps and note where the balustrade should begin and end. Also mark landings, turns, and other points where the direction or slope of the balustrade changes.
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Measure the steps and the balustrade length
Measure the depth of the tread, the riser height, and the length along which the balustrade will run. For sloped staircases, the slope must also be determined according to the measurement instructions for the balustrade system to be used.
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Decide where to attach the balustrade
Side mounting can preserve more of the step's tread, while top mounting places the post base on top of the stair or landing. Which option is appropriate depends on the stair's design and where there is a load-bearing substrate.
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Check the dimensions before ordering
Always follow the measurement instructions for the selected balustrade system and double-check the measurements. Glass and other made-to-measure components often have limited potential for on-site adjustment after manufacturing.
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Anchor to the load-bearing structure
During installation, fixing must be adapted to the substrate and the balustrade system’s instructions. In wood, the anchorage must reach a load-bearing part, while fixing in concrete must be selected based on the substrate and the load that the balustrade must be able to support.
Can you install a staircase balustrade yourself?
Self-installation may be possible when the balustrade system has clear measuring and installation instructions, the construction of the stairs is known and it is clear where the balustrade can be anchored to a load-bearing part. You must still follow the system’s dimensions, component positions and fixing instructions carefully.
Seek assistance if you are unsure about the structure’s load-bearing capacity, which fixing is required, or how the balustrade should be designed in cases such as complex landings and changes in direction. This is particularly important when an incorrect fixing can affect the balustrade’s function as fall protection.
How should a staircase handrail be designed?
A handrail needs to be easy to grip and provide stable support throughout the entire staircase. It should normally run continuously along the flight of stairs so that you have support both going up and down.
The number of handrails required depends on the width of the staircase, its intended use, and the regulations that apply where the staircase is located. The positioning, grip, and finish must be evaluated in conjunction with the shape of the staircase.
One or both sides
The need for handrails on one or both sides depends on the width and use of the staircase. On wide staircases and where many people use the staircase, handrails on both sides provide support regardless of which hand is used.
Easy to grip
The shape and position should make the handrail easy to hold. The hand should be able to get a natural grip without the wall, fixings or other building parts getting in the way.
Run along the entire flight of stairs
The handrail should normally run continuously so that there is balance support all the way. Breaks at landings or corners must be planned so that the grip still works.
Even before and after
The beginning and end of the handrail need to be designed so that support is available when you step onto and off the stairs. This makes the beginning and end of the stairs easier to use while maintaining your balance.
How do you choose an indoor staircase balustrade?
Choose an indoor staircase balustrade based on the space around the stairs, how much light you want to keep and the materials already in the room. Glass can make the stairs feel more open and metal can give clearer contrast. The handrail can be timber when you want a warmer, more traditional look.
A timber handrail can tie in with treads, floors or other joinery, for example, while glass often suits places where daylight between floors matters. Whatever the material, the balustrade must work with the shape of the stairs, the handrail and the fixings without taking more of the usable width than necessary.
Open between storeys
When the staircase is a visible part of the living room or entryway, the balustrade influences the overall look of the room. Glass can preserve the view and let in natural light, while the handrail, profiles, and other materials can tie the staircase together with the rest of the interior design.
Narrow or older staircase
In a narrow stairwell, posts and fixings must be positioned so that they do not take up more walking space than necessary. The handrail’s grip and positioning become especially important when space is limited.
Loft and mezzanine
Here the fall protection often continues from the sloping stairs to a horizontal balustrade along the edge of the landing or floor. The transition must therefore be planned as a continuous solution where balustrade and fixings work together.
How do you choose an outdoor staircase balustrade?
An outdoor staircase balustrade must be able to withstand both use and the elements over time. Rain, snow, frost, sun, dirt, and – in certain environments – even salt affect the materials, surface treatment, and fixings. The entire balustrade system must therefore be adapted to how exposed the location is.
Aluminium and stainless steel are common choices when you want low maintenance, while a timber handrail can suit timber steps, decking or a more traditional house. Timber, however, needs the right choice of material, constructive protection and surface maintenance as needed to last well outdoors.
The construction of the stairs also matters. The fixings need to work in the load-bearing substrate, and details should be designed so that water and dirt do not collect unnecessarily. If the stairs connect to decking, it is wise to plan the staircase balustrade together with the decking balustrade, so that materials, colour and the transition between the balustrades form one continuous solution.
Entrance steps and deck stairs have different conditions
Prioritise durability and a secure grip
At an entrance, stairs are often used throughout the year and exposed to dirt, rain and winter conditions. The balustrade and handrail should therefore be easy to grip and designed with materials and fixings suited to the outdoor environment.
Powder-coated aluminium and stainless steel are common options. A more classic look can also be created with a wrought iron style design, but the finish and materials still need to suit the setting where the balustrade will be installed.
Plan the staircase together with a decking balustrade
When the stairs connect to raised decking, it makes sense to plan the staircase balustrade together with the balustrade around the deck. The same material, colour and infill can create a continuous solution from the edge of the deck down the stairs.
If the deck and stairs are timber-built, a timber handrail can suit the rest of the balustrade visually, but outdoors the finish and exposed end grain need looking after as required. The transition between the horizontal and sloping balustrade also needs planning so that posts, handrail and fixings work together.
How do you make an open staircase safe for young children?
In open stairs, both the gaps between the treads and the staircase balustrade must be designed so that young children cannot fall through, get stuck or easily climb the fall protection. Gaps between treads must comply with the building regulations where the stairs are located.
The balustrade’s infill and bottom edge are also often subject to specific requirements in areas where young children may be present. Therefore, inspect the entire staircase – from the gaps between the steps to the balustrade’s vertical and horizontal openings and the distance to the step nosing, stair landing, or floor.
Six areas to check where young children may be present
Between treads
The gaps between steps on a staircase must be small enough that young children do not risk falling through or getting stuck in the gap.
Prevent climbing
The lower part of the balustrade should normally be designed to prevent climbing in areas where young children may be present. Avoid horizontal sections that could serve as footholds.
Vertical openings in fall protection
Vertical openings in the balustrade must be narrow enough that younger children cannot get their heads stuck or fall through.
Between the balustrade and the stair tread
The clearance between the bottom edge of the staircase balustrade and the nosing of the treads must be small enough that children cannot crawl under the balustrade or get stuck there.
Bottom edge against the floor or stair landing
At a landing or floor too, the vertical clearance under the balustrade must be small enough that children cannot crawl under it or get stuck.
Risk of getting your head stuck
Horizontal openings above the front of the balustrade must be designed to avoid gaps where young children could get their head stuck.
What are the requirements for staircase balustrades in public and commercial settings?
In settings where many people use the stairs and do not know the building, safety and clarity are especially important. Fall protection, handrails and markings need to be planned around the use, the drop height and who is expected to use the stairs.
The requirements depend on the building, the type of business, and its location, so it is not possible to specify a balustrade height or a material that works for everyone. Check which regulations apply to your specific building.
Safety depends on the design of the entire staircase
Adapted to use and drop height
Where there is a particular risk of injury from a fall, the staircase requires fall protection. The height and design must be adapted to its use and drop height, and the balustrade must be able to withstand the load that may occur when many people are using the staircase.
Support throughout the entire staircase
Handrails are often especially important in environments with many users. They need to be easy to grip and provide balance support along the stairs. The number required and their placement are determined by the rules in effect at that location.
Clear stairs
Clear markings at the beginning and end of the staircase, as well as on irregular steps, make it easier to use the staircase safely. Whether and how markings are required is governed by the rules that apply at the location.
Which building regulations apply to staircase balustrades and handrails?
When planning a staircase, you need to take into account the building regulations that apply where the balustrade will be installed. Rather than a single standard size for all situations, the requirements are determined by the staircase’s use, drop height, and building type.
Safety is about the big picture. The balustrade needs to prevent falls, while the handrail provides stable, easy-to-grip support. In addition, there are often specific requirements to protect children from getting stuck or climbing on the structure.
Four common guidelines for safe stairs
The height of the balustrade is determined by the risk of falling
The height of the balustrade must be adjusted based on drop height and how the staircase is used. The greater the level difference and the risk of falling, the stricter the requirements are typically for fall protection.
Child safety
In areas where children are present, there are often specific requirements for the design of balustrades. These typically involve ensuring that the balustrade prevents climbing and that the openings between bars or stair treads are small enough that children cannot fall through or get stuck.
Support all the way
The handrail must provide continuous support along the staircase. How far it needs to extend at the beginning and end is determined by the regulations that apply where the staircase is located.
Handrails on one or both sides
Handrails on both sides provide extra safety, especially if the staircase is wide or heavily used. The requirements are set forth in the regulations that apply where the staircase is located.
What factors influence delivery time for a staircase balustrade?
The delivery time depends on the balustrade type you choose and how much needs to be made to measure for the stairs. Pitch, glass, material, fixings, handrail and other options can affect the time from order to delivery.
When multiple parts are included in the same order, the component that requires the longest manufacturing time or customisation may affect when the entire solution can be delivered. Therefore, please check delivery time for the complete solution, not just for a single component.
| Type of staircase balustrade | What factors affect manufacturing? | What affects delivery? |
|---|---|---|
| Glass balustrade on the stairs | The slope of the staircase, the dimensions and specifications of the glass, the number of glass sections, glass clamps, and, if applicable, handrail. | Custom dimensions, glass selection, number of parts, and current production planning. |
| Frameless glass balustrade | Glass specifications, staircase pitch, fixings, landings, corners, and any special dimensions. | Selection of glass, profiles, and hardware, as well as when all components included in the solution can be delivered. |
| Aluminium balustrade | Height, length, pitch, colour, posts, fixings and choice of infill, such as glass or wire. | Custom sizing, colour selection, number of components, and current production. |
| Stainless Steel Balustrades | Material quality, posts, the handrail, glass or other infill, as well as the staircase's design. | Product selection, customisations, availability, and when all components included in the solution can be delivered. |
| Handrail | Materials, length, wall brackets, angles, corners, and customisation based on the shape of the staircase. | If handrail is part of a larger order, it affects delivery time in the same way as the other components. Check delivery time for the entire solution. |
| Wire balustrade | Length, pitch, number of posts, wire layout, fixings, tensioning devices and any top rail. | Project dimensions, number of components, selected options, and current production. |
| Fittings and Accessories | Choice of fixings, materials, colour and compatibility with the chosen staircase balustrade. | Accessories included in the same order affect when the entire solution can be delivered. Check delivery time for the complete order. |
How do you maintain a staircase balustrade and handrail?
The amount of maintenance a staircase balustrade requires depends primarily on the material and how exposed the staircase is to the elements. An indoor balustrade typically requires less maintenance than an outdoor balustrade that is exposed to rain, salt, dirt, and extreme temperature fluctuations.
Clean the surfaces using methods appropriate for each material and at the same time, check that the hardware and fixings are properly secured. For a made-to-measure balustrade, you should always follow the care instructions for the components included in your specific order.
Four components need different types of care
Clean the glass and check the clamps
Clean the glass surfaces with a window or mirror cleaner and a soft cloth. Avoid cleaning products with abrasive properties that can scratch the glass.
If the balustrade has clamps, they should be checked and retightened if necessary, especially after large temperature changes.
Wash with a mild detergent
Aluminium parts should be cleaned with lukewarm water, a mild detergent, and a soft cloth. Avoid products and tools with an abrasive effect, as they can scratch the surface.
On painted aluminium parts, you should also avoid solvents, paint thinner, acetone, acids, and alkaline cleaning agents, which can damage the finish.
Remove salt and dirt as needed
Stainless steel parts should be cleaned as needed with lukewarm water, a mild detergent, and a soft cloth. In coastal or other exposed environments, more frequent cleaning may be necessary.
Do not use steel wool, metal brushes, or other abrasive products. They can scratch the surface and reduce the material's corrosion resistance.
Tailor the treatment to the location
Timber handrails and top rails are cleaned with lukewarm water, a mild detergent and a soft cloth. If the grain has raised, the surface can be lightly sanded with fine sandpaper along the grain.
Outdoors, the timber should be treated with wood oil or another suitable protective treatment. How often this needs repeating depends on the weather, position and wear.
Which staircase balustrade is the best fit for your staircase?
Consider the staircase's dimensions, location, fall risk and fixing method when comparing your options. Customer service can help you review the requirements and verify your choices before placing an order.
What do you need to know about staircase balustrades and handrails?
Here you will find short answers to common questions about balustrade height, handrails, child safety, materials, installation, permissions and what affects the price of a staircase balustrade.
What is the required balustrade height on a staircase?
There is no single balustrade height that fits all staircases. The height must be adjusted based on how the staircase is used and the drop height, and the requirements must comply with the building regulations in effect where the staircase is located.
When do stairs need a handrail?
The need for a handrail depends on the width of the stairs, their use and the rules where the stairs are located. The handrail must be easy to grip and give balance support, and on many stairs, handrails on both sides give extra safety.
What requirements apply to openings in staircase balustrades?
In areas where young children are present, special requirements apply to the design. Vertical openings in fall protection, openings between steps, and the space beneath the balustrade must be small enough that children do not risk getting stuck or falling through. Exact dimensions must comply with the building regulations in effect where the staircase is located.
Can you have a wire balustrade on stairs where young children may be present?
Wire balustrades are not generally prohibited, but in areas where young children may be present, fall protection must be designed to prevent climbing. Horizontal wires must therefore be evaluated separately, as they can make the balustrade easier to climb.
How do you design a handrail that's easy to grasp?
Your hand needs to be able to wrap completely around the handrail without a wall or fixings getting in the way. A rounded profile with clear space around the handrail makes for a natural grip. Follow the dimensions specified for the location of the staircase.
Which type of staircase balustrade is best suited for indoor use?
It depends on the staircase and the look you want to create. Glass is a good choice when you want to preserve light and visibility, while aluminium and stainless steel provide a more distinct metallic look. A handrail made of wood is a good choice when you want to tie in with the stair treads, flooring, or other woodwork.
Which type of staircase balustrade is best suited for outdoor use?
Outdoors, the materials, finish and fixings need to be chosen to suit how exposed the site is. Powder-coated aluminium, stainless steel and glass can all work, and the handrail can be timber. Weather, salt, maintenance needs and the construction of the stairs must be taken into account when choosing a solution.
Do I need planning permission to replace a staircase balustrade?
It depends on the building, its location and how replacing the balustrade affects the façade or the structure of the building. Check with your local planning authority or building control if you are unsure.
How do you securely mount a staircase balustrade?
The fixings must reach a load-bearing part of the stairs or building structure. The fixing system must be chosen for the substrate and the loads the balustrade may be subjected to, so the solution can differ between timber, concrete and other load-bearing materials, for example.
How much does a staircase balustrade cost?
The price depends on more than just the length of the balustrade. The staircase’s slope, material, infill, number of posts or profiles, handrail, fixing, landings, corners, and made-to-measure parts all contribute to the cost. Two staircase balustrades of the same length may therefore have different prices depending on the staircase’s shape and the choices made.
