A good balustrade for the entrance steps should provide a secure and natural grip, be the right height for the staircase’s design, and be in proportion to the door, the façade, and the house.
The entrance staircase is used every day, so the balustrade serves as both a practical support and a prominent part of the first impression of the house. The number of steps, the width of the staircase, the surface, and how the hand rests on the handrail all influence which design works best.
In this article, we’ll cover height and measurements, grip and handrail, proportions and materials, as well as the practical details that become especially important when the entrance is used in the dark, in the rain, and in cold weather.
Which balustrade or handrail is right for your entrance steps?
Start by determining whether the staircase primarily needs a handrail to hold onto, a balustrade to prevent falls, or both. The number of steps, the width of the staircase, the risk of falling off the side, and the supporting substrate will then determine which solution is best suited.
On a short staircase with just a few steps, a handrail can provide the balance support needed, while a taller or wider staircase may require support from more than one side, depending on its use and design. If there is a risk of falling from the side, the balustrade’s protective function must also be assessed.
| Stairs | What you need to evaluate | A starting point |
|---|---|---|
| Just a few steps | Balance support without visually cluttering the entrance | Handrail as a balance aid; assess its placement and whether additional support is needed |
| More steps | Support all the way up and down | Continuous, easy-to-grip handrails along the stairs; assess the need for handrails on one or both sides |
| Wide entrance steps | It's a long way to the nearest support if there is a handhold on only one side | Determine whether support is needed on both sides to make the grip easy to reach |
| Drop at the side | A handrail is not in itself full fall protection | A balustrade to protect against falls, with an easy-to-grip handrail added if needed |
| Stone or concrete | Fixing on a hard and sometimes delicate substrate | A balustrade or handrail with fixings suited to the substrate |
| An older house or a house with character | A balustrade that is too modern or too bold can overwhelm the entrance | A design and proportions that complement the door, staircase, and façade |
Why is grip important on entrance steps?
Grip matters because you actively hold onto the handrail when you go up and down the stairs. A profile that’s easy to grip therefore provides better support than a shape that your hand mostly rests on.
A round or gently rounded profile often fits naturally in the hand and is easier to grip than an angular profile, especially when the hand is cold or wet.
The material also affects how it feels. Timber often feels warmer to the touch during the winter months, while metal can feel colder when the temperature drops.
How high should the balustrade on the entrance staircase be – and where do you measure it?
There is no general balustrade height that fits all entrance steps. The height must be determined based on the staircase’s use, drop height and how the balustrade is intended to prevent falls. When taking measurements, you should base them on the staircase itself, not the ground level next to it.
Follow the steps of the staircase
Take the measurements from the stair treads according to the measurement instructions for the balustrade you choose. The ground alongside it may be sloping or lower and is therefore not a reliable reference point for the balustrade’s placement.
Start by assessing the risk of falling
The balustrade must be of a height that minimises the risk of injury, taking into account how the area is used and the size of the drop height. Therefore, the appropriate height may vary between different entrance steps.
Assess the landing separately
If the staircase has a landing, that area must also be assessed based on the difference in level and the risk of falling. Measurements are taken from the finished floor surface of the landing where the balustrade will be installed.
How should the balustrade be proportioned in relation to the door and the façade?
Let the visual weight of the balustrade match the scale of the entrance. A small and simple staircase is often best suited to a discreet balustrade or a handrail, while a wider or taller entrance can accommodate a more prominent balustrade.
The balustrade is located near the front door and therefore contributes to the first impression of the façade. If the profiles are too thick, the balustrade may compete with the door, while a design that is too thin may seem underwhelming next to a heavy stone or concrete staircase.
Also look at colours and details already on the house. Balustrades that pick up the tone of the door, windows, fittings or other façade details often feel more naturally integrated.
- Short and slim entrance steps
- A simple, visually unobtrusive balustrade provides support without overwhelming the entrance. Here, the proportions often look better when the number of posts and bulky details is kept to a minimum.
- Modern and clean-lined façade
- Clean lines, minimal details, and a clear choice of materials often work well when doors, windows, and stairs already have a modern and minimalist look.
- An older or more elaborate house
- A balustrade with more character may be a better fit when the façade features mullions, moulded trim, brick, or other traditional details. The design should complement the house without competing with it.
How does the balustrade perform when the entrance is dark and slippery?
Test the entrance steps in the conditions where support is needed most. When it is dark, wet or slippery, you soon notice whether the handrail is easy to find, whether the grip is there all the way and whether the steps are clearly visible.
Are steps and changes in level visible?
Make sure you can clearly see the steps and where the stairs begin and end once daylight has faded.
Is the support on the right side?
Walk with one hand occupied by a shopping bag or handbag. You'll notice which side you naturally lean on for support.
Is there support every step of the way?
Your hand should be able to maintain support throughout the entire staircase. The handrail should not end where you still need help to get up onto or down from the landing.
Is the grip easy to find?
Try it with gloves on or with cold hands, too. The handrail should be easy to reach and grip without having to search for it when visibility is poor.
What do you need to check before ordering a balustrade for your entrance staircase?
Have the measurements, the function and the substrate sorted before you order. That makes it easier to choose the right balustrade, handrail and fixing without having to solve important details at installation.
Check these four points
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Have the staircase measurements ready
Measure the length of the staircase, the number of steps, any slope, and the landing, as well as where the balustrade should begin and end. Always follow the measurement instructions for the solution you choose.
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Determine which function is needed
Determine whether the entrance primarily needs a handrail for balance support, a balustrade to prevent falls, or a solution that combines both functions.
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Check the substrate and fixing
Find out if the staircase is made of timber, concrete, stone, or another material, and where a secure fixing can be installed. The fixing method must suit the actual supporting material.
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Check grip, material and style
Choose the profile and material based on how you want the handrail to feel in your hand and how the balustrade should meet the door, the stairs, and the façade. This ensures that both the function and the proportions are well thought out.
Only order once you know the dimensions of the steps, what the balustrade needs to do, what substrate it will be fixed to and what grip and style suit the entrance.
Which balustrade is the best fit for your entrance steps?
Start by considering the staircase’s dimensions, your need for support, and how the balustrade should relate to the door and the façade. Customer service helps you compare the options and check the measurements before you order.
What do you need to know about balustrades for entrance steps?
Here are brief answers to frequently asked questions about balustrade height, handrails, grip and fixings when you're planning a balustrade for your entrance staircase.
How high should the balustrade on the entrance staircase be?
The required height may vary between different markets and depends on the staircase’s use and the drop height. The balustrade must be designed to provide adequate protection against falls for the specific location. Therefore, always check the requirements that apply where the balustrade is to be installed.
Is a handrail needed on both sides of the entrance steps?
Whether a handrail is needed on one or both sides depends on the staircase’s use, width, number of steps, and the requirements that apply at the location. On a short staircase, a handrail can sometimes provide sufficient balance support, while other staircases may require support on both sides.
What is the difference between a balustrade and a handrail on the entrance staircase?
The balustrade protects against falls, while the handrail provides a graspable support for balance as you use the stairs. On some entrance steps, the same structure can perform both functions, while others require a balustrade with a separate handrail.
Which handrail profile is easiest to grip?
The handrail should be easy to grip. A round or gently rounded profile often fits naturally in the hand and is easier to hold than a wide or angular profile.
Where should the handrail start and end?
A handrail should provide continuous and easily accessible support along the section of the staircase where it is needed. Position the start and end so that the handrail is not out of reach just as you step onto or off the stairs, and check the requirements that apply to the specific location.
Which fixing method is suitable for a stone or concrete staircase?
Fixing must be adapted to the actual surface and the load the balustrade will have to bear. Therefore, check the type of stone or concrete the stairs are made of and the conditions at the fixing points before selecting posts, fittings, and mounting hardware.
