Glass, aluminium, stainless steel or wire? Compare our balustrade systems side by side and choose a material to suit the location, style and budget. Every balustrade is made to measure at our factory in Ängelholm, and the configurator shows the price as you design your system.
The best balustrade for your project depends on where it will be installed, how much maintenance you want to carry out and the style of your home. Materials differ in appearance, upkeep and suitability for different settings. Choosing a system to suit the location and intended use can help it perform well over time.
Aluminium is low-maintenance and available in a range of styles. Stainless steel offers a distinctive metallic finish, although the grade of steel should be chosen to suit the environment. Glass preserves light and views, wrought-iron-style designs create a classic look, and wire offers a minimalist feel. Wood brings warmth but needs more maintenance. No single material is best for every setting – choose according to location and intended use.
Available colours and finishes depend on the balustrade material and model. Aluminium can be powder-coated in a range of RAL colours, while stainless steel is often chosen with a brushed or polished finish. Glass options may include clear, opaque or tinted glass. You can coordinate the finish with other details on your home.
On some systems, posts, top rails and glass clamps are available in matching or contrasting finishes. This allows the balustrade to complement the façade, windows and doors – for example, black posts with a timber top rail. With Color, you can select a colour to suit your project. The available colours and combinations vary by model.
A+, A, B and C are Räckesbutiken's own use classes, indicating the intended applications and loads for a particular balustrade configuration. They are not official safety classifications but a guide to help you choose. The relevant class is shown in the configurator as you design.
A+ corresponds to a documented line load of at least 1.0 kN/m, while A and B correspond to at least 0.5 kN/m. Class C indicates limited use or a special configuration. The use class may change when you adjust balustrade height, section width or other options. It must always be considered alongside the requirements of the installation site and does not replace an assessment of loads and fall risk.
A stair balustrade is the complete structure designed to protect against falls from the open side of a staircase. A handrail is the part intended to provide a handhold, while a top rail is the upper finishing element of a balustrade. Depending on the design, a top rail may also serve as a handrail.
A handrail can be fitted to the balustrade or mounted separately on a wall. Different terms are sometimes used for this gripping element. On certain balustrades, the top rail can also serve as a handhold. A stair balustrade on the open side of a staircase can be combined with a wall-mounted handrail on the other side, while some frameless glass balustrades can be designed without a top rail.
Not every balustrade requires a top rail or a separate handrail. This depends on its design, intended use and applicable requirements. It is important to distinguish between a balustrade, which provides protection against falls, and a handrail, which provides something to grip.
Frameless glass balustrades may be designed without a top rail where the system and applicable requirements allow. On stairs, a suitable handrail is often needed for support. On decking and balconies, a top rail may form part of the balustrade design.
The choice of material affects the balustrade’s appearance, cost and maintenance requirements over time.
A balustrade that works well in a sheltered courtyard may not be the right choice by the sea. Salt and chlorine affect materials near the coast, jetties and pools, where marine-grade stainless steel or powder-coated aluminium may be appropriate. On a wind-exposed deck or roof terrace, glass can help reduce wind exposure. Balcony balustrades must account for the potential fall height, while stair balustrades need to provide protection and follow the slope. Indoors – around lofts, stairwells and landings – appearance and light are often more important considerations.
Vista is a frameless glass balustrade with an aluminium base profile; Arcus is a glass balustrade with aluminium posts; and Prime is a glass balustrade with marine-grade stainless steel posts. Forma combines aluminium and glass in a timeless design, while Flex features height-adjustable glass panels. Tenso and Linea are wire balustrades in stainless steel and aluminium respectively. Linea Step follows the angle of a staircase, and Flow has horizontal stainless steel bars. Retro offers a wrought-iron-inspired design in aluminium, while Color allows you to choose a colour. Lumo is available for Juliet balconies, Core for existing supporting frames, and Lira for handrails.
Our glass balustrades (except Simple, which is a glass divider) use laminated safety glass with a plastic interlayer that helps hold fragments together if the glass breaks. The manufacturing process is certified to EN 1090-1. Production is regularly monitored by RISE with a focus on traceability, quality and the manufacturing process.
The price per metre depends on the material, system and number of corners. Aluminium systems are generally at the lower end of the price range, glass systems at the higher end, with stainless steel often in between. Our balustrades are supplied as complete kits with made-to-measure profiles, fixings and installation instructions. The configurator updates the price as you design your project.
Your shopping cart will be emptied if you switch to a different country.
