Yes, stainless steel can develop rust-coloured spots and discolouration despite its name. Often, these are caused by airborne iron particles settling on the surface and corroding. Small brown marks do not necessarily mean that the stainless steel itself is corroding.
Salt deposits, accumulated dirt and cleaning with steel wool can also cause discolouration. Stainless steel has a protective surface layer that can reform when the surface is kept clean, so clean as needed and remove marks promptly. In coastal areas, AISI 316 or 316L stainless steel is often used. Stainless steel resists corrosion but is not completely immune to it.
Horizontal wires and slats may be suitable for some balcony balustrades, but their design needs particular care where children may be present. Horizontal elements can create footholds and make climbing easier. The overall construction and applicable local safety requirements determine whether a design is suitable.
Horizontal slats should also be assessed for possible footholds, and gaps must be appropriate for the safety requirements of the location. Planters and furniture next to a balustrade can also make it easier to climb. Glass or vertical bars are often more appropriate where children are present. On a ground-level patio, horizontal lines may be a practical design choice.
A wire balustrade consists of tensioned wires between posts, creating an open design that takes up little visual space. The wires are made from corrosion-resistant AISI 316 stainless steel and held taut using fixings and adjustable tensioners. The tension can be adjusted during installation and later if needed.
Wire balustrades suit decking, jetties and stairs where you want an open appearance. On staircases, the wires and fixings are adapted to the slope. Maintenance is straightforward: wipe the wires as needed and periodically check the wires, fixings and tensioners. Remember that horizontal wires may be easy for young children to climb.
Clean a stainless steel balustrade with lukewarm water, a mild detergent and a soft cloth or sponge, then rinse with clean water. Avoid steel wool, metal brushes and abrasive cleaners, which can scratch the surface or leave iron particles that cause discolouration. Cleaning frequency depends on the environment.
In sheltered locations, cleaning when the balustrade looks dirty is often sufficient, while installations near the sea or busy roads may need more frequent washing. Clean brushed steel in the direction of the grain and wipe down visible surfaces afterwards. Small brown spots are often caused by airborne iron particles from the surrounding environment rather than corrosion of the balustrade itself.
In a wire balustrade, horizontal steel cables are tensioned between posts instead of glass panels or slats. The result is a barrier that is barely noticeable from a distance but feels sturdy to the touch, suiting modern architecture where preserving the view matters most.
We make each wire balustrade to your measurements, positioning posts and cable fixings to balance stability and appearance.
Tenso features posts made from corrosion-resistant stainless steel, giving it a timeless, nautical appearance. This makes it a suitable option to consider for jetties, waterside properties and pool areas, subject to the local conditions and care requirements.
Linea combines the open look of wire with powder-coated aluminium posts in a choice of available RAL colours, allowing the balustrade to complement the home. Suitable for both decking and balconies.
Linea Step is designed to follow the angle of a staircase, creating a made-to-measure appearance indoors or outdoors.
The configurator calculates the number of wires according to the balustrade height. However, horizontal wires may be easy to climb. Where young children may be present and there is a significant drop – on balconies, lofts or raised decks – many customers choose a glass balustrade or a design with vertical bars instead. At ground level, in gardens or by a jetty, a wire balustrade may be suitable, depending on the installation.
For outdoor installations, particularly around coastal properties and pools, we use corrosion-resistant stainless steel wire components. This grade offers better resistance to many outdoor conditions than standard stainless steel, but still requires suitable maintenance.
Our manufacturing process is certified to EN 1090-1. Production is regularly monitored by RISE, with a focus on traceability, quality and manufacturing procedures.
Price depends on the total length, number of wires and post material. Aluminium posts (Linea) generally cost less than corrosion-resistant stainless steel posts (Tenso), while the number of wires depends on balustrade height.
Each wire balustrade is supplied as a complete kit with made-to-measure components and installation instructions for your order. Tensioned wires place a continuous pull on the end posts, so fixings must be suited to the supporting structure and expected loads – not attached to decking boards alone.
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