Balcony balustrades for houses, flats and Juliet balconies

The best balcony balustrade depends on the view, wind exposure, privacy, maintenance and the look you want. No single system suits every balcony. Clear glass preserves light and views, while opal or tinted glass may offer more privacy.

Aluminium is relatively easy to maintain and can be combined with glass or bars, while stainless steel offers a distinctive metallic finish. Vertical bars define the edge without blocking daylight. A tall or solid balustrade may catch more wind, affecting the posts and fixings.

The height of a balcony balustrade depends on local building codes, how the balcony is used, and the size of drop height. The higher up the balcony is, the more important the railing’s height, construction, and stability become. Check the regulations that apply where the balcony is located before deciding on the height.

Height is only one aspect of safety. Where small children are present, the railing must be difficult to climb, and openings in the infill and beneath the railing must not be large enough for children to squeeze through. The railing must also be able to withstand someone leaning against it and must be anchored to the balcony’s load-bearing structure. According to top rail, the finished height must correspond to the railing’s design specifications.

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.

The installation method depends on the balcony structure and whether the balustrade is fixed on top of the slab or to its side. The fixings and supporting structure must be assessed for the intended loads and installation conditions.

In the case of top mounting, the posts or profile is attached to the top of the balcony slab, and in the case of side mounting, it is attached to the front of the balcony, which leaves more floor space free. On a concrete slab, the railing is anchored in the concrete, and holes are drilled through the tiles to the structure below. If the balcony has a waterproofing membrane, the penetrations must be planned so that moisture does not penetrate, in which case side mounting may be more suitable.

It depends on whether the replacement alters the building’s exterior and on the applicable local regulations. A balustrade with a different design, made of a different material, or with a noticeably altered appearance may be considered a facade alteration, while replacing it with one of the same design is often considered maintenance.

The type of building, whether the facade faces the street, and whether the building has cultural significance may have an impact. Check with local authorities before placing an order. If you live in an apartment building or a homeowners’ association, you’ll also need to contact the association or the property owner, who often has specific requirements regarding the model, colour, and design. Multiple balconies can have the same railing to create a uniform facade.