The required strength of a balustrade depends on where it will be used and the loads it may be subjected to. The complete system – posts, infill, fixings and supporting structure – must be able to withstand those loads. Strength cannot be determined from a single material alone, and there is no one weight limit that applies to every balustrade.
Requirements vary depending on the type of building and local regulations. They are generally more demanding in places where large numbers of people gather, such as shops and assembly venues, than in private homes.
Post spacing, balustrade height and fixings affect the loads a balustrade can withstand. The use class shown in the configurator indicates the loads documented for the selected configuration, and Declarations of Performance are available on the product pages.
