The right railing for a patio, balcony, or staircase is chosen based on the risk of falling, function, environment, and how the railing can be anchored. Glass balustrades, aluminium balustrade, stainless steel railings, wrought iron railing, wooden railings, and wire balustrade have different strengths depending on the location and the railing’s intended purpose.
On a raised patio or balcony, fall protection and safe design are key. A decking balustrade or balcony balustrade also affects the view, airflow, privacy, and overall impression. In a staircase, staircase balustrade must also work in conjunction with handrail, fixing, and the load-bearing structure.
In Balustrade guide, we compare materials and railing types for indoor and outdoor environments and go over what you need to consider regarding regulations, installation, maintenance, and ordering. The goal is for you to be able to choose a railing based on safety, intended use, and the look of the space.
What determines which balustrade is the right choice?
The choice of the right railing depends primarily on five factors: fall risk, function, environment, fixing, and how the railing should fit into the space. So don’t start with the material or the appearance—start with what the railing needs to be able to handle.
On a deck, balcony, or near a staircase, the same type of railing may face completely different conditions. Drop height, how the space is used, whether young children are present, weather exposure, and the type of supporting surface all influence which design is appropriate. Once you’ve assessed these conditions, it becomes easier to compare railingoptions based on material and design.
Assess the entire area before choosing a railing
How high is the drop?
Height of fall, how the space is used and who is present there affect the need for fall protection and how the railing should be designed.
What is the purpose of the balustrade?
The railing can serve as fall protection, windbreak, privacy screen, or a boundary, and sometimes fulfill several functions at the same time.
How vulnerable is the site?
Moisture, salt, wind, dirt, and temperature fluctuations affect which materials, finishes, and hardware are suitable.
What should the railing be attached to?
The railing must be anchored to a load-bearing structure. The substrate determines which fixings and installation solutions can be used.
How should the railing fit in?
The material, colour, filling, and shape need to work in harmony with the house, the staircase, the patio, or the surroundings where the railing will be installed.
What types of balustrades can you choose from?
The most common options are glass balustrade, aluminium balustrade, stainless steel railing, wooden railing, wrought iron railing, and wire balustrade. The type of railing that works best depends on the function the railing is intended to serve, how exposed the environment is, and the look you want to create.
For patios, balconies, and stairs, you therefore need to consider more than just appearance. The view, wind, privacy, maintenance, fixing and any risk of climbing all affect which material and which infill is suitable for the specific location.
| Railing Type | Particularly suitable when | Strength | Things to Keep in Mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glass balustrade | You want to preserve the view and natural light or create a solid barrier on, for example, a deck or balcony. | The glass provides an unobstructed view and can also reduce wind and overlooking, depending on the type of glass you choose. | Glass, hardware, profiles, or posts and fixings must work together as a complete balustrade system. |
| Aluminium railing | You want a lightweight design, low-maintenance features, and the ability to customize the railing's colour and style. | Aluminium has good corrosion resistance and can be combined with several different types of fillers. | Surface treatments, fittings, and other components must be suited to the level of exposure. |
| Stainless steel balustrades | You want a sturdy railing with a clean, metallic look, whether indoors or outdoors. | stainless steel can be used in many environments when the steel grade is selected based on the exposure. | Stainless steel is not maintenance-free, and the steel grade must be selected with consideration for factors such as salt and other chlorides. |
| Timber railing | You want a warm, classic, or traditional look for your deck, veranda or staircase, for example. | Wood is easy to customise in terms of shape, dimensions, and finish. | Outdoor wood requires regular inspection and surface treatment to withstand the elements and moisture. |
| Wrought iron railing | The railing should be suitable for a classic, decorative, or more traditional house. | Smide kan bli en tydlig del av byggnadens arkitektur och kan utformas både enkelt och dekorativt. | Surface protection and any damage must be inspected over time to prevent corrosion. |
| Wire balustrade | You want to preserve the view and create an airy, discreet boundary. | Wire has a minimal visual impact and is suitable for places where visibility and an open feel are important. | Horizontal wires must be evaluated specifically in areas where young children may be present, since the railing is intended to prevent climbing. |
When is a glass balustrade a good choice?
Glass balustrades are particularly well-suited when you want to preserve the view and light while still providing a solid boundary. A glass balustrade for a patio or balcony can also reduce wind without making the space feel as enclosed as it would with a solid wall or other opaque barrier.
How open the railing appears depends both on the glass and on whether the design uses posts or profiles. When comparing glass balustrades , you therefore need to consider the view, visibility, wind, fixing, and how the railing will function in that specific location.
Which type of glass is right for your needs?
Colour and transparency primarily affect the view, the amount of light that enters, and how much visibility the glass balustrade provides.
For an unobstructed view
Provides a transparent barrier and is ideal when the view should be affected as little as possible.
For a more colour-neutral look
Has less of the glass's natural green tint and is suitable when colours and views need to be reproduced as neutrally as possible.
For more privacy
Allows light to pass through but limits direct visibility and is suitable for situations where a glass balustrade is also intended to provide more screening.
For a darker look
Reduces transparency and gives the railing a darker visual appearance without making the infill completely opaque.
When is an aluminium balustrade a good choice?
Aluminium railings are ideal when you want a lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and low-maintenance railing that can be used both indoors and outdoors. On patios and balconies, aluminium is particularly practical when the railing needs to withstand the elements, be easy to handle during installation, and at the same time complement the home’s style.
Aluminium is often used for posts, profiles, and top rail and can be combined with, for example, glass, wire or vertical infill. A aluminium balustrade can also be powder-coated in various colours, making it easier to match the railing to the façade, windows, and other details.
Low weight simplifies installation
Aluminium weighs less than steel, which makes posts, profiles, and other parts easier to carry, fit, and handle when installing the railing.
Powder coating offers a variety of finishes
Powder coating makes it possible to choose a colour to match the façade, windows, or other architectural details, for example, while also providing the aluminium surface with a protective coating.
Requires little maintenance in many settings
Aluminium has good corrosion resistance and usually requires only simple cleaning. In more exposed locations, surface treatments, fittings, and other components must also be adapted to the environment.
When is the stainless steel railing a good fit?
stainless steel This railing is ideal when you want a sturdy railing with a distinct metallic look. It can be used both indoors and outdoors—for example, on a patio, balcony, or staircase—and can be combined with glass, wire, or vertical panels, depending on how open you want the railing to be.
For an outdoor stainless steel balustrade, the environment is particularly important. Salt, moisture, and other chlorides increase the risk of corrosion, which means that the steel grade, surface finish, hardware, and cleaning routine need to be adapted to the level of exposure at the location. An indoor railing typically faces much milder conditions.
What is the difference between AISI 304 and AISI 316?
AISI 304 and AISI 316 are stainless steel grades with varying levels of corrosion resistance. The more salt and chlorides the railing is exposed to, the more important the choice of steel grade becomes.
AISI 304
Best suited for dry indoor environments and other environments with low exposure to salt and chlorides. In such environments, the corrosion load is normally significantly lower than in exposed outdoor locations.
AISI 316
It has better resistance to chloride exposure than AISI 304 and is therefore more suitable for many exposed outdoor environments, such as those where the railing is regularly exposed to salt.
stainless steel does not mean maintenance-free. Salt, dirt, and foreign iron particles need to be rinsed or washed off, and a stainless steel outdoor railing typically needs to be cleaned and inspected more often in coastal or other exposed environments than in a sheltered location.
Which balustrade material best suits your needs?
Glass is often the best choice when the view, light, or windbreak are important. Aluminium is a good choice when you prioritize light weight and low-maintenance care, stainless steel when you want a robust, metallic look, and wood when you want a warmer, more traditional feel.
Wrought iron and wire serve different purposes: wrought iron is well-suited to classic architecture, while wire creates an airy look with minimal visual impact. Therefore, compare materials based on function, environment, maintenance, and how the railing will be used – not just on appearance.
| If you prioritize | First, take a look at | Why | Check before choosing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unobstructed views and plenty of light | Glass balustrade or wire balustrade | Glass provides a transparent and solid boundary, while wire creates an even more airy look with minimal visual impact. | Consider whether the railing should also reduce wind or provide privacy, and whether its design needs to take special account of younger children. |
| Minor routine maintenance | Aluminium railing | Aluminium has good corrosion resistance, is lightweight, and is generally relatively easy to clean. | Verify that the surface treatment, fittings, and other components are suitable for the level of exposure. |
| A robust, metallic look | Stainless steel balustrades | stainless steel provides a distinct metallic look and can be combined with, for example, glass, wire, or vertical panels. | Choose the steel grade based on the environment, especially where salt, moisture, or other chlorides may affect the railing. |
| A warm and traditional look | Timber railing | Wood is a natural fit for, for example, wooden houses, patios, porches, and timber decking, and can be highly customised in both shape and size. | Expect to need regular inspections and surface treatment when wood is used outdoors. |
| Classic or decorative style | Wrought iron railing | Wrought iron is particularly well-suited when the railing is intended to be a distinctive part of the house's architecture and overall look. | Check the surface treatment periodically and repair any damage before corrosion has a chance to develop. |
| Wind protection or greater screening | Glass balustrade | The solid glass surface can reduce wind, and the choice of glass also affects how much of a view and how much privacy the railing provides. | Decide how much of the view you want to preserve and make sure that the glass, fittings, profiles, or posts and fixings work well together. |
| Exposed outdoor environment | Aluminium or the right grade of stainless steel | Both materials can perform well outdoors when the material, surface treatment, and components are selected based on the exposure. | Take into account moisture, salt, wind, and how often the railing can be cleaned and inspected. |
How do you choose a top rail and a handrail?
Choose top rail based on how the handrail should end and feel, but choose handrail based on how the hand should grip it and find balance. The parts may look similar, but they have different primary functions and therefore do not need to have the same shape or positioning.
On a balcony or balcony balustrade, top rail is often used as the top rail. On a staircase or ramp, a handrail instead provide support while moving and be positioned and designed so that it is easy to grip.
When appearance and finishing details matter most
Top rail is positioned at the top of the railing and ties the whole design together visually. Wood creates a warmer feel, while aluminium or stainless steel creates a more cohesive metallic look.
For outdoor use, materials and finishes must be chosen based on the weather, humidity, and how exposed the location is. A top rail that is frequently touched should also have a shape and surface that feels comfortable to the touch.
When Grip and Balance Support Are Most Important
A handrail should provide a secure and comfortable grip when you walk up stairs or a ramp. Its shape must therefore be easy to grasp, and its positioning should provide support throughout the journey.
Handrail should normally run continuously along the stairs or ramp and be designed to provide support before the movement begins and when it ends. The material may be, for example, wood, aluminium, or stainless steel.
Top rail is the top end of the handrail, while handrail is the part that provides a grip and balance support. In some handrails, the same part can serve as both top rail and handrail if its positioning, shape, and function meet both needs.
How do you install and secure a balustrade?
To install a railing, first identify the load-bearing structure, then select fixing based on the substrate and the load the railing must withstand, and finally check the entire balustrade system after installation. The fixing must therefore be planned based on the structure—not just on posts, screws, or the railing’s appearance.
On a deck, for example, the load-bearing surface may be wooden joists, concrete, or a perimeter beam, while a staircase balustrade may need to be anchored to a stringer, joist, or another load-bearing component. Therefore, the same railing may require different fixings depending on where and how it is installed.
Start with the structure, not the screw
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Check what the balustrade will be fixed to
Start by identifying the load-bearing structure. Decking, flooring, and other surface layers do not, in and of themselves, indicate how the railing can be anchored. You need to know what is behind or beneath the surface layer and where the fixings can transfer the load.
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Choose fixings to suit the substrate
Screws, bolts, anchors, and any reinforcements must be selected based on the material of the load-bearing structure and the loads the fixings are designed to support. Wood, concrete, and steel therefore require different installation solutions.
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Check the entire balustrade after installation
Once posts and the other components are installed, the railing must be inspected as a whole. Posts, fittings, infill, top rail, and fixings must collectively provide the stability and functionality required by the design.
Posts can be mounted on top of or on the side of a load-bearing structure. Which option is best depends, among other things, on the substrate, edge clearance, available space, and how the fixings can be anchored. Side mounting can free up floor space, but it is the load-bearing structure that determines which solution is possible.
How do you choose indoor balustrades?
Choose an indoor balustrade based on where it will be installed and the function it needs to serve. On a staircase, grip, support, and fixing are key, while a balustrade near a loft, mezzanine, or an open floor edge primarily needs to provide fall protection without making the room feel unnecessarily closed off.
Indoors, the impact of the weather is minimal, so the choice of materials can be guided to a greater extent by light, sightlines, and how the balustrade complements the stairs, flooring, and other interior design elements. Glass is often a good choice when you want to preserve natural light and a sense of space, while wood or metal can create a more distinctive look.
Prioritise grip, support, and fit
An indoor staircase balustrade must follow the shape of the staircase and at the same time be comfortable to use in everyday life. The handrail’s positioning and grip are important, as are how posts and fixings connect to the staircase and floor joists. See examples of handrails and handrails for stairs.
Preserve Light and Space
A railing for a loft or mezzanine is often located right in the centre of the room. A glass balustrade can preserve natural light and visibility between floors, while vertical wooden or metal components provide a clearer visual boundary. Where the railing serves as a fall protection barrier ( fall protection ), its design must always be adapted to and how the space is used.
Highlight the difference in level without closing off the room
At an open edge or level change, an indoor railing can create a clear boundary without replacing the open feeling with a solid wall. Here, fall protection, sightlines, and the room’s architecture need to work together, especially when the railing is visible from multiple angles and becomes a distinct part of the interior.
How do you choose an outdoor balustrade?
Choose an outdoor balustrade based on how exposed the location is, what function the railing will serve, and how it can be anchored. Rain, moisture, wind, salt, dirt, and temperature fluctuations affect the materials, surface treatment, hardware, and the amount of maintenance the railing requires.
On a patio, balcony, or terrace, you also need to decide whether the railing should primarily provide fall protection, preserve the view, reduce wind, or create more privacy screen. For a patio, the level difference, exposure, and how open the space is all influence which railing is best suited.
The outdoor environment affects the entire balustrade system
Consider the location's exposure, materials, fixing, and function together before deciding how the railing should be designed.
Weather and Humidity
A balustrade in an exposed, unsheltered location is more exposed to rain, wind, and dirt than a railing under a roof. In coastal environments, salt is also a factor, which can increase corrosion on materials and hardware.
Materials and surface finishes
Aluminium, stainless steel, wood, and wrought iron age differently when exposed to the elements. Therefore, choose the material, steel grade, and finish based on the environment where the railing will actually be installed, not just on its appearance.
Fixings and substrates
The railing must be anchored to a load-bearing structure. Wooden joists, concrete, and steel require different fixings, and outdoor moisture must be taken into account when selecting hardware and fixings .
Views, wind and privacy
Glass is a good choice when you want to maintain the view while creating a more wind-resistant surface. More open railings have less of an impact on the view but typically provide less wind and privacy screen, so the infill should be chosen based on what the location actually needs.
What do you need to keep in mind in public and commercial settings?
In public and commercial settings, balustrades must be evaluated based on how the space is used, the risk of falling, and the people who will be using the area. The fact that a space is used commercially does not in itself mean that the same requirements apply as in a place accessible to the general public.
Therefore, start by determining whether the public has access to the site. Next, the balustrade, handrail, fixings, materials, and other design elements must be adapted to the intended use, the load, and the regulations that apply to the specific building and environment.
Distinguish between public spaces and other commercial spaces
When the venue is open to the public
A public setting is a place to which the general public has access, such as a shop, restaurant, reception area, or public area of a hotel. Even an activity that requires a ticket or membership is often aimed at the general public and should therefore be assessed in the same way.
In areas with heavy foot traffic, it is also important that balustrades be easy to see, for example by providing contrast with surrounding surfaces, and there may be requirements regarding this. At the same time, the railing’s overall design must be adapted to the risk of falls and its intended use.
When the setting is commercial but not open to the public
A workplace, production facility, or other operational space does not become a public space simply because the activity is commercial. If the general public does not have access, the location must therefore be assessed based on its actual conditions of use.
The balustrade must still be specified and designed based on the risk of falling, load, use, and environment. There may also be other requirements that are relevant to the specific activity or workplace.
Which balustrade is suitable for coastal and exposed locations?
In coastal and other exposed locations, the entire balustrade system must be adapted to salt, moisture, wind, dirt, and weather. It is therefore not enough to simply choose a material that fundamentally has good corrosion resistance – the quality, surface treatment, hardware, fixings, and maintenance must also be suited to the exposure.
stainless steel, aluminium and glass can all be used in railings for exposed environments, but they are affected in different ways. Near the sea, chlorides can accumulate, particularly on metal components, which makes material quality and regular cleaning more important than in a protected inland location.
Don't choose based solely on the material name
Just because a material is described as stainless steel or “corrosion-resistant” does not mean it is unaffected by salt, moisture, and dirt. Surface treatments and smaller components can also determine how well the railing performs over time.
- Don't assume that the same materials and quality are equally suitable for all outdoor environments.
- Don't just inspect posts without also checking the fittings, screws, fixings, and fixings.
- Do not assume that stainless steel or powder-coated means that the railing is maintenance-free.
Consider how exposed the location is
Start by considering the amount of salt, moisture, and weather to which the railing is exposed . Then, select the material quality, surface treatment, and components so that the entire balustrade system is suitable for the specific environment.
- In the presence of significant chloride exposure, AISI 316 has better corrosion resistance than AISI 304.
- Consider whether the balustrade is sheltered under a roof or exposed to rain, sea breeze, and salt spray.
- Match posts, fittings, fixings, and surface treatments to the same exposure level.
What determines the height and design of the railing, for fall protection?
A railing or other form of fall protection is required on stairs, ramps, balconies, loft walkways, roof terraces, and other areas where there is a particular risk of injury from falls. How high the railing should be and how it should be designed depends on how the area is used, drop height, and who is present there—there is no single dimension that fits all locations.
The requirements are set by the building regulations in force where the building is located and may differ between new construction and alterations to an existing building. Therefore, always check which requirements apply to your project before deciding on the height and design of the railing.
What factors determine how high the balustrade should be?
Drop height and use determine the height
A high balcony or roof terrace has different requirements than a ground-level patio. The larger the drop height and the more people who use the space, the more important the railing’s height and stability become.
The entire balustrade forms part of the fall protection
Height is only one aspect of fall protection. The railing with infill and fixings must also be able to withstand the impacts and loads that can occur when someone leans against or bumps into it.
A measurement from a drawing or an older guide is not automatically correct for your project. The height of the railing must be determined based on the use of the location, drop height, and the requirements that apply where the railing is to be installed.
How should balustrades be designed in areas where children are present?
In areas where young children may be present, fall protection must be designed so that children cannot climb over it, fall through it, or get stuck in it. The exact dimensions for openings and climbing guards must comply with the building codes in effect where the railing is to be installed.
Avoid footholds on the lower part of the balustrade
The lower part of the railing should not have any horizontal elements that could serve as footholds. Glass and vertical infill are therefore common choices in areas where children are present.
Keep the gaps in the infill small
The gaps between bars, wires, or other parts of the infill must be small enough that a child cannot squeeze through.
Limit the opening towards the floor and stairs
The distance between the bottom of the railing and the floor, the balcony slab, or the stair treads must also be limited so that a child cannot crawl under the railing.
Avoid openings where a head or foot could get trapped
Openings in and above the lower part of the railing must be designed so that a child cannot get their head or foot stuck.
What factors influence the price of a railing at delivery time?
Delivery time The price of a railing is primarily influenced by the type of railing, custom sizing, glass and other special options, colour, or finish, how complete the order specifications are, and whether the selected components are available.
Therefore, there is no single delivery time that applies to all railing systems. A system with standardised components may have different requirements than a railing with custom-sized glass or custom-manufactured parts. Always check the current delivery time for the specific model you are actually ordering.
| This affects | Why this might affect the time | Worth checking |
|---|---|---|
| Balustrade types and designs | Different balustrade system consists of different components and may require varying amounts of manufacturing or preparation prior to delivery. | Check the current delivery time for the railing type and design you actually choose. |
| Customisation | Custom-sized parts must be manufactured according to the dimensions specified in the order. This applies, for example, to glass and other components that are customised to fit the location. | Make sure that lengths, heights, corners, and other relevant measurements are verified before placing the order. |
| Glass and special selections | The type of glass, special dimensions, and other options may require that parts be manufactured specifically for the order. | Decide on the type of glass and other options at the same time as the railing dimensions are determined. |
| Colour and Finish | The choice of colour or finish may affect which production steps are required before the railing components are finished. | Make sure you have selected the colour and surface finish before confirming the order. |
| Complete order documentation | Missing or unclear information may mean that additional information may be needed for the order before it can be processed further. | Check the dimensions, quantity, fixing, colour, and other product selections before placing your order. |
| Availability of components | Delivery time may be affected if a certain component or a specific configuration is not available for immediate production or delivery. | When planning the project, use the current delivery time for the confirmed order as your starting point. |
How do you maintain the balustrade?
The amount of maintenance a railing requires depends on the material, finish, and how exposed the location is. Glass and powder-coated aluminium typically require mainly cleaning, stainless steel needs to be kept clean, and wooden railings usually require more frequent maintenance of the finish.
Also inspect the railing as a whole. Fittings, fixings, finishes, and other components can be affected to varying degrees by moisture, salt, dirt, and wear, especially in coastal or other harsh environments.
How do you take care of a glass balustrade?
Wash the glass with water and a mild detergent that is suitable for glass. Salt, pollen, and other dirt should not be left on the glass any longer than necessary, especially in exposed areas.
At the same time, check the fittings, glass clamps, profiles, and fixings to ensure that the entire balustrade system is in good condition.
How do you take care of an aluminium balustrade?
Powder-coated Aluminium surfaces should be cleaned gently with water, a soft cloth or sponge, and a mild detergent. Avoid methods that could scratch or damage the surface finish.
If the surface is damaged, it should be assessed based on the manufacturer's care instructions, since the correct course of action depends on the type of surface treatment the railing has.
How do you care for a stainless steel balustrade?
stainless steel is corrosion-resistant but not maintenance-free. Salt, dirt, and foreign iron particles should be rinsed or washed off so that they do not remain on the surface.
A railing near the sea, a pool, or another environment with high chloride levels may need to be cleaned more often than a railing that is in a more sheltered location.
What do you need to check on other types of balustrades?
Wooden railings require maintenance based on the type of wood and surface treatment. Wrought iron railings should be inspected to ensure that the paintwork or other corrosion protection is intact, and wire balustrades must be kept clean, while wires, fittings, and fixings are inspected.
Always follow the care instructions for the specific balustrade system, since combinations of materials and surface treatments may require different care measures.
What should you check before ordering a balustrade?
Check the location, fall risk, load-bearing substrate, dimensions, and product selection before ordering the railing. Once these factors are determined, it will be easier to choose the right design and reduce the risk of having to change the dimensions or fixings later on.
Examine the entire area, not just the length of the railing. Changes in level, corners, stairs, connections, and the supporting structure can affect both the measurements and how the railing should be installed.
Check these six points
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Decide where the balustrade should start and end
Mark the entire length of the railing, including corners, openings, stairs, and other connections. This will make it clearer which sections need to be measured and how the balustrade should be divided.
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Assess the risk of falls and who uses the area
Check the drop height, how the area is used and whether younger children can be there. This affects, among other things, the height of the railing, openings, and how fall protection needs to be designed.
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Check what the railing will be anchored to
Determine where the load-bearing structure is located and whether the posts should be mounted on top or on the side. Decking and other surface layers are not, in and of themselves, sufficient to determine which fixing method is needed.
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Take final measurements once the conditions are established
Measure each balustrade section at the installation site and double-check the measurements. Small differences between different sections can affect custom-fit components.
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Decide on the materials and design
Choose materials, fillings, colours, top rail, and other options based on the location’s function and environment. In exposed locations, hardware, fasteners, and surface treatments must also be adapted to the exposure.
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Review the entire order one last time
Check the dimensions, number of sections, corners, fixings, materials, and other selections before submitting the order. A complete set of specifications reduces the risk of additional requests and incorrect order details.
Once the location, safety requirements, load-bearing substrate, dimensions, and product selection have been determined, the order can be based on the actual conditions at the site.
Which balustrade is best for your space?
Start by considering where the railing will be installed, what function it will serve, what material is suitable for the environment, and how it can be secured. Compare our balustrades or contact customer service if you would like help making your selection.
What do you need to know before choosing a balustrade?
The most common questions concern balustrade height, fall protection, child safety, fixing, materials, maintenance, and price. Here you’ll find brief answers to things you should know before choosing or ordering a balustrade.
How high should a balustrade be?
There is no single height that fits all guardrails. The height of the fall protection is determined based on how the surface is used, drop height, and the risk of injury, and complies with the building codes that apply where the guardrail is to be installed.
When is a balustrade or other fall protection needed?
Handrails or other fall protection are required on stairs, ramps, balconies, and other areas where people gather and where there is a particular risk of injury due to falls. The assessment depends on the use of the space, drop height, and other conditions.
How should a balustrade be designed in an area where children are present?
In areas where young children are present, the railing must prevent climbing and have openings small enough that children cannot fall through or get stuck. This applies to both the gaps in the infill and the opening at the bottom of the railing. Exact dimensions must comply with the building codes in effect where the railing is to be installed.
Can you attach a railing directly to a timber deck?
A railing should not be anchored solely to the deck boards. The fixings must connect to a load-bearing structure capable of withstanding the loads to which the railing is subjected.
Which railing is best for a deck or balcony?
The choice depends on the risk of falling, the view, wind, visibility, maintenance, and how the railing can be anchored. Glass is often a good choice when an unobstructed view or windbreak is important, while aluminium, stainless steel, wood, wrought iron, and wire have other strengths depending on the environment and the desired look.
Which balustrade material requires the least maintenance outdoors?
Powder-coated Aluminium and glass often require mainly cleaning, while stainless steel also needs to be kept clean, especially where salt or chlorides are present. No railing material is completely maintenance-free, and the need for maintenance typically increases in more exposed environments.
What factors affect the price of a balustrade?
The price is influenced by factors such as the railing’s length and shape, material, filling, number of corners, stair sections, fixing, and any special options. Two railings of the same length may therefore have different prices depending on how they are to be designed and installed.
