A guide to balustrade systems

A guide to balustrade systems

Balustrades are a unique installment into a home to add a sense of style and elegance.

Balustrades are actually mandatory in commercial buildings for safety purposes.

Prior to having a balustrade system installed, it fairs well to know what they are and the endless varieties available:

Balustrade systems are available for installation with or without handrails and can be manufactured by a variety of materials used to enhance safety.

When looking a staircase, a balustrade is the posts that join the railings together - a typical system would include a top and bottom rail, and an infill material (a protect barrier.)

By law, balustrades must be installed on the open side of a staircase or balcony and the variety of designs available allow a bespoke and individual style concept added to that building.

Bespoke Balustrades Custom-made balustrades are beginning to increase in popularity as they can be tailored to suit your home's, and more importantly, your, specified needs.

Commercial Balustrades Balustrades that are set to be installed in a commercial property will need to be taken into account for their safety - which design and system will be best suited for their placement.

This would include businesses outlined in section K (protection from falling, collision and impact) set by The Buildings Regulation 2010 Act. Along with BSI standards that apply to the installation of Balustrades in commercial premises which state the following: 1. BS6180 2011 - Code of practice for barriers that are in and about the building 2. BS EN 12600 - Glass in the building; the pendulum test; the impact test method and classification for flat glass 3. BS6206 1982 - Code of practice for the glazing of buildings 4. BS6399 - Loading for buildings - all parts The listed factors above especially come into practice if the building in question has a high level of foot traffic.

In regards of designs, architectural glass balustrades are a popular choice.

This particular design looks very modern and professional - often used in shopping centres and government buildings - not to mention its versatility.

An innovative option you may want t consider is smart glass, designed to block out ultraviolet rays and should produce a stunning look when light shines onto the glass.

Choosing materials The materials that are available each have individual properties that need to be considered when being installed.

Aluminium balustrades will be strong and highly durable, with strong resistance against corrosion.

Aluminium balustrades are often powder coated which will create a much harder finish, thus them being used most for exterior use.

As glass is a much more fragile material, the glass will often be toughened so to be more durable.

For more information about balustrades or if you'd like to contact us, please visit our website!

Types of balustrades

Marble balustrade Balustrades are railings usually seen around stairwells or balcony's that prevent accidents.

There's a variety of types of balustrades that are often dependant upon the material they are constructed from. Prior to constructing a balustrade, it is ideal to familiarise yourself with your choices before deciding on a type.

Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel is a frequent choice when constructing balustrades as it is the most durable and versatile material available.

Steel balustrades can take a variety of forms, made from rounded or square steel poles.

They can also be decorative and ornate with filigree shapes and designs cut into them.

Often, ornate steel balustrades will have a timber handrail

that runs over the balustrading.

Wood The most common type of balustrade is that constructed of wood.

Wood balustrades usually have a simple design, made up of little more than wooden posts beneath a railing.

The posts can come in a variety of designs and can be carved.

Stone The more luxurious choice found at grandeur buildings and estates.

They are made using one of the two techniques, carving or casting. Carved stone is more expensive of the two and if it requested in marble, the highest quality stone available, prepare to part with a large amount of money, however, they look do exquisite.

Polymer If you'd like an alternative to a stone balustrade but would like the same look, opt for a polymer balustrade.

These balustrades are made to look like stone but are crafted from a cheaper and lighter material than stone.

These rails are consequently synthetic stone, created from a mixture of limestone dust, polymer resin and pigment.

Naturally, there is a vast selection of designs to choose from.

Polyurethane This balustrade is a popular choice among many - it's lightweight but incredibly durable; it also cost less than other balustrade systems.

Vinyl Vinyl would be a considerably low-cost choice for a balustrade system.

Though do not let the material's inexpensiveness put you off from choosing vinyl balustrades, it is also durable and low-maintenance.

A fine choice for those who want a decent looking balustrade without breaking the bank.

Glass A vast selection of glass balustrades designs to choose from on our site.

Please visit our website to see the types of balustrades we can provide you.