Do you have a deck or balcony that rises above the ground approximately a meter high? If you said “yes,” then you’ll need to install balustrades or railings. However, not just any balustrade or railing will do the job. There are specific criteria that you’ll need to fulfil, and not only because this criteria is mandatory and to be followed, but also because it’ll guarantee the safety of anyone that’s on the deck.

Here’s what you need to consider to make sure that your balustrades and railings are correctly set up:

1. Balustrades

When it comes to the height of your balustrade, it depends on how high the deck is. If your deck or balcony is higher than a meter off the ground but under four meters, the balustrades should be at least a meter tall. To add to this, the openings in the balustrades cannot be larger than 12.5 centimetres, either. This applies to decorative balustrading as well.

For decks that are taller than four meters, the balustrades cannot have any climbable element to it. This means that anywhere between 15 to 76 centimetres, there should be nothing in the balustrade that will enable anyone to climb over.

The balustrades you install should also be strong enough to withstand day to day use. One of the things a balustrade must withstand would be any force or pressure that’s exerted on it. For example, a balustrade should be able to resist a person leaning on it. Strong winds are also a factor, and you should make sure that the winds won’t rip the balustrades off its spot and have it fly off.

2. Balustrades and Retaining Walls

If you have retaining walls, you don’t typically have to install balustrades or railing on them. However, if it is part of a structure that is used as a mode to travel to and from a place and there is a risk of falling, balustrades are a good idea.

Remember, while balustrades aren’t required for this specific situation, having one installed will ensure that no one is going to accidentally slip and fall down the retaining wall.

3. Stair Railings

Railings are a vital fixture to any stair you might have, generally because people use it to support themselves. At the same time, these railings also act as barriers, meaning that, like the balustrades, it needs to be sturdy and tall enough to prevent anyone from falling off the stairs.

Height-wise, the railings should be around 86.5 centimetres above the stair treads. Like the balustrades, there shouldn’t be a gap larger than 12.5 centimetres within the fences to ensure that nothing falls through it. Finally, if you’ve got stairs that are higher than four meters above the ground, there shouldn’t be anything climbable on the railings either.

Conclusion

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your fixtures are installed appropriately and that individuals who traverse these areas in your home will be safe from falling. Take note that when the time comes to repair or replace any of your balustrade or railings, the result should still comply with all the requirements we’ve listed above.

Are you looking for quality balustrades and railings in Perth, Australia? We’re here for you! Get in touch with us today and check out our offerings.