Balustrades may seem like an unfamiliar term at first, but everyone sees them every day on railings, stairs, and balconies. It’s a form of fencing that not only adds cosmetic, finishing touches, but it also serves as one of the most integral components that can boost the safety features of your stairs or balcony.
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect balustrade for your custom staircase, the list below explores all the quality options you can choose from:
1. Wrought Iron
If you’re looking for a unique balustrade that can add an industrial touch to your commercial or residential railings, wrought iron is right up your alley. Seeing as wrought iron is a reliable and robust material, it is one of the best options for those living in countries with inclement weather as it can withstand all types of environmental conditions compared to aluminium and timber.
It is also resistant to rust and rot so long as it is sealed and coated regularly, making it relatively a breeze to care for. You can set it up and leave it for more extended periods compared to glass, which requires regular cleaning. To that end, wrought iron is a fashionable way of providing secure functionality to a deck, staircase, or balcony.
2. Glass
Glass balustrades offer unparalleled sophistication to your railings, especially as it comes in multiple choices – from semi-framed, fully-framed, frameless, to clear, semi-transparent, etched, frosted, tinted, to coloured.
It’s a classic option that can enhance modern homes and buildings, providing unclimbable and toughened glass to add safety without disrupting any views. Imagine this on your balcony, where you can enjoy the full view of the great outdoors without any obstructions.
It’s also great for your standard fencing and pool fencing, though it requires regular cleaning maintenance as glass tends to smudge and stain easily.
3. Strand Wire
Strand wire balustrades offer a bold and contemporary look to properties with a stripped back architectural design, complementing other elements like bricks, metals, and wood. Wire balustrades are the easiest type to maintain as it requires little-to-no maintenance, though it can be challenging to meet the regulations in terms of its safety features.
The law requires a certain amount of wires to ensure it serves as a secure fence that can block people, especially children, from falling over balconies. With that in mind, strand wire balustrades can often look busy.
4. Stainless Steel
Another classic choice is stainless steel balustrades, which is arguably the most perennial favourite as it offers a timeless appearance and a robust material that makes it reliable under various circumstances.
Perfect for either interior and exterior staircases, balconies, or even pool fencing, steel staircases can harmonize with other materials in a building such as wood and glass.
Conclusion: Different Balustrades Offer Unique Qualities and Benefits to Your Handrails
Seeing as balustrades can leave a significant impact on the style and safety of your railings, it’s no surprise how the materials can offer distinct advantages and disadvantages depending on your needs and preferences.
If you are looking to install stainless steel balustrades and handrails for your staircase at home in Perth, Western Australia, get in touch with us to see how we can help.