Sturdy Aluminium Handrails for Stairs and Slopes
Outdoor steps and sloping paths are where people most need something to hold. A well-fitted aluminium handrail gives a firm grip in wet and icy weather, guards an open edge and adds a clean, modern line to the garden.
This guide explains why our black aluminium balustrade works well on outdoor stairs, and what to send us if your route slopes rather than steps.
Why aluminium for outdoor stairs
Strong, light and made for outdoors
Aluminium does not rust, rot or warp. Our aluminium balustrade is finished in black powder coat (RAL 9017) and salt spray tested for 1,000 hours, so it keeps its appearance with very little care.
- No painting, staining or rust treatment
- Light components that are easy to handle
- A long life with minimal maintenance
A modern look
Slim black profiles suit composite decking, porcelain paving, dark cladding and modern landscaping, as well as more traditional homes.
Tested to domestic barrier loads
Our aluminium balustrade is load tested to the domestic (Category A) barrier loads in BS 6180:2011 and PD 6688-1-1. It finishes at 1100mm to the top of the rail, and its pickets sit at 96.5mm centres so a 100mm sphere cannot pass through. On the open side of a flight of steps, that means it guards the edge as well as giving you a rail to hold.
Installation
The system is a flat-packed kit, sized from your measurements, for a competent DIYer or a professional installer.
- Posts surface fixed through a 120mm base plate
- A stair bracket kit sets the rails to the pitch of your steps on site
- Rails cut to suit on site
- Fixes into concrete, masonry or a deck's structural frame
Fixing bolts are not included, as the right fixing depends on what you are fixing into. The system is surface fixed only and cannot be side fixed.
Sloping paths and ramps
If your route is a slope rather than steps, send us the length of the run and how far it falls from top to bottom, with a photo. We will confirm which parts suit your gradient before you order.
Specification
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | Powder-coated aluminium |
| Finish | Matt black, RAL 9017 |
| Height | 1100mm to the top of the rail |
| Infill | Vertical pickets at 96.5mm centres |
| Testing | Load tested to the domestic (Category A) barrier loads in BS 6180:2011 and PD 6688-1-1 |
| Fixing | Surface fixed through a 120mm base plate |
| Stairs | Stair bracket kit |
| Care | Wash with warm soapy water |
Where it works
- Composite and timber deck stairs
- Garden steps
- Raised lodge and static caravan entrances
- Patios with a change in level
Steps or slopes beside a wall?
For steps or slopes beside a wall, see our stainless steel handrails, including a wall-mounted handrail kit in satin or black.
Make your steps safer
A sturdy aluminium handrail is one of the most effective ways to improve safety and comfort on outdoor stairs. Order the build-your-own aluminium kit, or send your measurements through our quote form.