All Balustrades

Balustrades — Which System Do You Need?

We sell six balustrade systems in glass, aluminium and stainless steel wire. They are not interchangeable: the right one depends on how far the drop is, how much of the view you want to keep, and how much of the work you are doing yourself. This page is here to help you choose before you start looking at products.

If you would rather just ask, call 01282 526 428, Monday to Friday 9 to 5. We will tell you which system suits your job, including when the answer is one we would rather not sell you.

Start Here: How Far Is The Drop?

This is the question that decides everything else, and it is the one most people skip.

Wherever there is a drop of more than 600mm, the edge needs guarding. For external balconies, terraces and decking that means a barrier at least 1100mm high, with infill close enough together that a 100mm sphere cannot pass through any gap — the rule that keeps small children safe.

Four of our six systems are built for that. Semi-frameless glass and wire balustrade are not. Semi-frameless has no handrail, and wire sits at 132mm centres, so a 100mm sphere passes straight through. We supply both only for drops below 600mm — deck edges close to ground level, garden terraces, patio edges and low steps. We would rather say so plainly here than have you find out after it is installed.

Under 600mm, the choice is yours. Over 600mm, choose one of the four guarding systems below.

Compare The Six Systems

Glass Balustrade Systems

Four of our six systems use toughened glass, and the difference between them is how the glass is held. If you want the full picture on glass — the thicknesses, the fixings, what each system costs and how they compare — start with our glass balustrade systems guide.

Semi-frameless holds the glass between slim posts and is the most forgiving to install. Fully frameless sets the glass into a base channel with nothing above it, for an uninterrupted view. Post and handrail adds a continuous top rail for something to hold. Spigot mounts the glass on individual floor spigots for a frameless look with a simpler fixing.

Metal Balustrade Systems

Two systems in metal, at opposite ends of the range. Our aluminium balustrade is black powder-coated with vertical pickets at 96.5mm centres, and it is the best value way to guard a drop properly — load tested to the domestic (Category A) barrier loads in BS 6180:2011 and PD 6688-1-1, with every gap under 100mm. It fits stairs, and it will not rust. Our stainless steel wire balustrade is 316 marine-grade throughout, for low-level settings where you want to define an edge without blocking the view. See the metal balustrades guide for how the two compare.

Build Your Own — Priced By The Metre

Every system has a Build Your Own kit. Put your measurements in and the calculator works out exactly what your run needs — how many posts of each type, how much glass or wire, how many fittings — and adds the whole lot to your basket in one go. No trade account, no waiting for a quote, and no guesswork about what a balustrade actually costs.

• Aluminium balustrade kit
• Semi-frameless glass kit
• Frameless channel kit
• Post & handrail glass kit
• Spigot glass kit
• Wire balustrade kit

Most of our customers fit their own. The kits arrive flat-packed with fixing instructions, and we will check your measurements with you before you order if you want a second pair of eyes.

Where Is It Going?

The setting narrows the choice as much as the material does.

Decking is our most common job, and the drop decides it — a raised deck needs guarding, a deck edge at ground level does not. Balconies and roof terraces always need guarding and usually want glass, to keep the view you paid for. Patios and garden terraces are usually low enough for anything. Stairs need a system that can follow the pitch, which rules some options out.

Delivery

Balustrade orders are delivered within 3–10 working days on pallet. Delivery is £60 to most UK mainland and free on orders over £2,000, confirmed at checkout once your postcode is entered. Glass panes cut to your own sizes are made to order and take longer — see our delivery page for the full detail and the excluded postcodes.

Common Questions

How high does a balustrade have to be?

1100mm for external balconies, terraces and decking where the drop exceeds 600mm. For internal stairs and landings the figure is usually 900mm, measured from the pitch line. Below 600mm there is no set height. If you are not sure which applies to your job, call us on 01282 526 428 and we will talk it through.

Which balustrade is cheapest?

Aluminium, by a clear margin, and it is a proper guarding system rather than a compromise. Wire looks inexpensive by the metre but the tensioning fittings add up — and it only suits drops under 600mm. Glass costs more and buys you the view.

Can I fit a balustrade myself?

Most of our customers do. The kits are designed for competent DIY and come with instructions; you will need basic tools and, for some systems, a metal-cutting saw. What matters more than the fitting is the fixing — posts have to go into solid structural material, and ground fixings are not supplied because the right one depends entirely on your surface.

Which system suits a coastal property?

Stainless steel wire and powder-coated aluminium both handle salt air well — the wire system is 316 marine grade throughout. Glass is unaffected by salt, though the fittings holding it matter.

Do you supply gates?

Yes for aluminium and for the semi-frameless glass system, both as complete units. Wire gates are built on site from components and quoted individually — call us and we will size one with you.

What warranty do you offer?

It varies by system, so check the product page for the one you are buying. Our aluminium balustrade carries a 10-year warranty against material and finish defects. Our stainless steel systems are 316 marine grade and built to last decades with occasional cleaning.

Can I get a quote for a larger job?

Yes. For anything with corners, stairs, gates or awkward angles, use our quote form or call 01282 526 428. We will set the job out properly and send you a drawing before anything is ordered.