Aluminium Balustrade Compliance & Load Data Sheet
Overview
Product Spec
Load Performance
Installation Conditions
Test Evidence
FAQs
Downloads & Contact
Aluminium Balustrade Compliance & Load Data
Our aluminium balustrade system has been load tested to the domestic (Category A) barrier loads in BS 6180:2011 and PD 6688-1-1, on level runs and 35° stairs at the full 1,829mm span. It passed every domestic load within the 25mm deflection limit, with an ultimate failure load more than 9 times the domestic design load. It is for domestic decking, patios, steps and stairs.
✓ Load Tested to BS 6180:2011 Domestic Loads ✓ More Than 9× Domestic Design Load ✓ 1100mm Guarding Height ✓ 100mm Sphere Rule Met ✓ 1,000 Hours Salt Spray
What this page covers
The compliance and load data for our self-install aluminium balustrade system — posts, rail kits, stair brackets and gate. All figures are taken from load test report TOL-LTS-001 Rev B (22 October 2026), which you can download here.
Where it can be usedDomestic decking, patios, steps and stairs.
Loads passed0.36 kN/m line load, 0.5 kN/m² infill load and 0.25 kN point load — level and 35° stair runs at the full 1,829mm span.
Strength marginUltimate failure load more than 9 times the domestic design load in every configuration tested.
FinishBlack polyester powder coating on 6005-T6 aluminium — passed 1,000 hours of neutral salt spray testing (ASTM B117).
The Standards
BS 6180:2011 — Barriers in and around buildings — Code of practice sets the design geometry for barriers. The minimum horizontal loads a barrier must resist come from BS EN 1991-1-1 and its UK National Annex, with the barrier values given in PD 6688-1-1. Our system was tested to the domestic (Category A) values — see the Load Performance tab →
What This Page Does Not Cover
The test covers domestic (Category A) loads only. It does not cover the supporting structure (deck, wall or slab) or the ground and wall fixings — whether a particular installation complies also depends on it being assembled correctly and fixed to a suitable structural surface.
The aluminium balustrade system installed on a raised residential decking area — 1100mm finished guarding height with vertical picket infill.
Product & Material Specification
The system was tested exactly as supplied to customers, in its standard production specification.
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| System type | Modular guarding — posts with top and bottom rail kits and vertical picket infill |
| Material | All extrusions in aluminium alloy 6005-T6 |
| Finish | Black polyester powder coating, RAL 9017 matt black, 60–120µm film thickness |
| Post | 75 × 75mm square · 1140mm to cap · 120mm square base plate |
| Finished guarding height | 1100mm on level runs |
| Rail kit length | 1829mm (cut down on site for shorter bays) |
| Maximum clear span | 1,829mm between post faces |
| Infill / picket spacing | Vertical pickets at 96.5mm — a 100mm sphere cannot pass |
| Brackets | Fixed brackets on straight runs; stair bracket kit on stairs; stainless steel (304) bracket fixings |
| Gate | 1168mm overall (≈ 1190mm opening) |
| Ground and wall fixings | Not supplied — chosen to suit the surface the posts are fixed into |
⚠ Maximum Clear Span — 1,829mm Between Post Faces
Do not exceed 1,829mm between post faces. This is the span the system was load tested at. Runs longer than 1,829mm need additional posts.
Rail kit fitted between two 75mm square posts — top and bottom rails with vertical pickets at 96.5mm spacing.
Domestic (Category A) Loads — Results
Each load was applied at the full 1,829mm span on a level run and at a 1,792mm clear span on a 35° stair run. Acceptance: horizontal deflection under load no more than 25mm, return to position on unloading with no significant permanent deformation, and all connections intact.
| Load | Requirement | Level run, 1,829mm | Stair run (35°), 1,792mm | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Line load at the top of the barrier | 0.36 kN/m | 14.7mm deflection | 11.0mm deflection | PASS |
| Distributed load on the infill | 0.5 kN/m² | 12.2mm deflection | 14.2mm deflection | PASS |
| Point load on an individual picket | 0.25 kN | 18.6mm deflection | 24.5mm deflection | PASS |
Ultimate (Failure) Load
After the domestic load tests, the line load was increased progressively until the system failed.
| Configuration | Ultimate failure load | Margin over 0.36 kN/m |
|---|---|---|
| Level run, 1,829mm | 702 kg — approx. 3.8 kN/m | More than 10× |
| Stair run (35°), 1,792mm | 644 kg — approx. 3.5 kN/m | More than 9× |
| Level run, 1,500mm | 738 kg — approx. 4.8 kN/m | More than 13× |
| Stair run (35°), 1,500mm nominal | 624 kg — approx. 4.1 kN/m | More than 11× |
Where Failure Occurred
The failure mode for each configuration at ultimate load is recorded in the full load test report.
Scope
These results are for the domestic (Category A) loads that apply within or serving a single home — 0.36 kN/m line load. The system is for decking, patios, steps and stairs. For any other type of building, contact us before ordering.
Installation Conditions
The tested performance applies when the system is installed to the following conditions.
Maximum clear span 1,829mm between post faces
Do not exceed the tested span. Runs longer than 1,829mm need additional posts.
Fix posts to a suitable structural surface
Use fixings rated for the load and the base material. Ground and wall fixings are not supplied.
Maintain the 1100mm finished guarding height
1100mm above the finished floor level on level runs.
Leave the infill and picket spacing unmodified
Pickets at 96.5mm, so a 100mm sphere cannot pass.
Use the standard brackets
Fixed brackets on straight runs and the stair bracket kit on stairs, assembled in accordance with the supplied installation instructions.
Domestic decking, patios, steps and stairs only
For any other type of building, contact us before ordering.
Supporting Structure & Fixings
This data covers the aluminium balustrade system only. The supporting structure and the ground and wall fixings are the responsibility of the installer.
Test Evidence
Summary of load test report TOL-LTS-001 Rev B. The full report is available to download.
Load Tested — Pass
Line Load — 0.36 kN/m
Applied horizontally at the top of the barrier and held for at least one minute. Level and stair runs passed within the 25mm limit.
Load Tested — Pass
Infill Load — 0.5 kN/m²
Applied across the full picket infill. Level and stair runs passed within the 25mm limit.
Load Tested — Pass
Point Load — 0.25 kN
Applied to an individual picket through a 100mm loading head and held for 90 seconds. Level and stair runs passed within the 25mm limit.
Repeated Loading
10 Load Cycles
Each configuration was loaded and unloaded 10 times at more than double the domestic line load. No bracket or screw loosening was recorded, and rail positions stayed stable to within 1–2mm.
Salt Spray — Pass
1,000 Hours (ASTM B117)
The powder coating passed 1,000 hours of neutral salt spray testing with the highest ratings — no creepage at the scribe, no blistering, no rusting.
Material Verified
Aluminium 6005-T6
Chemical composition verified by test to ASTM B211-12, with all elements within the alloy specification limits.
Load Test Report — Detail
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Report | TOL-LTS-001 Rev B — Load Test Summary Report, Aluminium Balustrade System |
| Date of issue | 22 October 2026 (Rev B; first issued 13 October 2026) |
| Date of testing | September–October 2026 |
| Testing conducted by | The system manufacturer, at its production facility, to a test specification issued by The Outdoor Look |
| Standards | BS 6180:2011, BS EN 1991-1-1 (UK National Annex) and PD 6688-1-1 — domestic (Category A) loads |
| Configurations tested | Level runs at 1,829mm and 1,500mm clear span; 35° stair runs at 1,792mm and 1,500mm nominal span |
| Method | Calibrated loads, instrumented deflection measurement at every load stage, photographic and video records |
| Line load 0.36 kN/m | All configurations — PASS |
| Infill load 0.5 kN/m² | All configurations — PASS |
| Point load 0.25 kN | All configurations — PASS |
| Ultimate failure load | More than 9 times the domestic design load in every configuration |
| Stair guarding height | Approximately 1,100mm measured vertically from the pitch line at 35° |
Important
The report relates to the system as tested. Whether a particular installation complies also depends on correct assembly and fixing to a suitable structural surface, which remains the responsibility of the installer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cannot find your answer? Call us on 01282 526428.
What load has the aluminium balustrade been tested to?
It has been load tested to the domestic (Category A) barrier loads in BS 6180:2011 and PD 6688-1-1: a 0.36 kN/m line load at the top of the barrier, a 0.5 kN/m² load on the infill and a 0.25 kN point load on an individual picket. It passed all three on level runs and 35° stairs at the full 1,829mm span, within the 25mm deflection limit.
How strong is it compared with the domestic requirement?
When the line load was increased to failure, the ultimate failure load was more than 9 times the 0.36 kN/m domestic design load in every configuration tested.
Where can I use this balustrade?
Domestic decking, patios, steps and stairs. For any other type of building, contact us before ordering.
Has it been tested on stairs?
Yes. A stair run was tested at a 35° pitch using the standard stair bracket kit and passed every domestic load, with a guarding height of approximately 1,100mm measured vertically from the pitch line.
What is the finished guarding height of the balustrade?
1100mm on level runs. The post stands 1140mm to the top of the post cap, on a 120mm square base plate.
Does the balustrade meet the 100mm sphere rule?
Yes — the vertical pickets are spaced at 96.5mm, so a 100mm sphere cannot pass through the infill. The infill and picket spacing must be left unmodified.
Is it suitable for coastal locations?
Yes. The powder coating passed 1,000 hours of neutral salt spray testing (ASTM B117) with no creepage at the scribe, no blistering and no rusting. In coastal areas, rinse it down roughly once a month to remove salt build-up.
What is the maximum span between posts?
1,829mm clear span, measured between post faces — do not exceed it. Runs longer than that need additional posts.
Are fixing bolts included?
No — ground and wall fixings are not supplied, as the right fixing depends on what the posts are going into. Each post must be fixed to a suitable structural surface with fixings rated for the load and the base material.
Can I see the load test report?
Yes. Download the full load test report (TOL-LTS-001) as a PDF.
Downloads & Next Steps
Download the load test report and data sheet, plan your parts with the calculator, or talk to the team about your project.
PDF Download
Load Test Report TOL-LTS-001
The full report — product tested, standards, method, results and materials.
Download the Report →
PDF Download
Compliance & Load Data Sheet
Specification, load results, materials and installation conditions in three pages — TOL-ALU-BAL Rev 2.1.
Download the Data Sheet →
Plan Your Project
Build Your Own Kit & Calculator
Enter your measurements and the calculator works out the posts, rails, brackets and gates your project needs — added to basket in one click.
Build Your Own Balustrade →
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Larger or Angled Projects
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Get a Free Quote →Useful Documents
- Load Test Summary Report (TOL-LTS-001)BS 6180:2011 domestic (Category A) load test results, level and stair runs View Load Test Summary Report (TOL-LTS-001) (opens in a new tab)
- Compliance & Load Data Sheet (TOL-ALU-BAL)Specification, BS 6180 domestic load results and installation conditions View Compliance & Load Data Sheet (TOL-ALU-BAL) (opens in a new tab)
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.