Steel, stainless, aluminium or glass: choosing a balustrade

A balustrade has a job to do, keeping people safe at an edge, but it also shapes how a stair or space looks.

Mild steel

The most flexible choice for design. Steel can be bent, rolled and laser cut into almost any pattern, then painted or powder coated in any colour. Outdoors it needs a good protective finish.

Stainless steel

Durable and low maintenance, with a finish that suits handrails people touch every day. It is a strong choice for commercial buildings, ramps and coastal areas.

Aluminium

Light, corrosion resistant and simple to maintain. It suits residential decks and balconies where weight matters.

Glass

Glass keeps views open and makes a space feel bigger. Frameless glass relies on strong steel or stainless fixings underneath, so the steelwork and glass need to be planned together.

Rules still apply

Height, gaps and climbability are set by the National Construction Code. Your certifier will confirm what applies to your project, and we design and build to suit.

Got a job like this? See our balustrades and handrails page or send us the drawings.