In today’s construction world, picking the right material for your balustrade is super important. With lots of choices out there like glass, steel, and concrete, it can be tough to decide. This article breaks down each material, talking about what makes them special and where they work best. Understanding these basics will help you choose the perfect balustrade that not only looks good but also does its job well.
Glass balustrade
A glass balustrade is a transparent barrier made of glass panels. It serves two main purposes: keeping people safe from falling and adding a stylish touch to indoor or outdoor spaces. You’ll often find them on balconies, staircases, decks, and terraces where there are height differences. They offer both safety and a modern look to any area they’re installed in.
Source: Pinterest
Materials
Tempered glass, also known as toughened glass, is typically used to construct glass balustrades. This type of glass goes through a special heat treatment process that increases its strength greatly when compared to regular glass. The glass is heated to a high temperature during the tempering process and then quickly cooled, creating internal stresses. As a result, tempered glass is significantly stronger than untreated glass of the same thickness.
Tempered glass has several advantages, including safety features. Tempered glass breaks into small, relatively dull pieces rather than sharp shards. These small pieces are less likely to cause serious injuries, making tempered glass an excellent choice for applications requiring high levels of safety, such as balustrades.
Laminated glass is an alternative to tempered glass for glass balustrades. Typically made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB), laminated glass is made up of two or more layers of glass bonded together with a layer of plastic sandwiched in between. This design offers additional strength and safety benefits. When the glass breaks, the plastic interlayer keeps the pieces together so they don’t break apart. This not only reduces the risk of injury, but it also contributes to the structural integrity of the balustrade.
Types
Frameless glass balustrades
These balustrades have minimal visible framing, resulting in a modern and stylish look. They are usually made of thicker glass panels (at least 10mm thick) for added strength, and they are secured with channels in the floor or wall, or special clamps.
Framed glass balustrades
These balustrades have a visible frame that forms a border around the glass panels. This frame is typically constructed of metal, wood, or other durable materials. It is there to provide additional support to the glass panels. Because of the frame, the glass panels can be thinner than those in balustrades without frames.
Benefits
- Glass balustrades make sure people don’t fall from high places. They maintain everyone’s safety by serving as a robust barrier.
- Since glass is see-through, you can see clearly through it. You can enjoy your cup of tea and view on balconies or outdoor decks.
- Glass allows sunlight to shine through, brightening up room interiors. It makes rooms feel more spacious and inviting.
- Glass balustrades add a sleek and classy touch to any area. They make spaces look trendy and attractive.
- Glass is easy to clean and maintain. It won’t take much time or effort to keep it looking good, which is ideal for working individuals.
Before choosing glass balustrade
- Building codes: Glass balustrades must comply with local building codes, which may specify requirements for the type of glass, thickness, height, and other factors.
- Cost: Glass balustrades can be more expensive than traditional balustrades made from wood or metal.
- Cleaning: Glass can show fingerprints and smudges easily, so regular cleaning may be required.
- Safety for children and pets: If you have young children or pets, you may want to consider the potential safety hazards of glass balustrades and take steps to mitigate them, such as installing safety gates or choosing a design with balusters close together.
Steel balustrade
A steel balustrade is a railing made of steel. It consists of vertical bars called balusters and a top handrail, all crafted from steel. Steel balustrades are loved for their strong, long-lasting nature and their good looks. They’re commonly used indoors and outdoors because they offer both practicality and style.
Source: Pinterest
Material
Steel balustrades are typically made from two types of materials:
Stainless steel
This is the most popular option. Stainless steel is well-known for its resistance to corrosion, which means it does not rust quickly. It also requires little maintenance and has an attractive, modern look that contributes to its appeal.
Mild steel
Mild steel, while less common, can be used for balustrades. However, it is more open to rust than stainless steel. It requires a protective coating to keep it from rusting, like paint or galvanization, which adds an extra layer to shield it from corrosion.
Types
Solid panel balustrades
These have metal sheets enclosed between the balusters. Compared to traditional balustrades, this design provides a more solid appearance and increased privacy.
Cable balustrades
These balustrades replace balusters with thin steel cables. This results in a minimalist and open visual style that gives a modern appearance while still providing necessary safety.
Glass and steel balustrades
This type combines glass panels and steel balusters or frames. It is appropriate for a variety of indoor and outdoor settings because it maintains transparency while providing a sleek and modern appearance.
Benefits
- Strength and Durability: Steel is extremely strong and can withstand heavy loads and repeated use, making it ideal for areas with high foot traffic and harsh conditions.
- Low maintenance: Stainless steel, in particular, requires little upkeep when compared to materials such as wood, which require painting or staining over time.
- Versatile: Steel balusters are available in a variety of styles and finishes, allowing you to customise the appearance to fit different architectural styles and preferences.
- Weather resistance: Stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, even in harsh weather.
- Fire resistance: Steel does not easily catch fire, which improves a building’s overall fire safety by adding an extra layer of protection.
Before choosing steel balustrade
- Cost: While generally more affordable than wrought iron, steel might be pricier than wood. It’s essential to weigh the upfront cost against long-term durability and maintenance savings.
- Aesthetics: Steel’s industrial look may not match every design style, but with various finishes available, including sleek and polished or rustic and weathered, you can find one that complements your space beautifully.
- Cleaning: Depending on the finish, steel might show fingerprints and smudges more prominently than other materials. Keep in mind the level of upkeep required and opt for finishes that are easier to maintain if you prefer minimal cleaning hassle.
- Location: Consider whether the balustrades will be installed indoors or outdoors and the level of exposure to weather elements. Stainless steel is highly weather-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor use, but proper maintenance is still necessary to prevent corrosion in harsh conditions.
- Design style: Ensure the balustrade style aligns with your overall design theme and aesthetic preferences. Whether you’re going for a modern, minimalist look or a more traditional vibe, there are steel balustrade designs to suit every taste.
- Building codes: It’s crucial to ensure that the balustrade design complies with local building regulations regarding safety and structural requirements. Check with your local authorities or a professional installer to ensure compliance.
- Maintenance: Choose a finish and style that not only complements your space but also aligns with your maintenance preferences. Consider finishes that are easy to clean and require minimal upkeep if you prefer a low-maintenance option for your home or property.
Concrete balustrade
Concrete balustrades are railing systems made of concrete, featuring vertical supports (balusters) and a top handrail. They’re known for their strength, affordability, and versatility, making them a popular choice for outdoor spaces like porches, balconies, staircases, decks, patios, fences, walkways, and pool surrounds.
Source: Pinterest
Material
Concrete
The main material is a mixture of cement, sand, gravel, and water, forming a sturdy and durable structure.
Reinforcement
Steel bars or mesh are frequently embedded in concrete to increase strength and prevent cracking, ensuring durability.
Balusters
These vertical support elements are typically precast in a variety of shapes and styles. These can be rectangular or square posts, rounded columns, or decoratively detailed balusters that offer both appearance and structural support.
Handrail
Located at the top, the handrail provides both support and a gripping surface. It can be made of cast concrete, precast concrete, or another material, such as wood, to enhance the effectiveness and attractiveness of the balustrade.
Base Plinth
The base plinth connects the individual balusters to the ground or supporting structure, ensuring the stability and integrity of the balustrade system.
Types
Precast concrete balustrades
These are sections made in a factory. They’re ready to install, so it’s quick and easy. They come in different styles and sizes to fit your needs.
Cast-in-place concrete balustrades:
These are made on-site by pouring concrete into moulds. They can be customised to your liking but take more time and skill to build.
Benefits
- Strength and durability: Concrete is known for its strength and longevity, standing up well to weathering, wear and tear, and minor impacts over time.
- Affordability: Concrete is often less expensive than materials such as metal or glass, making it a good choice for many projects.
- Versatility: Precast concrete is available in a variety of styles and finishes, allowing for the creation of different aesthetics. You can even further customise by painting or staining precast concrete to your liking.
- Low maintenance: Concrete needs less care than wood, which may need to be painted or stained on a regular basis to keep its beauty.
- Fire resistance: Concrete is a fireproof material that improves fire safety by reducing the risk of fire spread. Concrete balustrades are a wise choice for improving overall safety in any space.
Before choosing concrete balustrade
- Weight: Concrete is heavy, so proper structural support is required, especially in multi-story buildings where the weight can add up.
- Design limitations: While precast options provide a variety of styles, concrete may have fewer design options than other materials.
- Porosity: Concrete can absorb water, potentially causing cracking over time. Sealing treatments can help prevent this problem.
- Location: Take note of where you’ll install the balustrades as well as environmental factors like cycles of freeze-thaw or high moisture exposure.
- Design style: Select a style that complements your overall architectural theme, ensuring visual harmony.
- Building codes: Ensure that the design complies with local building regulations for safety and structural requirements.
- Weight limitations: Consult a structural engineer to determine whether your structure can safely support the weight of a concrete balustrade.
Comparison of glass, steel and concrete balustrades
| Feature | Steel | Concrete | Glass |
| Strength | High | High | Moderate |
| Durability | High | High | Moderate |
| Cost | Moderate-High | Low-Moderate | High |
| Versatility (styles) | High | Moderate | Low |
| Maintenance | Low | Low | Moderate |
| Aesthetics | Modern, industrial | Traditional, rustic | Modern, minimalist |
| Transparency | No | No | High |
| Weight | Light | Heavy | Heavy |
| Suitability for indoor use | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Suitability for outdoor use | Yes | Yes | Yes (with proper care) |
FAQs
Balustrades serve two primary functions: safety and aesthetics. They provide a barrier to prevent falls from heights and can enhance the visual appeal of your space.
Balustrades are commonly used on balconies, staircases, decks, terraces, walkways, and around pools.
Yes, you can paint most types of steel, but ensure proper surface preparation and use suitable paint.
Yes, you can paint or stain precast concrete balustrades for customization.
Glass can show fingerprints and smudges easily, requiring regular cleaning with appropriate cleaning products.
For weight limitations, aluminium might be a good alternative, offering a lighter option compared to steel or concrete while maintaining good strength.
Glass balustrades are the clear choice for maximising transparency and maintaining a clear view. Frameless designs offer the most unobstructed view, but framed options can still provide excellent transparency while adding a touch of definition.
Stainless steel is highly resistant to salt and corrosion, making it a good choice for coastal environments. Additionally, concrete can be a viable option with proper sealing to prevent water infiltration and potential salt damage.
Repairing damage, especially to structural components, is generally not recommended for non-professionals. It's crucial to ensure proper repairs are done to maintain safety and structural integrity. Consult a qualified professional for repairs.
Steel: Requires minimal maintenance, and occasional cleaning with a mild detergent to remove dust and dirt. Concrete: Requires minimal maintenance, periodic cleaning, and potential resealing depending on exposure and weather conditions. Glass: Requires regular cleaning with appropriate glass cleaners to maintain clarity and remove fingerprints and smudges. What is the purpose of a balustrade?
Where can I use a balustrade?
Can I paint a steel balustrade?
Can I add colour to a concrete balustrade?
How easy is it to clean glass balustrades?
I have a small balcony with a limited weight capacity. Which material is best?
I want a balustrade that allows for an unobstructed view. What are my options?
I live in a coastal area with high salt exposure. Which material is most suitable?
Can I repair a damaged balustrade myself?
How often does each material need maintenance?
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |