What is Balcony Balustrading?

Both public and private balconies are required to have some form of safety barrier to prevent falls.

Ensure your balcony is in line with the latest building regulations whilst looking the part with balcony balustrading, tailored to your environment.

At ZU Balustrades, we make updating and installing new architectural metalwork simple, with stunning modular balustrade systems designed for reliable safety.

Balustrade Definition

A balustrade is an architectural element made up of a railing above a set of posts (balusters) or infill panel. The structure is often used at height to prevent falls, but it can also be used to section areas or guide the movement of people.

You’ll commonly find balustrades on mezzanines, stairs, balconies and patios.

Balustraded Balcony

You’ll commonly find balustrades on mezzanines, stairs, balconies and patios.

Types of Balcony Balustrades

The type of balustrade you choose will be dependent on your balcony type and environment, such as commercial, industrial and domestic spaces.

Commercial Balconies

Balustrades suitable for public and commercial spaces, including education facilities, entertainment venues, retail shops, service providers, healthcare facilities and more.

Industrial Balconies

Industrial spaces such as warehousing and distribution centres, processing centres, factory units and office blocks may also require balcony balustrades.

Domestic Balconies

New build and refurbishment housing, apartment blocks and flats are all domestic property types that feature balconies.

Balustrade Materials

Balustrades can also be categorised by material. They are commonly constructed from stone, wrought iron, other metals such as stainless steel, and glass or glazing.

Stone Balustrades

Stone balustrades are reminiscent of Renaissance architecture. Whilst unusual in the present-day UK, they may be found in heritage and historic properties where they are a durable and decorative feature.

Wrought Iron and Metal Balustrades

Balustrades can also be manufactured from wrought iron and other metals. Wrought iron offers a heritage feel without the price tag of stone, however it is more costly than other metals.

One of the most popular balustrade materials is stainless steel. Stainless steel offers durability, corrosion resistance and a contemporary aesthetic with numerous coloured finishes available.

Glass and Glazed Balustrades

Glazing is the most contemporary balustrade style. It offers minimal obstruction to views and is subject to strict regulation to maintain public safety.

Building regulations state glass balustrades must be manufactured from specific glass types (safety-grade, laminated and toughened glass only) and must meet load requirements of the application, ensuring the glass panel is safe for use.

Glazed balustrades can be framed with stainless steel or left frameless.

ZU Balustrades works with mild and stainless steel, wire and glass to create modular balustrade systems – easy to order and simple to install!

Got a question?

Balustrades vs Railings

‘Balustrade’ and ‘railing’ are often used as interchangeable terms, though there are slight differences in the two structures.

A railing is typically a single continuous structure that prevents falls, whilst a balustrade refers to a structure complete with a handrail and infill, like a panel or vertical posts.

Both railings and balustrades can be used to prevent falls from balconies, provided they are designed in line with UK building regulations.

This includes design stipulations in Approved Document K that discourages children from climbing the structure or passing through balustrade gaps.

Types of Balcony Railings

Iron, Metal and Cable Railings

As with balustrades, metals such as wrought iron and stainless steel offer durability and strength for railings.

Wrought iron provides an ornate and traditional design, whilst stainless steel is more cost effective and contemporary in its finish.

Cable is the most economic metal railing design and is robust in harsher environments, such as coastal areas.

Wood Railings

Wooden railings are more likely to appear in indoor environments, particularly within domestic and commercial spaces. They provide a warm and rustic feel.

Glass Railings

Glass railings refer to a contemporary glass panel, which can either be framed or frameless, depending on aesthetic requirements for the structure.

Balustrade Regulations

Balustrades are subject to several regulations to ensure they operate properly.

Are balustrades required on balconies?

Approved Document K and M are key building regulations that outline balustrade regulations in the UK. They state balustrades are required where flooring levels change, as this creates a height difference which could cause a fall.

Balustrades are required where the height difference is 600mm in domestic properties between adjacent levels. For commercial and industrial properties, the height difference is 380mm or more. Because of this, balustrades are required on balconies in most cases.

What’s the minimum height for a balustrade?

The minimum height for a balustrade depends on the application. In domestic properties, the minimum height for balustrades in front of windows is 800mm. For stairs, edges of internal floors, landings and ramps, the minimum height is 900mm. It increases for exterior balconies – the minimum height in this application is 1100mm.

Commercial and industrial properties often have stricter regulations due to being accessed by the public, higher footfall and other factors. For internal areas, a minimum height of 900mm is often required, whilst external spaces may require balustrades of 1100mm.

Why Install a Balustrade?

Not only are balustrades a legal requirement on balconies, but they can be preferrable to other types of safety barriers for a number of reasons.

Balustrades are decorative with customisable and flexible design, meaning they complement a range of existing architecture. This also means they can be as private or open as required by the environment.

Balustrades provide less view obstruction than walls or fences but more security than railings, whilst still creating defined areas through your property.

Why Choose ZU Balustrades for Your Next Balcony Balustrading?

Looking to upgrade, update or install a new balcony?

We make it quicker and easier to get quality, made to measure balustrading. Our online order system means our customers can find all their balustrade requirements in one place, for all types of balconies and balcony designs.

With our balustrade systems designed and manufactured in-house, you can be assured of the performance, durability and aesthetic quality of your balustrading.

Barratt West Midlands acknowledges with grateful thanks, the invaluable support provided by Gatehouse Architectural Limited who worked as a member of the site team under the supervision of the Pride in the Job Quality Award winning manager Luke Darby at Norton Farm, Bromsgrove - September 2018

It has been an absolute pleasure.

Luke Darby
Site Manager at Norton Farm, Bromsgrove