Think of a balustrade as a safety rail that also forms part of your home’s design. It’s a complete system made up of small posts (balusters) topped with a handrail, usually sitting at about waist height. You’ll find them anywhere there’s a drop or change in level, such as stairs, balconies, or raised decking.
In a home, a balustrade generally serves one of two purposes:
The Safety Guard
This is the health and safety role. Where there’s a significant change in level and a risk of falling - commonly from around 600mm or more, depending on the situation, regulations require a balustrade to provide protection. To be compliant, these typically need to be at least 900mm high on internal stairs and 1.1m high on external balconies and terraces.
The Visual Barrier
Sometimes the goal is simply to define a space, such as separating a patio from a garden or marking a boundary. While there may not always be a clear fall risk, the balustrade still needs to be strong enough to lean on and designed to complement the look of the home.
What are they made of?
Most modern homes use one, or a combination of these materials:
Glass: Popular for contemporary homes, keeping views open and making spaces feel larger.
Stainless steel or aluminium: Durable and low-maintenance, ideal for modern, industrial, or coastal settings.
Timber: A classic option such as oak or pine, adding warmth and commonly used for traditional staircases.
Wire rope: A clean, maritime-inspired look that works particularly well outdoors and is almost invisible from a distance.