A balustrade refers to columns of balusters that are laid over the edges of balconies and staircases to provide a barrier against falling. Balustrades also raise and support railing safety features, like handrails. Balustrades are made of many different types of materials, such as timber, glass, or steel, and are heavily associated with railing and outdoor protective structures.
Balustrades are used to create safety and support for balconies and staircases in a way that is durable and aesthetically pleasing. They can also let more air in, add security against falling, and create a solid place to grip when floors or stairs are slippery from the weather.
What is a Balustrade?
A balustrade is a cluster of balusters that are evenly laid out across a structure or railing space to hold a supporting barrier, creating an appealing and aesthetically striking form of railing. A baluster is a pillar, post, leg, or other form of sturdy structure that acts as an upright support for architectural railing.
The structure can be more simply defined as a row of columns with a rail support on top.
What is The Difference between a Balustrade and a Railing?
A railing is a long, unbroken line that is placed along the edge of raised architectural structures like a balcony or pool fencing. A balustrade is essentially a more decorative and elaborate type of normal railing. If a railing has rows of columns made from any materials underneath the supporting railing, those are the balustrades.
The term balustrade or railing is separate from the handrail, which is a safety feature added to the railing for greater personal stability.
What is the Difference between a Balustrade and a Balcony?
A Balcony is an outdoor platform extension where the floor is raised above ground level and is jutting out the side of the building, and closed off by railing and other protective structures. Balusters are added to the edges of a balcony to provide a protective barrier against falling, as well as add a stable and visually striking flair to the balcony’s edges.
Why Should I Install a Balustrade?
No matter what the material or design used is, a balustrade adds a much greater level of safety,stability and structural integrity when they have been properly installed by a qualified professional, and guarantees reliable protection against falling.
Glass balustrades especially add not only a striking look to any structure but an even higher degree of safety, as there is little to no space between the columns for any children or pets to slip through.
What is The Best Type of Balustrade?
The best type of balustrades will vary depending on the property and exactly what you want your building to look like. Pillar-like wooden balusters can add an older, more baroque flair to the railing, while glass balusters will perfectly fit into a more modern, minimalist style. The best type of balustrade for your property depends on your needs, the amount of maintenance you are comfortable performing, and the look you want for your home.
The main types of balustrades found in residential and commercial properties are stainless steel balustrades, glass balustrades, and wooden balustrades.
Stainless Steel Balustrades
Stainless steel balustrades are railings and columns made from rust and corrosion resistant metals.
- Pros Of Stainless Steel Balustrades: The cold and slick material of stainless steel balustrades makes them a suitable choice for the durability and appearance that a commercial building or public space may want. A steel baluster is tough, low maintenance and is highly resistant to harsh weather conditions.
- Cons Of Stainless Steel Balustrades: Stainless steel balustrades are one of the most expensive balusters to install. Steel may not be very suitable for homes, as it is cold to the touch, doesn’t have any sort of warm aesthetic, and is not very customisable, so there will be very few options available to match a residential aesthetic.
Glass Balustrades
Glass balustrades use wide panels of toughened safety glass that has been cut to size to properly fit into a railing structure.
- Pros Of Glass Balustrades: Glass balustrades are sturdy and highly durable due to the toughened safety glass that they are made of. Even when the materials have an opaque screen applied, glass materials allow for light to pass through the balusters, letting a homeowner or commercial premise take advantage of natural light or give better illumination to darker areas like staircases.
- Cons Of Glass Balustrades: Glass balustrades are more expensive to install than other styles, and there are limited customisation options in terms of colour of shapes that glass balustrades can take.
Wooden Balustrades
Wooden Balustrades are balusters that have been carved into a functional and aesthetic shape that is still capable of holding up railings or other support structures.
- Pros Of Wooden Balustrades: Wooden balustrades are cost-effective, have a classic look that is warm yet highly versatile, and wooden materials are highly customisable. Wood can be cut, spayed and painted to match any aesthetic a homeowner could want and is suitable for any indoor or outdoor design.
- Cons Of Wooden Balustrades: As with any timber materials, wooden balustrades are easy to scratch or damage and are very high maintenance, needing dedicated care to stay functional and attractive for as long as possible. Wooden structures are at a greater risk of rot and termites, and can also be a fire hazard on your property if it is installed.
Glass Balustrades At First Class Glass
At First Class Glass, we offer the North Shore region outstanding glass installations, repair and maintenance services that are guaranteed to be safe, durable and long-lasting. Whether you’re looking for a new shower screen or want to install safe and affordable glass balustrades to make your elevated structures safer, our team at First Class Glass is fully equipped and fully qualified to meet all your residential or commercial glass needs.
