Choosing the right balustrading can really complement the design of your home, whether development defining your living space, embracing a spectacular view, adding value to the property or simply making a personal statement - while also ensuring safety and protection. In planning staircases, for example, balustrading can be as important a consideration as the stairs themselves, with the style and materials used in the balustrade influencing not only the look of the stairs but of the entire building as well. Balustrades can be applied to a variety of situations, from an outdoor deck to a balcony, an indoor staircase to a mezzanine level, or a statement landing to poolside fencing.
It is important to choose your balustrading carefully, taking into consideration factors such as durability and maintenance, as well as style and aesthetics. Both glass and aluminium offer their own benefits: glass is ideal as an unobtrusive space divider and for giving unobstructed views, as well as acting as a wind breaker. It is ideal for meeting safety requirements while offering minimum intrusion and maximum enjoyment of surrounding views and environment. It is also the best for letting light through and with modern materials and standards, is very safe when designed and installed correctly. Its main drawback is cleaning, although we can provide a protective coating which will promote self-cleaning. Aluminium: on the other hand, is lightweight but of a strong construction and comes in a range of colours and finishes: in particular, the powder-coated finish is ideal for low maintenance, easy cleaning and resistance to wear and tear. Simple, sturdy and durable, aluminium is the perfect material for both indoor and outdoor areas.
Other things to consider when choosing a balustrade: include matching the balustrade style to the type of house or architecture, and matching the balustrade colours to the existing joinery.
Colours also play a part in the overall look for example, greens and browns are better for blending with the outdoor environment whilst metallic silvers are more suited to a modern look. Remember of course, that dark colours are always the easiest for cleaning!
