The height of balustrading in the UK is governed by Building Regulations - 1100 mm being considered to be the optimum height for safety. 

The height is measured from finished floor level and should always be maintained at 1100 mm.

Note that if you are using decking you should ensure that this height is maintained especially if your project is subject to Building Control? Pay special attention to decking materials to ensure that your balustrade maintains the 1100 mm height from Finished floor level.

Talk to us first about fitting to timber decking.

Two further requirements under Building Regulations concern the type of glass that can be used and this is governed by the fall to the ground on the outside of your balustrade?

< than 600 mm we can use toughened glass.

> than 600 mm, we have to use toughened & laminated glass.

Spaces, Building Regulations stipulate that it should not be possible to pass a 100 mm spherical ball through any part of the balustrade - this rule prevents legs, arms and heads and pets from becoming stuck within the balustrade elements.

Building Regulations BS6180: 2011 advise:

"In dwellings and and other buildings which can be accessed by children under the age of 5, gaps in a barrier or infill should not be large enough to permit a sphere of 100mm diameter to pass through, making due allowance for deflection under load."

"The barrier and infill should be constructed so that a child cannot easily climb it".

Accordingly wired systems are not normlly suited to residential use for installations above 600 mm or any other building likely to be accessed by under 5's.

We would also suggest that this includes the elderly and vulnerable - this under the CDM Regulations.

You should be looking at how to fit your balustrade BEFORE creating a deck, terrace or balcony area - correcting mistakes later can be much more costly!

Concrete, Steel or Brick are the preferred fixing materials, typically we should be looking at 150 mm of concrete or solid brick.

A concrete trench 250 x 300 mm deep, suitably spaced concrete pads, 200 mm hollow concrete blocks can also be used for face fixing, for example on the edge of terraces, providing the void is filled with concrete.

RHS and flat steel sections are also an option.

Timber as a suitable fixing is possible but we suggest talking to us at an early stage as the requirements for each system vary.

If your decking is not compressable then possibly, timber, with additional timber sections underneath for fitting should be okay, as will be some composite systems, though not all.

For systems such as ClickitUp, Stainless Steel Post & Rail and Wired you should talk to us first for advice.

Yes but this is ubject to geographical limitations, please contact us if you would like to find out if we can install in your area?

Staircases fall under the Building Regulations, Approved Document K1 and K2.

In the design stages we work with you to ensure that staircases as installed remain fully compliant with Building Regulations.

No, there is no mimimum width determined within the Building Regulations but for staircases we suggest a minimum of 900 mm.

Many and too numerous to list here, but don't worry, we have produced a useful summary of the requirements contained within the Building Regulations.

To find our more: https://www.balustrad.co.uk/staircases---technical

Don't forget, working with you we take all of these requirements into account in your design.

One recurring issue with Cantilevered staircases is the wall that the treads need to be fitted to. These are often concrete block walls to a compressive strength of 3.6N/mm² - to correctly support a cantilevered staircase the blocks need to have a rating or 7.3N/mm².

If you have architects drawings, these can be of help.

Otherwise, visit our Request a Quote page on our website: https://www.balustrad.co.uk/request_a_quote

If we need further information we can always contact you.

Yes, we have standard lighting packs, designed to be installed recessed into the underside of each tread for a stunning lighting effect.

Other lighting options are also available, please talk to us.

Yes, but this is subject to geographical limitations, please contact us to find out if we can install in your area?

Yes we can, please check out our website for further information or contact us.

It depends on the effect that you want?

Composite systems have grown in popularity enormously over the last 10 years but they come often at a cost.

As with most things in life, quality varies and is often linked to price, so a deck system that is cheaper per m2, will likely require more work to the sub-structure eroding it's cost advantage.

Timber is still popular and the cheapest solution with widespread avalability, requires no special tools or skills to install but will require regular maintenance to ensure the best possible life-span.

We supply timber decking with a variation - thermally modifed timber decking brings with a significant number of advantages. So whilst it is more expensive to buy in the first instance, it has a lifespan that will match or beat the best composite systems with something most composite systems cannot match, the beauty of real timber.

No!

At entry level decking systems have hollow cores, these are often cheaper Chinese imports, are not necessarily cheaper in the finished article as they require more material to support the decking in the sub-structure, durability and longevity may also be an issue?

This does not mean that all solid systems are the same either, quality varies and with no standards to refer to choosing your referred supplier is not easy.

Look at what the support spans required are for the sytem - 400 mm between the sub-structure supports should be  a minimum, what is the stain resistance like, what guarantees do they offer and what are the terms?

Yes but it is still timber, just different!

We sell a thermally modified timber decking system - all of the beauty and character of timber, with none of the downsides and a life-span of 25 plus years, comparable to composite decking!

For further informaiton: https://www.balustrad.co.uk/thermowood/thermally-modifed-timber-decking

Or call us on 01932 800272

Any deck is only as good as to the sub-structure it is fitted to.

Fitting a composite or even our own thermally modified deck system to a softwood treated deck sub-structure puts your deck at risk of failure due to the timbers rotting away underneath your very feet.

We supply and fit thermally modified decking systems - with a lifespan of 25 years plus but we use either composite or aluminium deck sub-structures, to bring you complete peace of mind!

Yes - we can supply and install deck lighting to your needs.

We recommend using systems offering an IP Rating of 66 as decking is often hosed or even jet-washed down - this will ensure that not only will your decking look good but the lighting we install will continue to work.

Yes, subject to geographical restrictions, please contact us if you would like to find out if we cover your area?