When choosing balustrades for your home or business, you’ll need to consider a variety of factors such as aesthetics, durability, maintenance and cost. You can choose from a variety of balustrade materials, offering unique benefits as well as potential drawbacks to consider.

In this guide, we’ll help explain the various balustrade materials and help you make an informed decision. We will discuss four popular materials, including glass, wood, aluminium and stainless steel, as well as modular balustrade systems and traditional balcony options.

Keep reading to learn more.



What is a balustrade?

A balustrade is a railing system used for both interior and exterior applications. It consists of a top rail, balusters or spindles, the hardware needed to secure the system and occasionally a bottom rail, posts, post caps and decorative balls or finials.

For any home or building, you can find a balustrade system that will suit your style and requirements. From framed glass balustrades to traditional balconies and glass bannisters, we believe there is a balustrade to suit everyone.

Here is a breakdown of the different balustrade materials.

Framed glass balustrades

Framed glass balustrades are a beautiful contemporary choice for your home or business. They provide a sleek aesthetic that is ideal for homes or offices.

One of the key benefits of glass balustrades is that they allow for unobstructed views which can make your space feel larger and more open. They also allow more natural light to flow through, helping to increase brightness and reduce the need for artificial lighting - which is particularly beneficial for staircases and balconies. Framed glass balustrades are available in frosted, tinted or clear and can be customised to suit different design preferences.

There are a few things to consider when it comes to glass balustrades, as they do require slightly more maintenance. Glass often shows fingerprints, smudges and dirt more readily than other materials, so that’s something to bear in mind. However, for most buildings, this simply means wiping the glass down once a week or so to maintain their pristine appearance.

If safety is a worry for you, then it's important to know that tempered glass is very strong, making glass balustrades very durable and long-lasting. Toughened glass can offer seven times more strength than normal glass, however, some manufacturers will use Cast in Place (CIP) laminated glass because of its resistance to shattering.

Wood balustrades

Wood balustrades offer a timeless and warm aesthetic, complementing both traditional and contemporary designs. They can be crafted from various types of wood, each providing unique grain patterns and colours. This means that you can pick and choose whichever style of wood will best suit your property. Additionally, wood can be easily carved and shaped into intricate designs, allowing for highly personalised balustrades.

You can choose from a wide range of wood balustrades. The natural feel of wood is appealing to many homeowners, as it is a much warmer and cosier material in comparison to glass balustrades.

You will have to consider that wood requires regular maintenance, including staining, sealing or painting, to protect it from moisture, pests and wear - particularly if you are using it outdoors. Wooden balustrades are prone to rot, which means without the right upkeep and maintenance, you may need to replace them after a few years.

While wood balustrades can vary in price, depending on the type of wood and craftsmanship, wood balustrades can generally be picked up at a relatively affordable price point.

Aluminium balustrades

Another option for balustrades is aluminium. Aluminium is resistant to rust and corrosion, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. It can withstand harsh weather conditions without deteriorating.

It is also lighter than most metals, making it easier to install and handle.

Unlike wood, aluminium requires minimal maintenance. It doesn't need painting or sealing, and occasional cleaning with soap and water keeps it looking new. These factors make it a great choice for many properties and can provide a beautiful contemporary look to any building.

While aluminium is strong, it isn’t as strong as steel. For high-traffic areas or heavy-duty applications, additional reinforcement might be needed. They can be powder-coated in various colours, although they may lack the warmth of wood or the transparency of glass.

Although generally less expensive than stainless steel, high-quality aluminium balustrades are a worthwhile investment. Aluminium balustrades are also fire-resistant, making them much safer than other options, as well as being eco-friendly due to their long lifespan.

Stainless steel balustrades

Finally, another popular choice for balustrades is stainless steel. Stainless steel is one of the strongest materials available for balustrades. It offers exceptional resistance to rust, corrosion and impact, making it suitable for high-traffic and outdoor areas and a safe choice for balconies.

Stainless steel provides a sleek, polished appearance that complements contemporary architectural styles. Its reflective surface adds a touch of sophistication. Another key advantage is that stainless steel requires minimal upkeep. It does not need painting or sealing and is easy to clean with standard cleaning products. So, if you’re looking for balustrades that don’t need much maintenance while providing a beautiful modern look, stainless steel balustrades are a great choice.

Stainless steel balustrades can be more expensive than other materials, both in terms of material costs and installation. However, once they are installed, they will likely last for decades, making them a worthwhile investment.

One thing to note is that in extreme weather conditions, stainless steel can become very hot or very cold to the touch, which might be a consideration for handrails. Additionally, while stainless steel is modern and sleek, it may not blend well with all architectural styles, particularly a more rustic or traditional balcony.

Which modular balustrade system will you choose?

Now we have explained four of the most popular balustrade materials, we hope your decision is a bit easier to make. Here is a quick rundown to help you choose the right one.

-      Glass Balustrades: Ideal for modern spaces where light and visibility are priorities. Require regular cleaning and are generally more expensive.

-      Wood Balustrades: Offer a classic, warm aesthetic with the potential for intricate designs. Require regular maintenance and can be susceptible to damage.

-      Aluminium Balustrades: Durable, lightweight and low maintenance, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Provide an industrial look and might need reinforcement for heavy-duty applications.

-      Stainless Steel Balustrades: Extremely strong, durable and low maintenance with a modern appearance. More expensive, but offer long-term value.

If in doubt, speak to your local balustrade company. They can help you select the balustrade material that best fits your functional needs and enhances the beauty of your home or business.

TSS Balustrade Centre - Framed Glass Balustrades & More

At TSS Balustrade Centre - operated by Tube & Steel Suppliers Ltd since 1999 - we are a leading balustrade supplier offering domestic and commercial clients in the Newport area with quality balustrade installations.

Whether you’re looking for framed glass balustrades or modular balustrade systems, we’re here to help. We take a lot of pride in the quality of our workmanship and customer service - a standard which has led to many longstanding partnerships with contractors across the country. Every system we supply has undergone rigorous quality checks to make sure that they are fully compliant, so you can trust us with the safety of your home or business.

Our team provides a highly personalised service from start to finish. When working with us, you’ll be assigned a project manager, who will directly oversee your project. This quality service begins at the enquiry stage and your project manager will stay with you all the way through to aftercare. We directly employ all of our installation staff, which allows us to be extremely flexible when responding to clients' busy schedules.

If you’re ready to get started with your balustrade installation, get in touch with our team today. A friendly member of our team will be happy to help.