Balcony Railing Designs
Things to Consider for Balcony Railing Designs
Balcony railings serve a dual purpose to your home. Not only does it offer a safety aspect in providing a barrier, it also acts as a way for you to add your own designs to the exterior of your house. Balconies enclose a space so that it becomes the perfect in-between space from inside to outside. It is a place where you can relax and enjoy the outdoor weather and views with a certain level of protection from other factors such as the sun, wind, or rain.
There are countless balcony railings you can choose from and you can even customize it to be personally designed. Below are some factors to consider to make sure your balcony railing designs are top quality.
Material
Choosing your material is one of the first steps to making the balcony railing a reflection of your style. Whether you decide on wood, metal or glass, you should have it match the style of the rest of your house. For a vintage, old-fashioned look, go with a stained wood. If your house is modern, then incorporating glass or stainless steel will to add to the contemporary feel.
Glass is a great material to use as it provides for a full view from your balcony. It is also easy to clean and will not require much maintenance. The material also provides for automatic protection against the wind, a significant benefit over traditional railings.
Metal has its specialities as you can use it for different designs. The structural integrity is also high and can hold up against extreme weather conditions. Metal is an excellent material to use for lattice designs, and with the current technology, you can practically make any pattern you want. From intricate designs to imprinting photographs, you will be able to use your imagination to create an innovative design.
Wood can be difficult to use because it is not the most convenient to maintain and can be prone to damage and is least likely to last in harsh weather conditions. However, it has its specialties because of the texture and is often a first choice due to the rest of the design of the house. It also adds a certain charm to the home. Wood is also an excellent material to use for balcony frames although is becoming a less popular choice.
Balustrade System and Railing Codes
When installing a balcony railing, you will need to brush up on your local building codes. Make sure your balcony railing design follows all the regulations in your local area. Examples of regulations include the distance of the balusters that run vertical on the top and bottom rails, an overall height of 1100mm generally. For safety reasons, the gap between balusters will not be able to exceed a certain distance of 100mm. It will not matter if there is a little variation in the spacing of the balusters as it will most likely go unnoticed. However, it is important to remember that balcony railings are first meant for safety and second for design.
It is always best to take advice from your local building control when constructing such a balcony or balustrade to ensure what your install meets their requirements.
Keep these things in mind, and you will have a great balcony that you will enjoy using. At DioMet, we offer a variety of balcony railing designs for you to choose from. Check out our website or contact us at 0114 243 9009 for more information.
Further Reading :
Adding a balcony or balustrade
Tinted glass balustrade installation
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