Handrails and Balustrades

Handrails in Balustrades

“A glass balustrade is often primarily used to guard a fall in height and frequently done so in conjunction with adjoining stairs that also require balustrades or handrails for safe access. Adding handrails to your balustrade system is often therefore not only a building regulation requirement, but also extremely functional for daily use….”

A handrail is not always required on the balustrade system itself on landings, mezzanines or other level areas (where laminated glass is used-refer to BS6180) but is generally a requirement for any steps, stairs or ramps in order to aid access and egress. Building regulations will typically require that any stairs with over 3 steps require a handrail.

There is also usually a requirement to infill any gaps in a handrail system (for domestic use) where it guards a fall in height over 600mm- thus becoming a ‘balustrade’. If there is no fall in height however, a simple handrail to the wall or on posts would suffice. There are multiple ways to install a handrail to your stairs and we can help to advise on the best solution.

Not everybody necessarily wants a handrail on their steps but consideration should be made for other users of your garden or home- what if grandma comes to stay for example?  And let’s face it, nobody is getting any younger so adding a handrail now is simply future-proofing the use of your stairs in years to come either for yourself, or the next occupants of the property.

We have a range of wall fixing handrails and door access handrails available in our webshop however many other handrail systems we create are totally bespoke and made to order, often as part of a larger balustrade order. So whether it’s a small single grab rail for your bathroom, or a huge walk-out balcony and spiral staircase, Dio-Met are able to assist.

All our handrails and balustrades are fabricated in our own Sheffield workshops and dispatched for DIY installation nationwide- we can also offer installation subject to project size and location.

Get in touch with us to discuss your staircase handrail and balustrade requirements on 0114 243 9009 or email us sales@diometonline.co.uk