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    • Steel, Glass & Iroko Hardwood Balustrade (Exeter)
    • Steel, Glass & Iroko Hardwood Balustrade (Exeter)
    • Steel, Glass & Iroko Hardwood Balustrade (Exeter)

    Project Portfolio: Hybrid Steel & Iroko Hardwood Balustrade (Exeter)

    Project Overview

    Client: Andrew

    Location: Exeter, Devon

    System: System 5 (Square Post) with Iroko Timber Handrail

    Scope: Design, manufacture, and installation of a rust-proof, galvanized, and powder-coated decking balustrade.

    Powdercoated Glass Decking Balustrade with Timber Handrail

    Traditional Meets Modern: The Hybrid Design

    For Andrew’s property in Exeter, the requirement was a balustrade that bridged the gap between a modern sun-trap deck and the traditional brickwork of the main house. The solution was a customized System 5 deck balustrade, focusing on high-contrast materials and long-term weather resistance.

    • Dual-Process Protection: To combat the coastal-adjacent Devon climate, all steelwork was first hot-dip galvanized and then powder-coated in a sleek black finish. This provides a double-layer defense against rust that far outlasts standard painted systems.

    • Organic Elegance: The system was finished with a bespoke 50x40mm Iroko hardwood handrail. Iroko is prized for its natural oils and durability, offering a premium "furniture-grade" feel to an outdoor safety structure.

    • Structural Precision: Utilizing 40x40mm square baluster posts and 10mm toughened safety glass, the system was designed via AutoCAD to ensure every glass panel matched the deck's specific footprint perfectly.

    modern glass balustrade with wooden rails
    Modern Glass Patio Balustrade

    Technical Expert Insight: Thermal Movement and Timber-to-Steel Integration

    When combining timber handrails with steel balustrade posts for an outdoor project like this one in Exeter, you must account for differential thermal expansion. Steel and hardwood react differently to the UK’s fluctuating temperatures and humidity. To prevent the timber from splitting or the fixings from loosening, we utilize a slotted-bracket internal fixing system. This allows the Iroko rail to "breathe" and move independently of the rigid steel posts while maintaining a rock-solid structural connection. Additionally, by using galvanized and powder-coated steel rather than just stainless steel, we provide a superior base for the timber's natural tannins, preventing the "tea-staining" or streaking often seen on lower-quality hybrid systems.

    Decking Balustrade with Toughened Glass and Iroko Handrails

    Nationwide Craftsmanship, Local Expertise

    Based in our Sheffield workshop, Dio-Met provides a complete design-to-installation service for clients throughout Exeter, Devon, and the wider UK. Our in-house team ensures that every hybrid system—from the structural steel to the finished timber—is installed to the highest safety and aesthetic standards.