Metal Railings, Oak Handrails & Frosted Glass Privacy Screen — Bradway, Sheffield

Dio-Met was contracted directly by a residential client in Bradway, Sheffield (S17) to survey, design, manufacture and install a complete railing system for a raised rear terrace and garden steps. The package combined satin black metal railings, warm solid oak handrails, and a raised frosted glass privacy screen to shield the seating area from the neighbouring property.

Project overview

• Client type: Residential 
• Location: Bradway, Sheffield, S17 
• System: Dio-Met System 5 metal and glass balustrade- customised- System 5
• Material / finish: Mild steel, galvanized and powdercoated matt black RAL 9005 
• Handrail: Solid oak timber handrail on steel ribbon rail
• Glass: 10mm toughened obscure (frosted) privacy screen
• Fixings: Base-plated steel posts fixed to the sandstone terrace and steps
• Scope: Full turnkey: site survey, design, manufacture, delivery and installation

The brief

The client's rear terrace sits raised above the garden, with steps leading down to the lawn and a clear sightline into the neighbouring garden. Two things were needed: safe, compliant railings around the raised terrace and along the steps, and a way to make the seating area more private without closing it in or losing the view across the valley. Dio-Met handled the whole job directly, from the first survey through to the final install.

Design and fabrication

Dio-Met designed a System 5 railing layout to suit the terrace and the run of garden steps. The metalwork is mild steel, finished in satin black RAL 9005 powder coat for a clean, low-maintenance result that sits well against the brick and render of the house. A solid oak timber handrail runs along the top of the railings, bringing a bit of warmth to the black steel and giving a comfortable hand-hold on the steps.

For the privacy element, a raised screen of 10mm toughened obscure glass was mounted above the railing line on the neighbour side. The frosting lets light through while blocking the direct sightline into and out of the seating area, so the terrace stays bright but private. The clear glass balustrade visible on the adjacent property shows just how exposed the space would otherwise have been.

Survey, manufacture and installation

Dio-Met surveyed the terrace, step geometry and fixing positions on site before anything was made. The railings, posts, oak handrails and glass screen frames were then fabricated at our Sheffield factory and galvanized then powder-coated before delivery. On site, the base-plated posts were fixed down to the sandstone (through to the concrete below), the oak handrails fitted along the terrace and steps, and the toughened glass privacy panels installed into the screen posts to finish the job.

Expert insight

"A frosted privacy screen is the quiet hero of a job like this. People focus on the railings, but it's the obscure glass that actually lets you sit out on a raised terrace without feeling watched, and it does it without throwing the whole garden into shade."

Frequently asked questions

What glass is used for a privacy screen? For this project we used 10mm toughened obscure glass. Toughened (safety) glass is the standard for any external screen, and the obscure or frosted finish is what provides the privacy, letting daylight through while blocking the direct line of sight.

Can you add a privacy screen to railings or a balustrade? Yes. A raised glass screen can be designed to sit above a metal railing, as it does here, or integrated into a new balustrade from the start. We survey the site first so the screen height and posts suit the space and the sightline you want to block.

Why fit an oak handrail to metal railings? A timber handrail softens the look of black steel and gives a warmer, more comfortable grip, particularly on steps. Oak is hard-wearing and weathers well outdoors. It is a popular choice for garden and terrace railings where the metalwork is otherwise quite industrial.

Do garden and terrace railings need to meet building regulations? Where there is a drop, railings should meet the relevant guarding height and infill requirements under Approved Document K. Dio-Met designs to these standards as part of every railing and balustrade project.

Do you cover Sheffield and the surrounding areas? Yes. This project is in Bradway, a short run from our Sheffield factory, but we survey, design, manufacture and install railings, balustrades and handrails across the UK.

Explore more from Dio-Met

• Metal & Glass Balustrades
• Metal Handrails
• Railings and Gates
• Glass Balustrades
• View all our bespoke projects

Planning a similar railing or privacy screen?

Thinking about railings, an oak handrail or a glass privacy screen for your own terrace or garden? We'd be happy to help. Call us on 0114 243 9009 or email sales@diometonline.co.uk, or request a quote online.