Having a balcony allows you to enjoy the warm evenings, drink in hand, watching the world go by. In fact, a balcony is considered one of the most desirable features in any apartment.
But, having a balcony means you are above the ground and that means you need a balustrade. It’s the best way of ensuring safety by preventing accidental falls.
All balustrades must be at least 1.2m tall. This is high enough to prevent you from falling over simply by leaning on it and overbalancing. While leaning on a balcony may never be advisable, most people do it.
Of course, knowing you need a balustrade is only the first part. It’s much more exciting to look at the variety of designs available. There are plenty to choose from but a reputable specialist in balustrade installations will make sure you get the right one for your home.
Glass
Glass is becoming one of the most popular choices for balustrades and it’s easy to see why. It can make as much or as little impact as you wish.
Glass balustrades can be plain, without supporting sections. This makes them almost invisible, great for enjoying the view or making it look like there isn’t a balustrade.
But, if you really want to make an impact you should consider etched glass. You can design any pattern you like to be etched into the glass, allowing your balcony to look stylish and unique. You can combine this with coloured posts to create a striking design that visitors won’t quickly forget.
It should be noted that glass needs very little maintenance and is exceedingly durable.
Steel
Steel has been popular as a balustrade for many years and with good reason. It is relatively easy to make and malleable enough to be created in a wide variety of shapes. Steel can also be powder coated or painted, ensuring you get the perfect colour for your balcony and home. This also helps to protect it against the elements.
You can choose an off-the-shelf design or create your own. Of course, a steel balustrade doesn’t create a complete barrier. You can still partially enjoy the view and allow the breeze in, which is useful on those hot summer days.
Wood Balustrades
Wooden balustrades have also been in existence for many years. They need to be designed and mounted correctly to offer the same level of security that steel and glass do. They also need more maintenance
But, wood is very easy to shape into any design you want, including adding ornate extras. It can also be painted any colour or colours you wish, ensuring it is the best way to add style and impact to your balcony.
Remember, this is your balcony and the best look is the one that appeals to you. After all, it’s you that lives there and looks at the balustrade daily. If you wish, you can even blend the materials above to create a unique and stylish balcony.
