What is a Balustrade?

What is a balustrade?  This is one of the most common questions that we get asked!

A balustrade is a railing (handrail) and the row of balusters (posts) that support it.

And yes, it is spelt "balustrade", although it is commonly misspelt as ballustrad, ballustrade or balluster.

A balustrade can also be known as railing, rail, banister, handrail and parapet.

Balustrades are installed at the side/edge of a staircase or balcony to prevent people from falling. 

At Signature Stainless, we offer a number of balustrade designs to suit your balcony design, stair railing and deck railing.  

If you are looking for a glass balustrade, stainless balustrade, stair balustrade or even just a handrail, we will have the design to suit your needs! Please browse our photo galleries and have a look!

The big question we always get asked is if you use mirror finish or satin finish stainless steel....

We always recommend using a 316 grade stainless steel for all external applications. 

If you are anywhere near the beach (in our experience, even up to 20km away), you should use a mirror finish.

A 316 grade satin finish should only be used if you are away from the beach or if you are happy to be regularly cleaning and maintaining your stainless!

All internal applications can use a 304 grade satin finish stainless steel.  You would only use a mirror finish if that was the particular look that you are going for.