Balustrade design: where safety and appearance meet

Infill spacing, post fixing and handrail continuity are the details that make a balustrade both safe and good looking.

A balustrade is a safety element first. Post spacing, fixing method and infill gaps are decided against the loading the barrier must resist, then the visual design is developed within those limits.

Fixing into the substrate is the most common weak point. Concrete, screed and steel edge conditions each require a different baseplate and anchor approach.

Handrail continuity, comfortable grip section and clean returns at the ends finish the job — details that are easy to see and easy to get wrong.