Product Considerations

6/03/2014

When choosing a suitable material for your balcony/stairs/pool fence etc. each material has its own set of considerations, and the significance of these considerations vary for each individual project. This can make the decision process daunting and confusing. This article aims to assist in the decision making process, by highlighting the considerations for each material and then comparing each of our products under some common characteristics in a simple grid (FIG 1.1).

Aluminium

Aluminium is an inexpensive option and is very low maintenance, which is good if you have small children.
Aluminium is extremely durable and is suitable for all weather conditions.
On a balcony/pool fence, aluminium will slightly obstruct views of the pool or from the balcony.
Increased safety with the glazed options, however, all our products are built to comply with stringent Australian Standards and BCA codes.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a ‘must have’ product and is very aesthetically pleasing. It can be mixed with glass for a stylish and contemporary look.
If you live near the coast, stainless steel is not recommended for outdoor use. This is because the sea air causes the steel to ‘tea-stain’, which makes the steel look like it’s rusting. A lot of cleaning and maintenance is required to prevent ‘tea-staining’.
Stainless steel is more expensive than aluminium for most balustrade applications.

Glass

Glazed options include- framed glass with aluminium/stainless steel, semi-frameless glass or fully frameless.
Glass is very aesthetically pleasing and creates unobstructed views.
Prices vary significantly in glazed balustrading, with framed being the least expensive.
High maintenance/cleaning, especially if you have young kids, who can smudge the glass.
Glass balustrading is very safe, as children/adults cannot climb on it.
Glass acts as a great wind barrier and creates warmth in hilly or coastal areas. This is especially beneficial in the winter months.

Strand Wire

Strand wire is a very modern and contemporary look.
The BCA codes have got very strict on strand wire and the amount of wires required, so it can look very busy.
Similiar to aluminium, strand wire is easy to maintain.
This is a premium product, and can be more expensive than aluminium or glass.

	Aluminium	Stainless Steel	Framed Glass	Semi-frameless Glass	Frameless Glass	Strand Wire
Suitable for	All applications	Balconies, stairs, fencing, pool fencing	Balconies, pool fencing, stairs, privacy screens, fencing	Balconies, pool fencing, stairs, privacy screens, fencing	Balconies, pool fencing, stairs, fencing	Balconies, stairs
Style/colour options	Extensive range of designs and powdercoat colours. Choice of handrails	Option of stainless steel balusters or stainless steel with glass. Choice of handrails.	Extensive range of designs and powdercoat colours. Choice of handrails.	Extensive range of designs and powdercoat colours. Choice of handrails.	Fixed to aluminium channel or straight to concrete. Extensive powdercoat colours for base channel. Choice of handrails.	Choice of handrails
Safety	Must not contain a ‘toe-hole’ or anything that enables climbing A 125 mm sphere must not be able to pass through the balustrade openings.	Same BCA codes apply as aluminium. Very safe when paired with glass, as cannot climb balustrade	Very safe, as cannot climb balustrade	Very safe, as cannot climb balustrade	Very safe, as cannot climb balustrade	Need a lot of wires to meet current BCA codes, therefore can look very busy.
Wind/Weather Protection	Limited	Excellent, when paired with glass.	Excellent	Excellent	Excellent	Limited
Aesthetic Appeal	Obstructed views	Unobstructed views, when paired with glass. Obstructed views with steel rods.	Unobstructed views	Unobstructed views	Unobstructed views	Obstructed views
Maintenance	Lowest maintenance	Low maintenance (except in outdoor use in coastal areas or if paired with glass)	More maintenance with glass (especially if you have small children)	More maintenance with glass (especially if you have small children)	More maintenance with glass (especially if you have small children)	Low maintenance (except in outdoor use/coastal areas)
Cost/Value for Money	Inexpensive option	Premium product	Lowest cost glazed option	Middle range	Premium product	Premium product

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