Material selection for handrails and balustrades: A specifier's guide

The design and construction of handrails and balustrades is a crucial issue that may expose an architect, designer, specifier, builder or contractor to expensive litigation if poorly thought out, executed, and especially if failure occurs. Accordingly, it is important to choose a material that complements your design goals. The selected material must be functional rather than merely decorative, perform in accordance with safety requirements, and live up to all expectations in terms of appearance and durability.

Material Selection for Handrails and Balustrades: A Specifier’s Guide discusses all the factors you need to consider when selecting materials for handrails and balustrades. First, we consider the importance of assessing site conditions and identifying materials that can withstand corrosive environments. We then consider the range of design considerations relevant to selecting materials for handrails and balustrades, including the intended use,  fixings and connectors, structural properties, details and finishing, and aesthetics. Finally, we compare common handrail and balustrade materials, and their respective pros and cons.

Moddex are Australasia’s leading manufacturer of modular, no-weld, hot dip galvanized barrier systems. Pre-engineered for structural integrity, their proprietary systems are load tested and configured to Australian and New Zealand Standards (AS/NZS), Workplace Health and Safety guidelines (WHS/OSH), Australia’s National Construction Code (NCC/BCA) and the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC).

Download this whitepaper to learn about all the factors you need to consider when selecting materials for handrails and balustrades.