Stairs & Staircases

External Stairs & Balustrading

There are different types of external stairs, from car park staircases to fire escape stairs. External staircases are quite common on multi-level apartment buildings, shopping malls, schools and universities. They can be decorative or just functional as an additional exit or entry point. Fire escape stairs, of course, are built to special specifications and serve as an exit in case of fire. Whatever the purpose, the materials used to build the staircase must be durable and capable of lasting through harsh weather conditions.

External balustrades serve both an important safety function and a key aesthetic purpose. External balustrades are used in pool fencing, external stairs, playground fencing, balconies/porches/verandas, ramps for the disabled and so on.

Stradbroke External Balustrades

Slattery & Acquroff, Australia’s oldest stair builder, can supply all types of timber staircases in a range of styles, as well as a large variety of balustrading and hand rails. Their signature design for external balustradesis the Stradbroke External balustrade. This balustrade design features timber and stainless steel, and is built to be sturdy and withstand outdoor weather conditions. This classy style makes a statement in your outdoor living space, whether on stairs or a balcony.

Stradbroke balustrading has a modern look with warm touches of timber that will suit any home, while the fine lines of the stainless steel balusters will complement your view and enhance your entertainment area or decking. The handrail is made of uniquely shaped timber with rounded edges- a perfect resting place for your favourite drink.

The Stradbroke system comprises of 16mm diameter stainless steel vertical rods, as well as 38mm diameter stainless steel staunchions in lieu of timber posts if a more contemporary style is wanted. So it can be installed with or without timber newel posts. This balustrade system is available in both supply only and supply & install pricing options.

Domestic Uses of Balustrades

When choosing the style of balustrade and the material it is made of there are important architectural factors to take into consideration, but also a host of other factors. There are many styles of balustrades that come in a range of materials to complement your interior and exterior design parameters. These could include outlook balustrades, horizon balustrades, stradbroke balustrades or aspect balustrades. There is also a wide range of materials- from glass, perspex, stainless steel, wrought iron, and hardwoods.

Balustrades can also be an important safety feature though. Used to provide barriers in both residential and industrial environments, it is important to choose a style that will be practical as well as stylish. For example, balustrading can be employed in play areas, fences, handrails and panels in the home to prevent children from injuring themselves on stairs, balconies or platforms. It is especially important in safety fencing around a home pool.

Municipal and Industrial Balustrades

They also serve an important function outside the home with handrail solutions for the disabled in shops, schools, businesses, and so on. Using balustrades on ramps must comply with the latest standards and legal requirements however. Other places where balustrades play an important safety function include showrooms, exhibitions, parks, and in pallet handling areas. It can also be used by the municipality for pedestrian control. This could include direction and access control systems as well as collapsible barriers and gates. They can also be used as bollards to prevent vehicle entry to designated areas. Finally they can be used to create vandal resistant rails, fences, benches, and so on.

Furthermore, they can be used industrially as mezzanine safety balustrades and barriers, on stairways, for gates on ladder tops, with pallet safety gates, general safety rails, and tube and ball systems.