What to Consider When Choosing Commercial Balustrades?

Key factors when choosing a commercial balustrade:

1. Material
   One key factor to consider when choosing a commercial balustrade for a project is the material it’s made from (aluminium, steel, timber, glass, etc.). To help you decide on the best option, ask yourself the following questions: What type of environment will it be used and installed in – indoors or outdoors? Do you need size and/or design customisation? Is it going to be primarily functional and/or also aesthetic? What type of finish does it require (brush paint, powder coating, etc.)? Is it a project requirement that the product of choice is made of a low-maintenance and long-lasting material?
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2. Design
   More and more often these days, modern architecture allows for more possibilities and customisation. There are more colors, materials, and designs to choose from than there used to be. Manufacturing has also evolved and there are suppliers prepared to deliver the required level of customisation and quality that will result in the creation of unique products made for a variety of building projects.
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3. Design configuration
   The next step is to choose the design configuration that your project requires: Does the project require single or multiple panels? If multiple panels: How will the panels be linked?
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4. Fixing
   What type of fixing does the balustrade need to have? Options can range from wall-mounted, face-mounted, top-mounted, and free-standing fixings options that can either rely on posts or on base plates – Options vary according to the building environment, floor substrate, number of panels, and balustrade design.

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Once you have chosen your balustrade type of material, design, configuration, and fixing, there are a few other factors that should also be taken into consideration. These include:

Cost

Prices for balustrades can be steep, but suppliers with experience in working with construction companies are willing to provide affordable options even for premium projects. On top of that, also keep in mind how much maintenance your product will require in the future and how much this factor is influencing your decision today.

Safety

The height of the balustrade is essential to its design. Apart from that, railings should also be designed to prevent falls and provide a secure barrier for people using them. As such, they must comply with the Australian standards for balustrades. You can read more about this topic on our previous blog, An Introduction to the Australian Standards for Balustrades.

Installation

It is crucial to consider the installation process of your balustrade. Can you install it yourself, or do you need specialised professional assistance and advice? Choosing a reliable supplier that is prepared to provide advice and easy-to-install systems can make a huge difference. Additionally, lightweight material alternatives are easier to install and may assist in reducing extra costs associated with transportation and delivery.

Durability & Maintenance

When choosing a balustrade, it is important to select a quality product that will last for many years. Balustrades made from durable materials that can withstand harsh Australian weather conditions and require little maintenance are ideal.

Supplier Reputation and Experience

It’s important to choose a reputable and professional supplier. Make sure you do your research before making a decision. Read reviews from other customers, ask for references, and choose a company with experience in advising and delivering quality and compliant products. This will ensure that your choice of balustrade material and system is made to fit your product and project requirements while also being cost-effective and reliable in the long term.

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Choose Environ Metal Designs as your aluminium balustrade supplier

Environ Metal Designs is a trusted and reputable local supplier of modern aluminium balustrades for residential and commercial projects. We supply custom aluminium balustrades and specialise in advice and manufacturing premium aluminium products tailored for construction professionals and their clients. All our products adhere to industry standards and are guaranteed to be of excellent quality.

Get in touch today to learn more about our products and how we can help you choose the best balustrade option for your project.

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