FAQ
Q: What is a balustrade?
A: A balustrade is a fall prevention barrier which is used on balconies, staircases and any other elevated walkway. Balustrades come in many forms, such as glass, aluminium, stainless, stone and so on. We find that the combination of powder-coated aluminium and glass is the most cost-effective and view-enhancing solution.
Q: Do I require a balustrade? What’s the minimum height, and maximum gap?
A: Any floor height equal to or greater than 1000mm requires a certified 1000mm high balustrade with no more than 125mm gap. Stair balustrade can reduce its height to a minimum of 860mm from the nosing of the tread with a transition zone to the landing. If you have any concerns, please contact us.
Q: Do you ‘supply only’ or have any ‘DIY’ balustrade?
A: In some instances. All of our balustrades are customised for every project. These are fully fabricated, powder coated and installed to NCC and Australian Standards. If you have a large rural project that requires supply only balustrade, give us a call to discuss.
Q: Am I allowed to have horizontal bars or horizontal stainless steel wires as a balustrade?
A: Yes – however if the fall is more than 4000mm from proposed floor height to the surface below, then no ‘climbable’ element is permitted in that balustrade between 150mm and 760mm (which includes all horizontal bars and stainless steel wires).
Q: I have 30 metres of required balustrade. What is your standard price per metre?
A: There are many factors that can influence the price of your balustrade, including the number of metres, whether your balcony is curved, fall in heights, colour of glass, timber deck or concrete slab fixings, location and different powder coat colours. We are reluctant to offer approximate pricing over the phone as the price could change significantly after reviewing the plans. Please visit the REQUEST A QUOTE page to see what information we require to provide an accurate quote.
Q: Why can’t I have a frameless glass balustrade? My neighbour has one!
A: Revised Australian Glazing Standards were introduced in 2006, so it is likely your neighbour’s balustrade was installed prior to this. The new standards state that “If the balustrade is protecting a difference in level of equal to, or greater than, 1000mm, an independent or interlinking handrail is required…” However, innovative new technologies have developed a structural frameless glass balustrade that stays in place when broken – give us a call to discuss your requirements.
Q: Can I use 6mm glass (instead of 8 or 10 mm glass) because it’s cheaper?
A: Typically no – all balustrades must conform to the wind and load requirements set in AS1170 and AS1288.
Q: Why can’t I have 3m post centres? It would look better.
A: All balustrade must conform to load requirements set down in AS 1170.1-2002. As a general rule, post centres may not span greater than 1400mm to stay within these structural guidelines.
Q: I have a timber/tiled fibro deck. Does this affect the price?
A: Yes, and there are issues with tile breakage, water-proofing and fixing points under the deck. We highly recommend contacting ABnc prior to sheeting the deck to review noggin placements and installation methods.
Q: I want to completely change my pool fence. Do I require a permit?
A: Yes. Please contact your local council for further information. ABnc requires a copy of the council permit before we can commence any pool fencing modifications.
Q: I have a pool fence which has a fall greater than 1000mm on only one side of the pool deck. Can I continue my frameless glass around my pool to the area which includes the fall?
A: No. As stated above, any fall equal to or greater than 1000mm requires an interlinking handrail. There are alternatives though – please call us to discuss.