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If you’re looking for a stylish and practical way to make your deck stand out, our balustrade installation guide could be just what you’re looking for. Balustrade railings are a cheap, aesthetically pleasing and sturdy way to make composite decking safer and abide by building regulations.
As our composite balustrade railings are made of composite materials, they offer many of the same benefits as our composite decking when compared to alternatives such as wood. They are more durable and longer lasting, with greater resistance to weather, cracking and splintering. They can also match perfectly with new or existing composite decking.
Our composite balustrade railings are easy to install, and our handy guide will tell you everything you need to know about how to fit decking balustrade.
In this article, we will cover:
Balustrade railings are a type of safety barrier consisting of a handrail set over a row of small posts known as balusters (hence the name). They can make decking areas safer, especially on raised platforms and stairs. Balustrades or a similar barrier are usually required under building regulations for decking areas that are more than 60cm from ground level, but they can also be used for decoration and safety on lower levels.
Our composite balustrade railings are made from an eco-friendly blend of recycled wood and plastic. This offers superior durability and resistance to weather, splintering, cracking and staining.
Just like our composite decking and composite fencing, Dino Decking’s composite balustrades offer superior durability and strength. Our Premium range of composite balustrade railings and posts also includes our Dino Shield™ polymer sleeve for even greater resistance against stains, fading, scratches and mould.
Dino Decking provides a warranty of up to 10 years with its products, including composite balustrade posts and composite balustrade railings, for extra peace of mind.
Here are some of the pros of composite balustrade railings:
Although they do have plenty of benefits, composite balustrades are not the perfect choice for everyone. Composite balustrades can cost more than timber alternatives, though the upfront costs may be recouped over time due to composite material’s longevity. Some people may also prefer wooden balustrades that can be more easily painted, or even toughened safety glass for its unique aesthetic.
Here are some of the cons of composite balustrade railings:
When considering how to install composite deck railing, an important element is having the right tools to hand.
These include:
You will also want to wear safety gear such as safety glasses, boots and gloves.
Before you start, you should make sure that you have all your tools and materials to hand, with the correct safety gear and the construction area free from obstructions. You also need to have a composite deck in good condition and ready to be built upon.
You will also need to adhere to building regulations when installing your composite balustrade railings. Building regulations are a legal requirement and the pertinent instructions here are from ‘Part K: protection from falling, collision and impact’ of the Building Regulations 2010.
They state that in residential settings, any change in floor level exceeding 600mm (60cm) requires a balustrade or similar guarding solution. For commercial or public spaces, the threshold is lower at 38cm.
External balustrades in these situations must have a minimum height of 1100mm (110cm). Building regulations also state that the design must prevent a 100mm (10cm) sphere from passing through. This is to reduce the possibility of children passing through gaps in the struts or becoming trapped.
You must have access to the subframe of your deck, as the post needs to be securely anchored. Standard or premium posts can also be anchored into concrete. Mark where your posts will be, using string to ensure that they are correctly aligned. Pre-drill holes for the post.
Composite posts tend to have a steel frame and a composite sleeve for extra strength. Bolt the steel post to the base and slide the composite sleeve over the top.
You may need to cut the handrails as an optional step if the rail is shorter than the gap between the posts. Here’s how to cut composite railing: use a fine-tooth carbide blade on a circular saw or mitre saw for straight cuts, and a jigsaw with a fine-tooth blade for curves.
Measure and mark where the spindles will be placed on both the upper and lower rails. Note that there may already be pre-drilled holes in the top and bottom rails. The gaps between spindles should never be more than 99mm. As noted, building regulations state that a 100mm sphere should not be able to pass through the gaps.
Attach the bottom rail to the deck. This may require a masonry frame screwed right through to the substructure.
If you want to know how to install composite deck stair railing, note that the process is essentially the same, but the posts will be on different levels, the handrails will be at an angle, and the bottom rail will attach by the steps.
Attach the spindle inserts to the rails. These inserts are where the spindles will sit when installed. Screw them firmly into place, ensuring that they are sitting squarely.
The L-bracket needs to be flush against the top handrail to add extra stability. Screw into place at each end of the handrail and repeat for each section.
The spindles can now be pushed down into the appropriate spaces in the spindle inserts. If they need extra pressure, they can be carefully tapped into place with a rubber mallet.
Place the top handrail into position and line up the spindles to the right places. Push the handrail down onto the spindles.
Screw the vertical side of the L-bracket to the composite post. This is what attaches the handrail to the posts and locks it into place.
The post caps should simply slide into place on each composite post to add the finishing touch.
Balustrades are not usually needed with low-level decking, but they will generally be necessary on stairs or a raised deck. They may be a requirement under building regulations for decks that are 60cm over ground level or that have levels that are 60cm apart.
Composite material, which blends recycled plastic and wood, is very popular and has numerous benefits. It is tough and durable, and resistant to weather and UV rays. However, we also offer stainless steel balustrade railings for those who prefer them.
It can differ depending on the manufacturer, but Dino Decking starts at an affordable £49.99 per piece or post. Premium railings and balustrade posts start at £59.99 per piece. Composite balustrade tends to have a long life compared to timber, which can make it more cost-effective in the long run.
You can cut composite balustrade easily with the right saw blades. You may well have to cut balustrade to have it perfectly fit the dimensions of your deck.
If you have an existing railing and some spare composite decking boards, you can fix them to the top of the railing to make a broader, flatter surface.
A composite balustrade can add a stylish look to your outdoor areas, but is also an important safety feature, especially for raised or multi-level decks. In some cases, balustrades may be a requirement under building regulations.
Composite balustrades are a great choice as they are durable, resilient and long-lasting. If you’re looking to replace an existing balustrade or install a new one, take a look at our range of classic and premium balustrades, which come in various colours, as well as matching composite decking and other accessories. We also provide a beautiful stainless steel balustrade option if you decide that composite balustrades are not for you.
Our sample pack contains a sample piece of each colour currently available. Order your free sample pack today to compare the colours and get a true feeling of the Dino Decking range!
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