Balustrade Accessories

A baluster is an essential part of a balustrade. Balusters are vertical posts or legs on railings, evenly spaced and connected to form a fence with a handrail on the top and a base rail at the bottom. In other words, a balustrade is a set of vertical baluster posts joined together. It can be found indoors or outdoors in New Zealand, as decorative fencing of a balcony, porch or staircase. 

A balustrade post can also be a newel post, which is not exactly the same as a baluster. These are larger supporting posts usually found at the starts and ends of a staircase, or wherever it’s changing a direction. These types of balustrade posts are topped with a cap and can be round, flat, or pyramid-shaped. 

Wrought iron balusters can add a lot of personality and character to stairways or railing system, especially in traditional and transitional settings. From European to Gothic style, with polished or powder-coated finishes, wrought iron features architectural splendour combined with professional craftsmanship that lasts for generations. Modern designer wrought iron balusters offer fresh, attractive looks that fit the 21st-century architecture.

Timber balusters are commonly paired with traditional staircases in New Zealand; however, these can work equally well with contemporary, modern and transitional styles. Timber balusters are mostly found in forms of stair wood spindles or pickets, making one of the most critical structural members of a balustrade. Wooden balustrade posts provide support for the handrail and strengthen the whole system. They can be created of any common species of timber available.

Glass balustrade fittings usually feature stainless steel posts in New Zealand, combined with toughened glass to create a semi-frameless barrier. A handrail completes this kind of setting. 

Structural glass systems commonly employ very thick glass. They do not require vertical metal posts, using a variety of balustrade accessories like “glass clamps” or “lugs” to hold the panels instead. Some glass balcony systems can be applied with no, or very few, vertical supports.

They make a versatile setting, ideal for balconies, patio areas, or terraces with a view. Although minimal in size, these make an effective safety system, available in a number of options in New Zealand such as base, core, edge, or side-mounted. It’s possible to create personalised designs through glass coloured tints that also act as a privacy screen.

Square balustrade posts are commonly found in modern, stainless steel forms, paired with glass panels and an attractive top rail. These are equally fit for both outside and inside areas, as a finishing touch to contemporary staircases, balconies, or pool areas. It’s a cost-effective and easy to install solution that complies with building regulation requirements. 

Round post made of stainless steel is popular as an attractive part of cable railing systems. This balustrade hardware can be broken down into three sets of components, posts, top rail components and cable infill. Many round post railing systems come pre-drilled, constructed with mechanical threaded connections to ensure the most precise and secure fitting.