Timber Balustrades

Timber Balustrades

Wood is warm, comfortable, and used to be the ultimate solution for interior balustrades for a long time. It's still preferred as a natural material in residential architecture over other, manufactured or engineered options. Different types of wood species allow for creative freedom, as it's possible to use diverse timber and a variety of finishings to create different effects.

Wooden balustrade designs can be stunning, ranging from traditional to very modern. It is a robust and dense material, able to last for decades with some proper maintenance. To keep a modern look, opt for a glass balustrade.

Benefits of Timber Balustrade

Wooden balustrade can greatly enhance the appearance of a residential or commercial staircase. Timber has long been a favourite material of crafters and interior designers, due to the classical values, versatility and warmth. Its sturdiness provides enough security for a supporting barrier, while a wide variety of styles pleases the eye.

Timber balustrade can be composed in a traditional manner as well as modern minimalist, edgy styles. Wood also combines well with a broad selection of other materials to create a dynamic environment.

Wooden Balustrades Application

Stair Balustrades

Wooden stair balustrades are the systems of the supports that hold up the handrail on a staircase. Each separate column represents one baluster and can be shaped as square, round, or carved with intricate designs. When it comes to a flexible, natural material easy to work with nothing beats the timber. It can be used to construct the entire staircase, or only for the balustrade as a highlighted detail.

Decking Balustrades

Timber decking balustrades look great and fit as a natural extension of the patio. The styles and design options are infinite, from the classic look to the sleek modern combinations, such as highly attractive timber balusters connected with wire strings. Wooden balustrades for decking are not the most cost-effective option available, especially with hardwood, but it pays off in durability, quality and curb appeal.

Types of Timber for Balustrades

Kwila Timber for Balustrades

Kwila balustrade looks great and lasts long. This bushy hardwood tree initially appears in yellowish-brown or orange-brown colour, before changing to a pale to dark reddish-brown. It has a coarse but even texture.

As a durable and termite-resistant material, Kwila is an excellent choice for timber decking and outdoor balustrades. Its properties come from a high level of natural oils, which help it resist elements, harsh climates, saltwater and other extreme conditions. Among the popular timber species, Kwila is known for its low to none maintenance requirements.

Pine Timber for Balustrades

Pine balustrade is a great indoors solution. This softwood comes in over 100 varieties around the world. It's white or pale yellow in colour, lightweight, with an open grain texture. Pine is more affordable than hardwood but also more sensitive.

Its solid structural strength doesn't require reinforcement, but can still be easily moulded into various shapes to fit different styles. Pine can be painted in a solid colour or stained to emphasise its natural, distinctive grain, and its warm appearance suits both modern and traditional properties.

Timber Balustrade Design Options

Pine railings represent a typical kiwi wooden fence. Affordable and chic, pine balustrades are also a popular option thanks to their versatility, from the choice of colour to the baluster detailing. Balustrades with top and bottom rails offer a classic appearance while combinations of a wooden handrail with aluminium balusters boast a sleek, transparent flair.

For more privacy, plywood sheets offer a simple, clean look arranged to create different patterns and finishes.

Weatherboard balustrades create solid guardrails, while the shadow clad balustrades offer an unbeatable modern appeal. Both options are available with vertical or horizontal panels that can be arranged as desired.

NZ Building Guide Regulations for Timber Balustrade

The safety codes require a proper barrier wherever it may be possible to fall from over 1m of height, including a deck.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and Department for Building and Housing had published extensive guidance on barrier design, giving recommendations on designing and installing code-compliant timber balustrades.

Barriers for residential decks must be continuous wherever fall height exceeds one meter, and feature openings that prevent a 10cm-diameter sphere passing through. The gaps between horizontal rails should not exceed 15cm. The top of the barrier needs to sit at least 760 mm above a fixed seat, without any sharp edges or projections.

Maintenance & Cleaning of Timber Balustrades

Once the timber balustrade has been polished, painted or lacquered, regular maintenance is necessary to ensure longevity. Frequent cleaning, repaint, oiling or staining will extend the life span of timber balustrade and handrail.

Depending on the frequency of use, it should be sufficient to recoat once a year, with inspection and basic cleaning twice a year. Polished balustrade needs timber conditioning treatments. Painted balustrade will benefit from gentle wiping with a soft cloth and a mild soap solution.