FAQ

  • About our Balustrades

    Q: Do your balustrades need welding? A: Balustrade systems constructed from our 48.3 x 2.6mm system will have upright posts with TIG welded base plates (where necessary) attached. The upright posts will be supplied with the floor plate already welded to the post for your convenience.Glass brackets, tension-wire fixings and rail brackets require the tube to be drilled and sometimes tapped.
    Q: Can I use Perspex as an alternative to glass? A: Yes you can. You could also consider acrylic, perforated metal sheet, rigging wire cables, powder coated metal, stainless steel tube or bar, and mesh.
    Q: How do I attach glass clamps, and brackets to the tube? A: Please refer to the Assembly page of our website. For balustrade orders we pre-drill and tap the uprights for mounting glass clamps and attachments. Drilling, thermal friction (flowdrill) drilling and thread forming processes are done by our in-house CNC automatic tube drilling machine.
    Q: Do you supply infills? A: Yes, we can supply both round bar and rigging wire for infill between your balustrade uprights. Please contact us for further information.
    Q: How many wires do I need on my balustrade? A: Please consult current UK Building Regulations. Currently, you should have no gap greater than 100mm. There are many alternative configurations available, depending on your application. Give us a call and we will be happy to talk you through your options.
    Q: What size is the wire? A: The standard rigging wire is 4mm diameter that we recommend for use on balustrades, but we supply any diameter specified.
    Q: Do you supply glass? A: Yes, we can supply both toughened and toughened laminated glass.
    Q: How many glass clamps do I need per sheet of glass? A: We recommend a minimum of 4 glass clamps to every square metre of glass
    Q: What thickness of glass do I need? A: You can choose from a range of thicknesses from 6mm up to 10mm for use with our standard balustrade glass clamps. Thicker structural glass should be mounting using either a base channel fixing method, or specialist glass spider fixings.

  • Brackets, Joints, Clamps & End Caps

    Q: How do I know how many brackets I require? A: Our recommendation will depend on the length of handrail required. As a rough guide, we suggest that one bracket per 100mm-150mm is sufficient.
    Q: How are the banister ends finished? A: With a wide choice of accessories and fittings you can truly personalise your design. All of our ends are satin/brush finished to match the tube.
    Q: How long are your handrails? A: The handrail that we supply are in 6 metre lengths, but you / we can cut (or join) them to any required length.
    Q: Are the brackets moveable? A: Yes, but further mounting holes must be drilled and tapped.

  • Building Regulations

    Q: Do your rails comply with Building Regulation requirements? A: It is the responsibility of the designer/installer to ensure compliance. If correctly assembled, and with suitable fixings and reinforcement where necessary, our handrail system satisfies the loading requirements for domestic and light commercial use. For installations of commercial use, please ask for details.

  • Delivery & Collection

    Q: What is the delivery lead time? A: It’s generally about 7 to 10 working days, although most items are ex-stock. We allow this time for cutting and preparation.

  • General Handrail Questions

    Q: How difficult to install are the handrails? A: Our banister handrails are totally weld-free and very easy to install. They use a push-fit, modular technology that just requires a special adhesive. Most orders (handrail banisters) are pre-prepared in our depot and require only fixing to the wall.
    Q: What diameter is the handrail? A: The tubes from which our handrails are made come in three outside diameters - 42.4mm, 48.3mm and 50.8mm.
    Q: Are they straight? A: Yes, all our handrails are straight. If you want a spiral or circular section, we form this using specialist tube bending technology.
    Q: How high should my balustrade be A: In accordance with current UK Building Regulations they should be 1100mm high, but 900mm high if raking (e.g. on stairs).
    Q: How thick are the handrails? A: Quite dumb! Handrails have a wall thickness of 2mm (42.4mm DIA), 2.6mm (48.3mm DIA) and 3mm (50.8mm DIA)
    Q: What grades of stainless steel do you use? A: We use commercial grades AISI 304 for internal applications and AISI 316 for external applications. You can mix depending upon the environment of your installation.
    Q: I want to fit a new handrail. Where do I measure from? A: If it’s a banister rail replacement, just measure your existing one. If it’s a balustrade that you're after, please use the enquiry form or please send us your design in the form of a dimensional sketch or drawing.
    Q: I want the banister to go on my left hand wall is this possible? A: Yes, it can go on either wall depending which way round you put it. Just turn it around, lengthways.
    Q: Do you sell wooden handrails? A: Yes! We have a range of oak handrail kits that come with stainless steel fittings.

  • Handrail Finish

    Q: Do you sell Chrome rails? A: No.but we can supply products with an excellent mirror finish.
    Q: Do you have any other types of finish? A: No, all of our banister rails and stainless steel fittings are satin polished. We find it perfect for most environments where a contemporary, stylish handrail is required.
    Q: Do you have any other types of finish? A: No, all of our banister rails and stainless steel fittings are satin polished. We find it perfect for most environments where a contemporary, stylish handrail is required.
    Q: Why don't you do a mirror or bright finish? A: Do you want to be forever polishing those sticky hand prints off your lovely stainless steel balustrade?

  • Installation & Maintenance

    Q: How easy to install are our handrails? A: Anyone with a basic knowledge of DIY or any builder should have no problem installing our handrails. Please see our ‘General Handrail Questions' section above for more information on installation.
    Q: Is the Loctite® 638 / glue strong enough? A: Yes, please see the Technical Data Sheets section of the Loctite® website for a full technical bulletin.
    Q: How long does it take to set? A: Under normal working conditions, the Loctite® 638 will start to cure in approx 10-30 minutes. This time can be significantly reduced in warmer environments. Joints should be a fully cured after 24 hours.
    Q: Will you install my order for me? A: We generally only supply. Most installations can be facilitated quite easily using a few hand tools. However, we do have a team of preferred installers for greater London and southern areas - please ask for details. Most builders, joiners, plumbers, carpenters and proficient DIY’ers should have no problem in installing
    Q: How do earth my handrail? A: The rail is made of stainless steel, earthing should not be required.
    Q: Does stainless steel rust? A: In short, yes. Although stainless steel is a corrosion resistant material, under certain conditions and without protection, it will suffer some surface corrosion, most commonly known as ‘tea staining’.

  • Miscellaneous

    Q: Can you send me a brochure? A: Yes, please email us your address and postcode and we'll send one out as soon as possible.
    Q: Can you come out on site and measure up what I would need? A: In order to keep our prices lower, we require you to send us a simple dimensioned sketch or layout. You may also send us digital photos of your application to help us understand your requirements. Commercial installations may require a site visit, this can be arranged by appointment.

  • Ordering

    Q: Can I buy handrails and fittings online? A: Yes, you can buy a banister handrail, stainless steel handrail and balustrade fittings online right now
    Q: How can I pay? A: We accept either cheques, PayPal or credit and debit cards.
    Q: When will I be charged? A: If you are paying by credit card, you will be charged when the delivery paperwork is raised. If you are paying by cheque, we require payment before we start production.
    Q: How is it delivered? A: We send out all orders on a next day carrier service. Larger orders are delivered by our own transport
    Q: When are you open? A: We are open Monday – Friday from 8.30am – 5.00pm
    Q: My delivery was damaged. What can I do? A: Notify us immediately and we will arrange either a re-work or replacement.
    Q: My delivery hasn't arrived. What can I do? A: All claims for loss or non-delivery must be advised in writing within 7 days of the advised despatch date. Please submit claims WITHOUT DELAY.
    Q: : I just want a banister rail and I know the length, can I get a fixed price? A: Yes, you can buy a stainless steel banister handrail online.
    Q: I purchased from one of your agents, who do I contact for further items? A: Please contact your original vendor.

  • Outdoor Applications

    Q: Are the handrails suitable for outdoor use? A: Yes. You should indicate your intended use when ordering. This will denote which grade of stainless steel is most suited to your application. Generally though > Indoor – AISI 304 Outdoor – AISI 316.
    Q: What are the most popular exterior uses? A: Let your imagination run riot! See our 'Project Showcase' for design ideas such as: decking rails, swimming pool protection, garden enhancement, parapet wall balustrades, balconies, decking areas etc.

  • Shop Fitting / Commercial Fittings

    Q: Do you provide handrail systems for shops and commercial premises? A: Yes, our bespoke handrail and balustrade systems are ideal for shopfitting, construction, architectural designs, whether it be on a supply only or supply and fit contract. Please contact us to discuss your specification.
    Q: Do you do industrial stainless steel fittings as well as 'DIY' handrail balustrades? A: Yes, we supply all areas of industry around the world – from home DIY projects to commercial shop fitting rails. For heavy industry stainless steel fittings, please see our sister site.