What are the best materials to choose for balustrades?
It is no secret that planning and creating a staircase overall is a difficult task. No less challenging is choosing the right materials for the different parts of the staircase, especially the balustrades. This construction must be executed with quality to ensure a high level of safety and durability.
At V.P Stairs, we know that most customers are not sure at the initial stage of co-operation what materials they want to be used. Why is it so? Today’s market offers a variety of materials that can be used to create different types of balustrades. This article will tell you more about the popular materials used to create staircase balustrades.
What is a balustrade in a staircase?
We know that people often confuse such terms as balustrade, baluster, and handrail. To avoid further misunderstandings when reading this article, we suggest you consider the definition of balustrades in staircases. This is a complete structure in a staircase that acts as a railing. Balustrades make staircases safer and more attractive.
In simple words, a balustrade is a complete structure that contains balusters and handrails. They can be of different shapes and types. Interestingly, the same material can be used in completely different ways. If you want to know more about the trending types of balustrades, read our article here.
Balustrade materials relevant in 2025
So, what are the most commonly chosen materials for stair balustrades today, and will they be relevant in 2025? Based on our wide experience and expertise, we have gathered 4 popular materials that can be used for stair balustrades. Let’s talk in detail about their features so you can determine the best option for your project!
1. Metal
Obviously, metal remains one of the most popular materials for staircase balustrades. Thanks to the variety of metals and their features, balustrades can be given different geometric shapes. Here are some other advantages of metal:
- High toughness and resistance to loads.
- Durability.
- Can be painted or coated with decorative layers.
- Easy to clean and resistant to damage.
Take a look at the Marylebone project, where stainless steel balustrades play a major role in the overall design. What materials can metal balustrades be combined with? Actually, there are quite a few options. For example, they are often combined with glass.
2. Glass
Another material that is rapidly gaining popularity for stair balustrades is glass. Perhaps this solution will give you unforgettable emotions. Why?
- Easy to maintain as the glass can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth.
- This is a safe solution. Tempered glass or laminated materials (triplex) are used in such projects.
- Resistant to moisture and temperature fluctuations.
Glass balustrades create visual lightness and expand space, ideal for minimalist and futuristic interiors. See for yourself by exploring the Tottenham project. This is a great example of how glass balustrades and wooden steps can be perfectly combined.
3. Wood
Wooden balustrades are something that will be relevant today, in 2025, and a few decades from now. People appreciate natural materials in staircase projects because of the range of benefits they provide. Let’s talk more about them below:
- Natural and environmentally friendly.
- Possibility of restoration and colour change.
- Versatility, as wood is suitable for any interior style.
Another perk we like to point out is durability with proper processing. Learn more about the cost and safety level of wooden balustrades to plan your own project.
4. Gold
What do you associate with luxury and richness? Yeah, most of you immediately thought of gold. It may surprise you to know that you can use gold plating for staircase balustrades.
- Prestige and exclusivity.
- Resistant to corrosion and external influences.
- Smooth and shiny surface that creates a luxurious effect.
- Keeping relevant regardless of fashion trends.
How are such projects implemented? For example, the V.P Stairs experts use the soft electrolytic gold plating method. This technique allows to apply a coating of pure gold (24 carats) with a thickness of 0.1 microns. If you are interested in gold balustrades, it will be useful to read our article.
V.P Stairs – implementation of staircase projects of any complexity
Now, you know more about the popular materials that can be used to create stair balustrades. Have you probably already decided on the materials or are you still thinking? If so, you should contact V.P Stairs for a free consultation. We have completed dozens of staircase projects with complete customer satisfaction. Our specialists will answer your questions, come to your site for measurements, and get to work.
4 Comments
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Zoe Anderson
The plating of the handrails with a thin layer of gold looks beautiful. How expensive is this solution?
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vpstairs
To get a detailed calculation, the best solution is to consult our manager.
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Adam Russell
As it turns out, staircases can look so different thanks to balustrades. This fact makes me think more about the choice of material for balustrades….
Daniel Brooks
I still think metal is the most practical material for building balustrades. Of course, it may not be the most aesthetic. But metal structures will definitely last for many years!