Open-tread, traditional, curved or floating — every staircase has its own balustrade specification.
Staircase balustrade is often a demanding application. The right system depends on the staircase style, the project’s design, and the requirements of the application. BS 6180 and Approved Document K are critical to consider. This page is to help you make the right choice, but please feel free to pick up the phone and get in touch.
A side-by-side comparison of four of our staircase-suitable SWR systems against the criteria that matter on stair projects. Use it to narrow your shortlist before getting into the details.
– Still not sure? Send us a sketch and we’ll tell you which one fits.
Each card below routes to the full system page with technical specifications, drawings, configurator and pricing.
4mm · 100mm centres · post-mounted
A vertical wire rope wall is a great way to add a modern touch to indoor or outdoor locations. Our wire rope uses easy-to-fit terminals, suitable for a number of different surfaces, from interior wooden staircases to outdoor concrete.
4MM · 100MM CENTRES · POST-MOUNTED
Parallel stainless wires running between round stainless posts. The classic specification is used on the majority of staircase and terrace projects. Number of wires to suit your project or specification.
Wall-FIXED ·
Our wall mounted handrails offer a simple, modern solution for residential and commercial staircases and access areas. Manufactured from premium grade stainless steel, they provide a hard-wearing alternative to traditional timber handrails while adding a clean contemporary finish. Suitable for indoor and outdoor staircase applications, they are available in both Satin and Mirror Polished finishes.
INSTALLER-FRIENDLY · EASY TO CUT TO LENGTH
ROUND POSTS · AISI304/AISI316 · CORNER COMPATIBLE
Toughened or toughened and laminated glass panels held within a stainless modular post frame, round profile posts with glass adapter fixings between. The structural confidence of a post system with the open aesthetic of glass infill. Available in AISI304 or AISI316 stainless to suit indoor or exposed outdoor applications. Flexible by design, accommodating corners, steps and changes in level.
CONTINUOUS CHANNEL · FRAMELESS GLASS · COMMERCIAL GRADE
A continuous aluminium base channel system for frameless glass balustrades. Glass panels sit within the channel profile fixed to the floor. Widely specified in commercial settings. Supplied by OnLevel. A great solution for staircases.
Every staircase balustrade system we supply is designed in line with your project. Depending on the height drop and other project-specific elements, we will ensure your system meets Approved Document K and BS 6180 where applicable. From guarding heights and structural loading to fixing methods and material durability, our systems are engineered to provide safe, compliant and long-lasting protection for raised outdoor areas.
The top of the staircase balustrade must be at least 900mm measured vertically above the pitch line of the stair. Above the top landing, the same balustrade height applies (1,100mm if the landing exceeds 600mm in width — see Doc K 1.36).
Where children under five could use the staircase, the balustrade must be designed so that a 100mm sphere cannot pass through any opening. Glass infill (modular or channel) passes by default.
A continuous handrail must be available on at least one side of the stair flight. A balustrade with a structural top rail satisfies this requirement; a wire balustrade without a top rail does not — a separate handrail is required.
Domestic staircase balustrade must withstand a horizontal line load of 0.36kN applied to the top rail, for offices and work areas, this needs to be 0.74kN. SWR provides project-specific structural calculations at quote stage for every staircase order.
One of SWR’s most ambitious installations to date.
Indicative price bands per linear metre across the our staircase-suitable systems. Final pricing depends on run length, finish, fixings and project complexity — exact figures issued at quote stage.
Yes, all of our systems can be adapted to curved staircases. However, it is important to check each project meets the building regulations and we can advise you in this regard.
Glass channel needs precise installation and may need structural sign-off — it’s the one system we don’t recommend for self-install. SWR supplies and installs glass channel with our employed install team. For self-builders wanting glass on the staircase, modular glass is a more realistic supply-only specification.
Stainless steel modular wire and glass systems will often fit easily to existing stair systems. However, glass channel systems are less flexible in this regard. Please contact us to discuss your project and we can advise accordingly.
Send us a sketch, a photo of your staircase, or a set of architect’s drawings. You’ll have a detailed wire balustrade quote within one working day.
