How to Choose the Right Wire Balustrade System
Choosing the right wire balustrade system can feel complicated at first, especially if you are deciding between kits, posts, wire, fittings and tools. This guide is designed to help you understand the main pathways, narrow down the right starting point, and work through the key visual and practical choices before you buy.
For most projects, the first question is simple: do you already have posts, or do you need posts as well as wire?
What Do I Need to Buy?
If you have pre-existing posts...
If you have pre-existing posts, you need the wire balustrade kits, wire and tools to install the wires.
Wire Balustrade Kits are the best starting point to work out compatibility between your existing posts, the wire, and any tools that may be required for installation.
In other words, rather than starting with tools or wire first, start with the kit. Once you identify the right kit style for your posts, it becomes much easier to work out the rest of the system.
Purchasing wire balustrade kits is also often the most cost-effecient way to purchase the fittings you require, whilst ensuring compatibility between components
Choosing a kit can get in-depth. We made it easier — check out our guides here.
If you have pre-existing posts, but require additional posts...
Sometimes a project already has posts in place, but still needs additional posts as part of the overall balustrade layout.
Intermediate wire balustrade posts are used in many systems to help maintain wire spacing and suit different project layouts. Depending on the system, intermediate posts may be structural or non-structural.
If you have pre-existing posts but not enough additional posts for the system you are trying to build, you can check out our Intermediate Wire Balustrade Posts. We have a wide range of posts to suit different aesthetics, handrail types and scenarios.
These can include thin-profile post options that are used mainly for wire spacing, as well as larger post options that form part of the main post layout.
You might also consider larger Wire Balustrade Posts. We have 50mm intermediate posts in a wide range that might be what you need.
The key point is to work out whether your project simply needs additional wire spacing elements, or whether it needs extra structural posts as part of the balustrade layout.
If you need posts...
There are a number of options for Post and Wire Balustrade systems. Functionally, they mostly do the same thing. Your best option is to pick a style you like and work from there.
Post selection and layout are often some of the biggest drivers of total system cost, so it is worth getting this part right early.
Your main considerations when picking a style are:
- Handrail Type: are you going to be using round or flat handrail with this?
- Post Profile: do you prefer a square or round look to your posts?
- Material Finish: do you want a satin finish, mirror polish or coloured look?
- Type of Material: do you want stainless or aluminium?
- Specification: are you using a common NCC-oriented specification, or do you need something custom?
We have a full breakdown of all our post ranges here to help you choose.
Wire Balustrade Choices
Choose Features That Match Your Lifestyle
Your lifestyle and where you plan to install the balustrade can help determine which style you are after.
Beachside Environments
We recommend:
- Mirror Polish Finish — easier to keep clean because of the smoother finish
- Stainless Steel 316 — stronger corrosion resistance in salt-prone environments
- Powdercoated Aluminium — great corrosion resistance in most beachside environments, with some colour palette options available. Check the Dulux Protexture range to see if it is suitable for your area.
Avoid or use caution with:
- Powdercoated stainless — we do not have enough long-term data to say how powdercoated stainless performs in corrosive environments
- Black wire and fittings — even though they look great, they are not the preferred choice in corrosive and salt-prone environments
Wide Open Views
We recommend:
- Thinner profile posts — these help minimise visual obstruction. Larger posts can still be used where structural elements are needed in the design
- Black posts — darker coloured posts can visually disappear into shadow
- Black wire and fittings — like black posts, they are harder to see and can make the view feel less obstructed
Avoid:
- Bulky fittings — these can obstruct the view, so many people prefer suitable slimline systems instead
Choose Finishes to Match the Rest of Your Home
The types of posts, handrail and kits you use can make a stunning visual impact. Consider whether you want the balustrade to blend in or stand out from the other visual elements of your home.
Take the time to find your preferred:
- Post Type
- Square — a bold modern choice, often seen combined with flat handrail
- Round — a smoother, refined finish, often seen combined with round handrail
- Finish
- Satin Finish — durable and sleek stainless finish
- Mirror Polish — reflective finish that is generally easier to keep clean
- Powdercoated Coloured Finish — choose from a range of available colours, depending on the product
- Wire
- Stainless Steel Wire — classic and durable, giving a clean wire balustrade finish
- Black Wire — offers a different, more hidden finish. Not suitable for corrosive environments
- Handrail Type
- Round handrail
- Flat handrail
Understanding Cost and Pricing
The cost of a wire balustrade system depends on the combination of posts, wire, fittings and layout. Rather than one fixed price, the total cost is driven by a few key decisions you make along the way.
Understanding what impacts cost early can help you choose a system that suits both your project and your budget.
- Wire Balustrade Kits
- Mechanical swaging kits are often the lowest cost entry point
- Hydraulic swaging kits are still very affordable and easier to install, especially if time is money for you
- 3.2mm is often a lot cheaper than 4.0mm, although 4.0mm may be required for some projects
- Posts
- Standard range posts are generally the most cost-effective
- Custom-made posts can still be competitive compared to local stainless steel custom fabrication
- System Layout
- The more posts you need, the higher the cost
- Using additional kits and wire to solve the same problem is comparatively cheap in some layouts
- Different specifications can make you require more posts, so it is worth considering the full system layout before buying
Common Questions Before You Buy
What Are the Best Materials for Wire Balustrade?
There are a number of different options for wire balustrading materials. Here are our general recommendations:
Stainless Steel 316
- Highly corrosion resistant and better suited to outdoor use than many other materials such as galvanised options
- Best choice for outdoor use and beachside applications
- We supply 316 balustrade wire, wire balustrading kits and posts
- You may also see this referred to as A4, SS316 or marine grade stainless
Stainless Steel 304
- Less corrosion resistant than 316, but still performs well in many environments
- Useful in moderately corrosive environments
- Can be useful as a lower-cost material in smaller applications where there is minimal surface exposure
Quality Powdercoated Aluminium
- We supply an aluminium post range made from 6061 T6 aluminium and powdercoated with the Dulux Protexture range
- This can provide strong performance in many beachside applications
Do You Do Installations?
No, we do not do installations. We are a materials supplier only.
If you require someone to complete the installation for you, you might consider a suitable trade professional. Trades who work on decking installations are often familiar with different types of balustrading, and some may have installed wire balustrading before.
Many of our wire balustrading solutions are DIY friendly. We have easy-to-install kits, fully made wire balustrade posts and a range of installation tools to help get the job done.
What Is the Cost Per Metre?
We quote by the product, not by the metre.
Whether you buy online, in-store or request a quote from us, line items are broken down so you can clearly see what you are getting and make adjustments if needed.
Do You Offer Trade Pricing?
We price products competitively to both trade and retail customers. Bulk pricing is generally not available on most lines, as we aim to offer strong pricing upfront regardless of quantity.
Next Step: Where Should You Go From Here?
If you already have posts...
Start with Wire Balustrade Kits.
If you need posts as well...
Start with Posts for Wire Balustrade, then match the right kits and wire to suit that system.
If you need help with installation...
Read our How to Install Wire Balustrade Guide.