Handrails & Balustrades

We have been designing, manufacturing and installing balustrades and handrails for decades all over Northland.

Handrails and balustrades are essential for both safety and enhancing the overall look of any property. Steel handrails offer support along stairways and ramps, while steel balustrades provide protection in areas like balconies, terraces, or any elevated surface where the fall height exceeds one meter, as required by the New Zealand Building Code.

We custom design and fabricate high-quality steel handrails and balustrades, ensuring they meet the New Zealand Building Code. Whether you prefer a modern or classic style, our solutions are custom designed to fit your space. We can either come to you for a site visit or talk through options if you send us a few pictures of the area you’re looking to install your steel handrails or balustrades.

All of our handrails and balustrades are made locally in our workshop in Whangarei, using steel sourced from NZ based suppliers.

Have a look at some of the work we’ve done in the past:

Handrail Gallery

The Difference Between Balustrades and Handrails

Handrails

Handrails are primarily installed along staircases and ramps to provide stability and support while moving up or down. Typically positioned horizontally or at an angle, they offer a secure grip, making them a key safety feature in any property. Custom steel handrails can be standalone or part of a balustrade system, depending on the design.

According to the New Zealand Building Code, handrails are required on both sides of stairways and ramps with a slope steeper than 1:20 to ensure safe navigation. On less steep ramps, additional safety features, such as low barrier rails, may be needed to prevent accidents .

Here are some examples of handrails we’ve fabricated and installed:

Balustrades

Balustrades, by contrast, are safety barriers providing fall protection, installed in elevated areas like balconies, terraces, or open staircases. They consist of vertical posts or panels with a top rail, providing both protection and an opportunity to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the space.

The New Zealand Building Code mandates that balustrades are required in any situation where there is a fall height of one metre or more to prevent injury. In the case of staircases, a combination of balustrades and handrails is often required to ensure both safety from falls and stability while moving up or down the stairs​

Here are some examples of balustrades we’ve fabricated and installed:

Design Options: From Simple to Intricate

Our handrails and balustrades come in a range of designs, from simple and functional to more detailed and artistic. It all depends on your preference and budget.

For instance, a straightforward steel handrail made from pre-galvanized steel pipe is an excellent option for those looking for a quick, cost-effective solution. These are perfect for short sets of steps or areas where you need something durable and reliable to hold onto, without compromising on safety. They’re quick to install, budget-friendly, and get the job done.

On the other end of the spectrum, we offer more intricate designs like custom steel balustrades, which can truly become a work of art. These designs incorporate elements of traditional blacksmithing, with detailed scrollwork, twists, or other custom features that elevate the look of any space. Whether it’s for a grand staircase or a decorative balcony, these handcrafted, bespoke steel balustrades bring elegance and style, while still providing the safety and durability that steel offers.

Typical profiles Used for Steel Handrails

The New Zealand Building Code requires handrails to have a graspable profile for safety and ease of use. While specific dimensions can vary, the profile must allow for a comfortable grip, typically with a minimum cross-section width of 20mm. The top surface must be flat or convex with radiused edges, ensuring both safety and comfort.

Pipe handrail

Steel Pipe Handrails

Cylindrical steel handrails, often used for their smooth and rounded edges, are commonly installed on staircases and ramps where safety is crucial. These handrails provide a secure, comfortable grip and meet the required safety standards outlined in the Building Code.

RHS profile top rail

Hollow Section Handrails

These handrails, available in rectangular or square profiles, offer a modern aesthetic. Sturdy with radiused edges, they are often used in both residential and commercial spaces to ensure safety while achieving a minimalist design

Solid handrails

These handrails can be simple, like a flat bar for a clean, understated look, or something more intricate such as a profiled wrought iron bar. These solid handrails not only provide a sturdy, reliable grip but can also serve as a decorative feature, combining safety with a more detailed, artistic touch.

Finishes

We offer a variety of finishes for our steel handrails and balustrades to suit both functional and aesthetic needs. They can be broken down into five main types:

  1. Pre-Galvanised Finish
    A pre-galvanised finish is an economical choice that provides basic protection against rust and corrosion. It’s a practical option for projects that require quick installation and are located in environments with moderate exposure to the elements, such as indoor or sheltered outdoor spaces.
  2. Hot-Dip Galvanised Finish
    For more robust protection, particularly in harsh outdoor conditions, a hot-dip galvanised finish is an excellent choice. This method involves dipping the steel in molten zinc, creating a thick coating that provides long-term resistance to rust and corrosion. It’s ideal for external staircases, balconies, poolside balustrades  and coastal areas.
  3. Powder-Coated Finish
    A powder-coated finish provides a smooth, even coating that combines protection with aesthetics. Available in a wide range of colours, powder coating is a more affordable option compared to epoxy paint. However, we primarily recommend powder coating for indoor handrails, as it doesn’t offer the same level of weather resistance as other finishes like hot-dip galvanising or 2-pot epoxy paint. It’s perfect for adding a sleek, modern look to indoor balustrades where exposure to the elements is minimal.
  4. Painted Finish (2-Pot Epoxy)
    Our 2-pot epoxy paint finish is a premium option that offers superior durability, especially for outdoor and high-traffic areas. While it may be more expensive than powder coating, this finish provides an exceptionally tough, long-lasting surface that withstands heavy use and harsh weather conditions. We recommend using a 2-pot epoxy paint system over a hot-dip galvanised base to offer the best protection.
  5. Polished Stainless Steel
    For a sleek, modern appearance, polished stainless steel is the ideal choice. Not only does it offer a highly resistant surface to corrosion, but it also requires minimal maintenance, making it perfect for environments near the sea or areas that demand a clean, sophisticated finish.

We have been designing, manufacturing, and installing steel handrails and balustrades for decades. Whether you are in Kaitaia or Silverdale, give us a call for your next project, and we’ll offer advice and options. We offer free, non-obligatory estimates. All our steel balustrades are built to comply with New Zealand building codes.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Prices vary depending on the style, material, and finish you choose. A simple pre-galvanized handrail for a small set of stairs can be as affordable as under $1,000 + GST installed, while custom-designed balustrades can cost upwards of tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the intricacy of the design. We’re happy to discuss options that fit your budget and style preferences, ensuring you get the best solution for your space.

From the time we finalize your design, most handrails and balustrades can be fabricated and installed within a few weeks. Simpler designs are often installed faster, while more intricate or custom pieces may take a little longer. We’ll provide a clear timeline once the design is confirmed.

Most of our handrails and balustrades require minimal maintenance. Hot-dip galvanized and polished stainless steel finishes are highly durable and corrosion-resistant, while painted or powder-coated finishes may need occasional touch-ups after several years, depending on exposure to the elements.

Yes, all our handrails and balustrades are designed and installed in full compliance with the New Zealand Building Code. Every installation is carefully done to ensure it is safe, secure, and built to last.

The right choice depends on your needs and preferences. You’ve got to ask yourself if you want something purely functional that just gets the job done, or if you’re looking to add something that’s also decorative and aesthetically pleasing. Are you looking for fall protection from a height, or just something to hold on to while going down a slippery path or some stairs? For cost-effective, functional solutions, pre-galvanized pipe handrails are a great option. If you’re looking for something more decorative, custom-designed balustrades can add a unique, artistic touch to your home, though these options may come with an added cost due to the level of craftsmanship involved.

Yes, we offer free, no-obligation estimates. We can get started right away if you send us pictures and rough dimensions of the area where you want the handrails or balustrades installed.

We service a wide area from North Auckland to the Far North, covering all locations in between.

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