Aluminium Balustrade Cost Per Metre

Aluminium is an excellent material for balusters as it’s versatile, rust-free, and customisable. So, whether you’re looking to support your deck, balcony, or staircase handrails, an aluminium baluster is a good choice.

It’s also lightweight so that it won’t add too much burden to your staircase or decking. The lightweight construction should also make it easy enough to install, lessening the probability of injuries or property damage due to accidents.

What is a Baluster?

Balusters, also known as stair spindles, are the posts that support staircase or decking handrails. But they’re not just for practical support, they can also influence the overall aesthetic of whatever part of the home they’re in, and the materials play a big role in that.

The ever-popular glass balustrade, for example, brings in an air of modernity, wood makes it look warm and inviting, while aluminium is the perfect go-between because it’s both modern and inviting.

This perfect balance is what makes aluminium such a staple for Queenslander architecture and other architectural philosophies in Australia.

How far apart should balustrade posts be?

First thing’s first, you need to consider your local building regulations because, yes, there are rules about this kind of thing. The rule of thumb for most building codes is that the distance between posts should not have gaps of more than 125 mm in Victoria.

Aluminium balustrade price per metre?

The price of aluminium balustrades is affected by multiple factors, including the lineal metre you’re going to need, the design, and whether you’re going for a DIY build or you’d rather have a professional installation.

On average, DIY kits for aluminium balustrades cost between $80 and $120 per metre. Bunnings, for example, offers 1800 mm handrails and balusters for $165. This does not include other costs, such as the materials you need for your DIY build, the screws, and other tools. These prices can vary depending on where you live and the specific requirements of the kit’s manufacturer.

As for professional installation, you can expect to pay around $350 – $700 per lineal metre. At the lower end of this range, you’ll find more straightforward, minimalist designs, while the higher end may feature intricate details or custom finishes. It may seem steep, but just bear in mind that these will be professionally installed and include the additional costs for labour or materials.

How long does a balustrade take to install?

Depending on whether you’re hiring a team of professionals or if you’re going the DIY route, the turnaround time for putting up an aluminium balustrade for a standard-sized deck can take from two to three days of work to a few weeks.

Professionals can typically install about 10 metres of balustrades per day, but a DIY build can take even longer as availability and construction know-how both have significant effects on the time it takes to get one metre of baluster up. But to give you a quick guesstimate, a person with extensive DIY experience can probably get one metre of aluminium balusters up within one and a half hours.

What is a wire balustrade?

Wire balustrades are another inexpensive but versatile and durable balustrade material option you can consider that has similar advantages to aluminium. These are stainless steel cables held together by posts and tensioners, creating a functional yet stunning safety barrier for your deck, balcony, or stairs. Because of its construction, they’re also often called cable railings.

Its main advantage is that it gives you excellent views as wires take minimal space, allowing you to enjoy the scenery around you. They also go well with modern minimalist designs, featuring clean lines and squared-off edges.

Wire balustrades are also easy to maintain as the smaller surface area between slats means fewer surfaces for dust and debris to cling to. Furthermore, the durability of steel is unmatched, making wire balustrades the ultimate install-it-and-forget-it type of balustrade.

How much does wire cost?

On the lower end of the range, a simple stainless steel cable railing system could cost about $192 per linear metre. This estimate increases when incorporating aluminium posts or other materials in the frame.

Meanwhile, for a fully installed wire balustrade, you could be looking at between $600 and $700 per lineal metre. If you’re considering stainless cables, those might start at an estimated $350 per lineal metre.

Can I install an aluminium balustrade myself?

While balustrade installation is not exactly a beginner’s project, it’s not exactly rocket science either. Many homeowners choose to install their own aluminium balustrade for a variety of reasons.

Number one is that it’s less expensive, and number two is that it’s just for the sheer satisfaction of a DIY project.

However, before you start any installation project, it’s best to make sure that all the necessary tools and equipment are on-hand; otherwise, you’ll end up scrounging around for them later on, prolonging your project!

There’s also a bigger chance of regulators dismissing your installation as substandard and requiring you to replace it with a new one. If you’re not sure what tools and equipment are needed, talk to a professional installer or visit their website for advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is aluminium balustrading?

The availability of tools, design, length, and complexity of the job all affect the overall cost of aluminium balustrading, so each home will have different quotations.

How much does an aluminium balustrade cost per metre?

Generally, getting aluminium balustrades installed on your home could set you back around $350 – $750 per lineal metre supplied and installed with labour included. This is if it’s a simple deck perimeter or staircase balustrading. Do expect this range to rise if it’s a more complex project.

What is the Australian standard for aluminium balustrades?

The AS/NZS 1170.1 states that balustrades should be strong enough to hold up against a force similar to a person accidentally falling onto the balustrade (they call this a 0.6kN point load). As for the handrail, it needs to be able to withstand a force like someone leaning on it from any direction (equivalent to a 0.4kN force).

What is the Australian standard minimum height balustrade?

Australian regulations require all balustrades to be at least one metre in height. In areas with open windows, the requirement is four metres. This aims to prevent people from falling over.