Open-tread, traditional, curved or floating — every staircase has its own balustrade specification. Four SWR systems, one for every staircase project.
Staircase balustrade is the most demanding application we engineer. Tighter regulations than balconies (Approved Document K Part 1), greater visual prominence in the home, and longer running metres of guard-rail. The right system depends on the staircase style, the project’s design language, and whether children will be present. This page is your decision guide — pick the right one before you talk to us.
A side-by-side comparison of how the four staircase-suitable SWR systems perform 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 · 90MM CENTRES · POST-MOUNTED
A horizontal wire rope balustrade creates a clean, modern finish in both residential and commercial spaces. Combining durable wire rope with stainless steel posts, our systems suit a wide range of indoor and outdoor applications, from patios and decking to larger commercial projects.
4MM · SIDE-FIXED · STAIR STRINGERS
Our wall mounted handrails offer a simple, modern solution for residential 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.
4MM · DIY-FRIENDLY · EASY TO CUT TO LENGTH
UK staircase balustrade is governed by Approved Document K Part 1 (Stairs and ladders) and BS 6180:2011 (Barriers in and about buildings). The headline rules every staircase project needs to meet, in plain English.
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. Horizontal wire fails this test on its own. Vertical wire at 90mm centres passes. 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 0.74kN applied to the top rail, plus a 1.5kN/m² distributed load. 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 four staircase-suitable systems. Final pricing depends on run length, finish, fixings and project complexity — exact figures issued at quote stage.
Not on its own. Horizontal wire at 100mm centres fails the Approved Document K 100mm sphere rule for child safety. The compliant alternatives are: vertical wire at 90mm centres, modular glass, glass channel, or horizontal wire with a closely-spaced top rail and bottom rail that prevents climbing. Most family homes go vertical wire or modular glass for the staircase.
Yes, with project-specific design. Wire follows a faceted line between posts on curved runs — most clients prefer that detail to a fully-curved continuous wire. Glass channel handles tighter radii better than wire if the radius is unusually small. We’d confirm the right approach at the CAD stage with your stair drawings.
Glass channel needs precise channel installation and 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.
The 900mm minimum is measured vertically above the pitch line of the stair (the line connecting the nosings of the treads). All four staircase-suitable SWR systems have a standard 1,100mm overall height, which puts the top of the balustrade comfortably above the 900mm minimum once measured from the pitch line.
Yes for wire and stainless handrail systems — both retrofit cleanly to existing newel posts, stringers or walls. Modular glass and glass channel are harder to retrofit without significant disruption to the existing stair structure. For most retrofit projects, wire is the answer.
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.
