Stainless steel deck handrail with marine wires. Available from Essex Decking and Fencing

Handrails & Balustrades

Step By Step - Planning Made Easy

Decking Handrails & Balustrades / Railings in Essex and The U.K

We have designed and built hundreds of residential and commercial decks (timber & composite) in and around Essex. One of the most common questions we get asked is
"Do I need a handrail or balustrade around my deck?"

The answer to this depends on the height of your deck platform itself. If your deck is ground level or under 30cm (1ft) in height, it could potentially be described as a patio therefore you're not required to have a handrail.

Currently, U.K building regulations only specify regulations and guidelines for commercial properties. While this may be the case, here at Essex Decking and Fencing, we feel it's good practice to adopt these for residential decks to ensure your own safety aswell as that of children, the elderly and any visitors or guests you may have.
From another point of view, if you were to sell or rent your property in the future, you would want your decking to be regarded as a positive point in any survey or evaluation being carried out. We have been asked to install to handrail/ balustrades at many properties with existing decks due to the fact they have been classed as 'non child friendly' by an estate agent.
We can advise on you the balustrade/handrail height you'd need (between 900mm and 1100mm) at the point of site visit/survey.