Looking for a balustrading hardware solution on the Sunshine Coast? Bolt-in Co provides a complete balustrade solution backed by excellent customer service. Our team is here to help you access the technical assistance, products, and services (such as swaging) you need to complete your project. On this page we discuss balustrading options & considerations when using a stainless steel wire rope solution.

All of the products required are available from Bolt-In Co. Shop online, or pop into our shop at Wises Road Maroochydore to learn more about Balustrading solutions.

Balustrading 101 – What is a Balustrade?

 A balustrade is a row of small columns (balusters) topped by a rail, and is commonly used in indoor and outdoor areas to create a barrier around the perimeter of an elevated area such as a deck or staircase. Balustrades have two aspects:

1. How they look – Their visual impression
2. How they function – Meeting needs (such as safety)

While there are many different types of balustrades, since we specialize in stainless steel, the following information relates to wire rope balustrade systems. Here are the reasons why we believe this is the best way to go:

Advantages of a Wire Rope Balustrade System

The advantages of a wire rope balustrade system for indoor and outdoor applications include:

Long-lasting

As much fun as it is making balustrades, you wouldn’t want to be replacing them every 6 months. Wire Rope balustrades are long-lasting and durable. They’re adjustable, so they can be easily re-tensioned if necessary.

Compliant

As a protective system, wire rope balustrades are a proven method of securing elevated areas. You will need to ensure they are installed to sufficiently meet building codes.

Environmentally Sound

Building anywhere near the coast means elevated levels of humidity, moisture and salt which are a corrosive combination for many steels. Our wire balustrade systems are made with SS316 which has a high level of corrosion resistance. Learn more about it here.

Indoors & Outdoors

Wire Rope balustrade systems can be used indoors and outdoors. This enables the delivery of a consistent design theme through the premises.

Look Fantastic

Wire rope balustrade systems look great. They provide an architectural aesthetic to your home or business, and because they are essentially see-through they have a minimalistic visual presence as well, so they’re not visually overbearing.

An Option To Consider

If you’re considering a stainless steel balustrade solution, just ask our team. We’re here to help, and we have all of the products, technical know-how and related services (such as swaging) to help make your project a success.

What is Required For a Stainless Steel Balustrade

SS balustrade systems are designed to hold wire ropes at low tension between balusters (balcony posts). You will need a range of hardware and tools to complete a project. In terms of hardware, a simple checklist includes: 

1. Wire Rope, cut to length;
2. Tensioning Mechanisms for each rope
3. Anchoring Screws
4. Swaging (connecting rope to other components)
   
5. Posts

We can assist with all aspects – just ask our team!

About Different Stainless Steel Balustrade Systems

Balustrade solutions come in a range of systems, which are the different configurations of components to complete the solution. Different systems may be used for different scenarios, with factors including post types and height off the ground. If you’re not sure what type of system to use for your project, just ask our team. We’re here to help!  

Understanding Wire Rope

Understanding the right wire rope to use for your project requires understanding the type of rope, the type of steel, and the size of the rope for your project.

Types of Wire Rope

Wire rope is described in a format like this: “1 x 19”, or “7 x 7”. This is a system that explains how the ropes are made up. The first number refers to the total strands in the rope. The second number indicates how many wires are in each strand. Therefore, “7 x 7” would entail a wire rope made up of 7 strands, each with 7 wires.

Wire Rope Stainless Steel

All of our wire rope is SS316, which makes it suitable for applications in close proximity to the coast due to its corrosion resistance. If you’re like to learn more about different types of stainless steel, please visit this page.

Wire Rope Diameter

The diameter of the wire rope that we stock varies from 3.2mm to 5mm.

Our Wire Rope Inventory

Wire rope is available in a large number of types and sizes. Our stock is focused on stainless steel balustrade solutions. Our inventory includes:

1 x 19: The least flexible wire rope we stock. It is commonly used for balustrades, but will not bend around corners or angles.

7 x 7: Semi flexible balustrade wire, useful for balustrades where a slight angle is required, it can be wrapped around a thimble in the smaller sizes.

7 x 19: Our most flexible stainless wire, commonly used where a thimble and swage is needed.

If you’re not sure which one is best for your project, just ask our team!

Posts for Balustrades

Posts can come in a variety of materials. Popular choices on the Sunshine Coast include timber, stainless steel or aluminium posts. Learn more about our posts here.

Swaging

Swaging is an important and essential process to be aware of. It refers to the process of permanently connecting wire rope to other components. With most systems, this is a necessary step to complete the system. If you’re purchasing a stainless steel balustrade solution, ask our team. We have a hydraulic swaging press and can ensure all of your hardware is completely ready for your project.