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Blocklayer
22nd February 2008, 02:11 PM
Do we say balustrade or railing or both in Australia?

Or is a baustrade on stairs (angled) and a railing on a deck (level)?

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(Sorry, posted to wrong section - reposted Woodworking General)

journeyman Mick
22nd February 2008, 02:43 PM
I would classify them as: a railing is usually just a top rail plus possibly bottom and mid rails. Balustrading would consist of posts, rails and balusters (vertical elements) which prevent access/egress/falling.

My copy of "A glossary of building and planning terms in Australia" by the National Committee on Rationalised Building defines them as follows:

Balustrade A series of balusters supporting a handrail.
Baluster Small post used to support a hand rail
Rail A piece of timber or metal extending from one post to another.

You could check to see what the BCA has to say on the matter as that's probably more relevant.

Mick