Building Regulations for Balustrades, Fencing & Pool Fencing
Whether you’re building a new home, managing a multi-storey development, or just freshening up a backyard deck, there’s one thing you can’t afford to overlook – compliance. And yes, we know “building regulations” don’t exactly spark joy, but they’re essential for keeping everyone safe and sound.
That’s where we come in. At PBS, we’re the go-to experts in balustrades, fencing and pool fencing. We take the guesswork (and stress) out of the process by making sure you’re matched with the right supplier – one who understands your specific needs and ticks all the regulatory boxes.
Why it Matters
Correct design, installation and full compliance with the NCC isn’t just about passing inspection – it’s about making sure your project stands the test of time (and doesn’t land you in hot water later). With us on your side, you can rest easy knowing your supplier is up to speed on all the right standards.
What is the NCC?
Building codes in Australia are determined by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) and laid out in the National Construction Code (NCC). The NCC provides a consistent set of Australian building standards in the areas of health, fire, safety and sustainability. Below we have summarised some of the key points...
What is a Balustrade and Why do You Need it?
A balustrade is a fall prevention barrier which must be provided alongside any stairway or ramp, any floor, corridor, hallway, balcony, verandah, mezzanine or path of access to a building if it is more than 1 metre above ground level.
Many accidents happen every year due to illegally built decks and balconies, or ones that haven’t been regularly inspected and maintained. Regulated decks, balconies and balustrades help to prevent these accidents from happening.
Building regulations in Australia state that balustrades should be a minimum height of 1 metre and have no spacings greater than 125mm to prevent large objects falling through.
For surfaces higher than four metres above the ground must have all of the above conditions must be met with the addition that they cannot have any climbable elements, such as horizontal rails, located between 150 millimetres and 760 millimetres from the floor.
Balustrades on stairs must be a minimum height of 865mm above the ‘nosing’ of the stair tread (see diagram below). Gaps in the balustrade cannot exceed 125mm.
Balustrades on stairs more than four metres above the ground must have all of the above with the addition that must also not have any climbable elements located between 150mm and 760mm from the floor.
Climate
You might not have thought about it, but climate plays a significant role in the selection of materials for balustrades, particularly in Australia where conditions can vary greatly between regions. When planning new construction or extensions, one of the first considerations is whether the site is located in a bushfire-prone area, as this will directly influence material choices and compliance requirements.
For bushfire-prone areas, construction must comply with one of six Bushfire Attack Levels (BALs), ranging from BAL Low to BAL FZ (Flame Zone). Each level sets out specific requirements regarding the materials that can be used. As the BAL increases, so too do the restrictions on flammable materials.
Metal is the safest and most universally accepted option for balustrades in bushfire zones, as it is non-combustible and suitable for use across all BAL ratings. However, if you prefer the aesthetic of timber, certain hardwoods can be used within specific BAL ranges. For BAL Low to BAL 19, only timber with a minimum density of 750 kg/m³ is permitted. In BAL 29 areas, timber must not only be high-density but also recognised for its fire-resistant properties. Suitable species include Merbau (Kwila), Spotted Gum, Blackbutt, Turpentine, Red Ironbark, River Redgum, and Silvertop Ash.
Beyond fire risk, coastal environments introduce additional challenges. Exposure to salt-laden air, wind, and sand can accelerate corrosion in steel, attack low grade or improperly prepared powder coat finishes, or degrade unprotected timber. In these locations, it’s crucial to select materials that can handle the conditions, like high quality 316 stainless steel of a suitbale polish, a suitable grade primer and powdercoat, and the right timber finishes to extend the life and structural integrity of your balustrades or fences.
Why Choose PBS?
At PBS, we’re not just another link in the chain – we’re your expert guide through the maze of rules, materials, and suppliers. We know what works, what doesn’t, and who’s worth working with. Whether it’s a frameless glass fence for a modern pool area or a sturdy balustrade for a high-rise balcony, we’ll make sure it’s safe, compliant, and looks fantastic too.
So let us do the legwork. You bring the vision – we’ll bring the know-how.
PBS – Your trusted partner in balustrade, fencing, and pool fencing done right