02 Feb Comparing Horizontal and Vertical Wire Balustrades

One of the top reasons customers choose wire balustrades is because of how effortlessly they compliment your home, allowing fresh breezes to flow throughout your living spaces while preserving the beautiful Australian environment. But before you go ahead and purchase a wire balustrade for your home, it is best to learn about the differences between horizontal and vertical wire balustrades. This will ensure you choose the right option that you will be happy with for the long run, and will meet your lifestyle needs.  

Horizontal Wire Balustrades

Horizontal wire balustrades provide a modern look many consumers are looking for but they can become very restricting due to the high level of building restrictions that has been laid upon this type of design. According to the Building Code of Australia (BCA) , if you need a balustrade for a surface over 4 metres high, the baluster must not have any horizontal climbing elements. This means that a horizontal wire balustrade can only be used for surfaces that are below 4 meters in height. 

Safety is the highest concern for horizontal wire balustrades under 4 metres. The horizontal wires can act like a ladder, enabling small children to climb the structure, whilst adults can lean against the wires causing the wires to stretch. Stretching of the wires is also a concern because there is a minimum tension required by the BCA, where regular maintenance would be required. 

Another component of horizontal wire balustrades is the visible turnbuckles that connect the wire to the post. These buckles can appear cluttered on the balustrade, making it less aesthetically appealing, and can easily be tampered with causing further concern for safety. 

Vertical Wire Balustrades

Sentrel recognised the gap in the balustrade market and have redefined the purpose, practicality and design of traditional systems with their very own vertical cable engineering for balustrades. 

By turning the wires to run vertically, the balustrade system is fully compliant with Australian Standards for verandahs over 4m in height, so owners don’t have to worry about safety at any height. 

Maintenance is easy for the owner who will only need to check the wire tension once a year. When required, the cables can easily be re-tensioned in just a few minutes. This is because the vertical wire balustrades are engineered with a tensioning system that spreads the rails apart to apply a uniform tension on all the cables. Watch this video to see how easy it really is to re-tension the cables.

Sentrel vertical wire balustrades are made here in Australia and are manufactured in panels for easy installation on-site. That means your home life isn’t disrupted for days during the installation process. 

to see how easy it really is to re-tension the cables.

Sentrel vertical wire balustrades are made here in Australia and are manufactured in panels for easy installation on-site. That means your home life isn’t disrupted for days during the installation process. 

Which Would You Choose?

Vertical wire balustrades offer the same characteristics consumers love about horizontal wire balustrades such as free flowing air, no disruption of views and beautiful, modern design – but without the limitations on building regulations.

Of course we are biased, but only because we know this is a great product. Sentrel uses only the highest quality timbers and stainless steel cable and fittings to ensure your balustrade lasts and provides the safety you can expect from Sentrel. 

For more information about Sentrel vertical wire balustrade options please contact us at 1300 658 330 or fill out our online enquiry form.