Madie Wray
October 16, 2022
The 5 Best Wire Balustrade Systems For Metal Posts
We’ve absolutely loved seeing some of these more traditional elements come back into style in such a fresh, new way!
If you’re looking for a wire balustrade system to suit stainless steel or metal posts, then you’ve come to the right place! We stock a wide variety of different wire kits and systems to suit almost every application. So, whether you’re looking for a balustrading kit for your internal staircase or external wrap-around deck, rest assured we’ve got one that will work for you!
When it comes to choosing a balustrade kit, there are three main factors to take into consideration:
In this article, we’ll be focusing specifically on metal posts (like these ones here) & assuming your longest span is less than 6m. If your balustrade run is longer than this, you may need to consider breaking it up into multiple, shorter sections.
Related Reading: Step By Step Guide To Wire Balustrade
Best Wire Balustrade Systems For Metal Posts
1. Most Versatile & Easiest Install: Wire Balustrade Kit C
Wire balustrade kit C is one of our bestselling systems for a reason! It’s easy to use, install, and doesn’t require any additional components/fixings from the hardware store. Arguably, it’s also the most versatile balustrading kit on the market as it is suitable for both flat AND angled balustrades.
Kit C is only compatible with stainless steel posts with a wall thickness between 0.7 and 4.0mm, and should not be used with galvanised steel or aluminium to prevent cross contamination or t-staining.
If you intend on using posts will a wall thickness greater than advertised, please get in contact with us before purchasing as we will need to organise larger pop-rivets. Alternatively, you may want to consider tapping a thread directly into your posts.
Related Reading: How to Drill, Cut & Tap Stainless Steel.| Table header 0 | Kit C |
|---|---|
| Wire Type | 1 x 19 - Read More About Wire Types Here |
| Tools/Additional Materials | Hydraulic Swager, Rivet Nut Inserter, Wire Cutters |
| Maximum Run Span | 10m |
2. Budget Option: Wire Balustrade Kit D
This particular style of wire balustrade kit has been around for decades. In fact, for a time, it was one of the only kits available on the market!
While it’s certainly not the prettiest, or easiest to install, it’s by far the cheapest balustrading system on the market. In addition to being the least expensive kit, it also doesn’t require any expensive tools! Conveniently, you don’t even need a wire cutter as it’s built into the side of the hand swager!
It is perhaps also worth noting that Kit D is one of the only kits we sell that is not compatible with 1x19 wire; meaning, you must purchase 7x7 or 7x19 wire if you intend on purchasing this kit.
| Table header 0 | Kit D |
|---|---|
| Wire Type | 7 x 7 - Read More About Wire Types Here |
| Tools/Additional Materials | Hand Swager, Pop Rivet Gun, Stainless Steel Pop Rivets |
| Maximum Run Span | 10m |
3. Most Streamlined: Wire Balustrade Kit J
If you're looking for something slim, streamlined and unobtrusive, Kit J might be the right fit for you! It's a sleek and slim system with no bulky tensioning mechanisms or forks. Instead, it is tensioned by screwing one fitting into a left hand thread, and the other into a right hand thread. As a result, the maximum run span of this system is only 6m (as opposed to 10m), but it looks far more streamlined than other kits.
In addition to being unobtrusive, Kit J is also a good option for decks, balconies & other external uses as all pieces are a 316 stainless (marine grade stainless). We've even seen it used on boats before!
Tip: Don't forget to order a left hand mandrel for your rivet nut inserter if you choose to use this system, as both left & right hand threads are used here. For more information on rivet nut tools, mandrels and how to use them, check out our youtube video.
| Table header 0 | Kit J |
|---|---|
| Wire Type | 1 x 19 - Read More About Wire Types Here |
| Tools/Additional Materials | Hydraulic Swager, Rivet Nut Inserter, Left Hand Mandrel, Wire Cutters |
| Maximum Run Span | 6m |
4. Hidden Fittings: Wire Balustrade Kit L
If you're looking for a kit that has very minimal visible fittings, Kit L is the way to go. Designed to be installed through a hollow post, the majority of Kit L's fittings should be hidden by a 50mm round stainless steel post, with the exception of the threaded terminal.
Kit L is also relatively inexpensive when compared to some other systems on this list, as it does not require the use (or purchase) of a rivet nut inserter. Instead, kit L is tensioned using a hex head terminal.
Compatible with both 7x7 and 1x19 wire, it is an extremely popular choice for high end installations- with 1x19 configured wire typically giving a more polished, sophisticated finish than the 7x7 or 7x19.
You can check out all of our 3.2mm wire rope options here.
5. Best For Staircases & Angled Balustrade: Wire Balustrade Kit R
Not all wire balustrading kits are suitable for staircases, ramps or angled balustrade; in fact, most aren't! Kit R on the other hand, is designed for exactly that purpose. The swivel connectors will adjust to any angle between 0 & 90 degrees- making them perfect for staircases.
In addition to being perfect for angled balustrade, kit R is another slim, streamline system. It is designed to match kit J (which is not suitable for stairs), and uses all of the same tools and many of the same fittings.
Suitable for both internal and external application, it's a great system to use in conjunction with kit J where a combination of both flat & angled balustrade is being used.
| Table header 0 | Kit R |
|---|---|
| Wire Type | 1 x 19 - Read More About Wire Types Here |
| Tools/Additional Materials | Hydraulic Swager, Rivet Nut Inserter, Left Hand Mandrel, Wire Cutters |
| Maximum Run Span | 6m |
Conclusion
If, after looking through our top picks, you’re still unsure which balustrade system you should choose- we’ve broken all the most important information down in an easy-to-digest table. You can also check out our step-by-step guide to wire balustrade here.
| Table header 0 | Suitable For Metal Posts? | Longest Run Span | Suitable For Stairs? | Slim/Streamline? | Budget Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KIT C | ✓ | 10m | ✓ | ─ | ─ |
| KIT D | ✓ | 10m | ✓ | ✖ | ✓ |
| KIT J | ✓ | 6m | ✖ | ✓ | ✓ |
| KIT L | ✓ | 10m | ✖ | ✓ | ─ |
| KIT R | ✓ | 6m | ✓ | ✓ | ✖ |
If still in doubt, we do actually offer a larger range of wire balustrade systems that what you see here - many of which are suitable for metal posts!
You can view our entire range here.
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