Durham Deck Balustrades & Steps

Balustrades and steps

On a hillside, steps and guarding are the most important parts of a deck. We design them so you can climb the garden safely, day or night.

Short answer

We build flights of deck steps with even risers, landings and handrails, plus glass, aluminium and timber balustrades and low-voltage step lighting. Guarding goes on any drop over 600mm, to Building Regulations guidance. On long flights we add landings and continuous handrails, and lights in risers for safety after dark.

Example image: deck stairs with a landing and LED step lights at dusk

Steps that suit a slope

On steep gardens, steps are the backbone of the design. We keep every riser the same height, make treads deep enough for a whole foot and add landings on long flights so you can pause. Steps can turn to follow the slope, with a dogleg or a quarter-landing.

Handrails

A handrail on at least one side of any significant flight makes a big difference, especially in wet or icy weather. We fit continuous handrails that are comfortable to grip.

Balustrades

Glass keeps views open over the city or the valley. Aluminium is strong and low-maintenance. Timber suits older stone houses. All posts are fixed into the frame.

Lighting

Small LEDs in step risers and along handrails make a hillside safe after dark. A transformer runs from an outdoor socket; a qualified electrician fits any new socket.

Building Regulations

We follow Building Regulations guidance on guarding height, gaps in balustrades and step dimensions, so the deck is safe for children and visitors.

FAQ

How many steps need a handrail?

It depends on the situation. We follow Building Regulations guidance and generally recommend handrails on any flight that's more than a couple of steps, especially on slopes.