Hammersmith Blogs

All the latest news, DIY ideas, tips and tricks in one convenient location.

News

February 1, 2024

Wire Balustrade Pricing Guide: Average Costs for Decks, Stairs, and Platforms
When it comes to domestic decks, staircases, and balconies, wire balustrades have become a popular choice in the world of architectural and interior design. Also known as stainless steel balustrading, this system offers a contemporary and minimalist alternative to traditional glass and timber options, often at a more cost-effective price point.
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October 24, 2023

How To Connect And Install Galvanised Pipe Clamp Fittings
Galvanised pipe fittings are a series of internal and external modular fittings that are designed for galvanized pipes of various sizes. They are designed specifically for the do-it-yourself (DIY) market, with ease of installation being a top priority in their design.
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October 3, 2023

How To Install Iron Balusters
Wrought iron balusters have always been an incredibly affordable, DIY friendly way to update your staircase or balustrade, but even more so now that we’ve started stocking a range of wrought iron shoes to match. These baluster shoes hide a myriad of mistakes - they’re a DIYers dream. As, even the most inexperienced handyman can now install or replace balusters on their staircases and achieve a stunning outcome.
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September 21, 2023

Types of Railing & Balustrade For Decks
When it comes to choosing railing, handrail and balustrade for your deck or balcony, there are several factors you should be taking into consideration. Namely, material, style and functionality. Whichever material you choose to build your decking balustrade from should be weatherproof and waterproof: something designed for exterior use.
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September 5, 2023

Do Handrails Need To Be Continuous?
In order to adhere to Australian building standards, all handrails or railings in stairwells must be continuous along each flight of stairs. This is true in both commercial and domestic application, as outlaid in The National Construction Code (NCC).
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August 18, 2023

Best Modular Handrail Systems
If you’re looking for a handrail system that’s easy to install, DIY friendly, and includes a large range of modular bends/fittings, you’ve come to the right place! Depending on the desired application & your personal taste, we’ve whittled the options down to three different systems: one timber, one stainless steel and one galvanised steel.
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August 1, 2023

How To Attach Handrail Brackets To A Stainless Steel Rail
Attaching stainless steel handrail to a wall mounted bracket or top mounted handrail bracket is a simple, DIY friendly task; however admittedly is a little more involved than attaching a timber handrail. This is due to the fact that stainless steel handrails often are not thick enough to use self tapping screws, and attaching them with glue alone is often not a strong enough connection.
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July 18, 2023

How To Join Lengths Of Handrail
Depending on the size of your handrail, hallway or balustrade, it may be necessary to join shorter lengths of rail together to create one larger, continuous handrail. Which then raises a few questions, namely: how do you join two lengths of handrail, what is the best connecting method, and what fixing materials might you need?
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July 5, 2023

Wire Balustrade FAQ: Post Distance, Wire Spacing, Regulations & More
All balustrades, whether they be wire, timber, steel or otherwise, need to adhere to the same Australian Building Standards (outlined in NCC 2019 BCA). However, when it comes to stainless steel wire balustrade specifically, it can be difficult to understand exactly how this translates to installation requirements such as post distance, wire spacing and wire tensioning.
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