You have just finished installing your outdoor terrace. You are finally going to be able to enjoy it… But, wait a second, not so fast! Have you thought about the railing? Before inviting loved ones for lunch or setting up deckchairs for a well-deserved moment of relaxation, remember to ask yourself the right questions. Is a terrace railing mandatory in your case? When is it useful to plan for its installation? How do you choose the right one? We tell you everything!
What is a terrace railing?
This outdoor device serves a safety, functional, and decorative purpose.
Indeed, installing a terrace railing aims to:
- Secure the terrace if its height, layout, or location requires it. This protective barrier prevents any risk of accidental falls. It must ensure the safety of individuals while complying with current regulatory requirements (which we will detail just below!).
- Delimit the “terrace” area to structure the exterior, or even hide potential overlooking views. By choosing a solid railing, it can act as a privacy screen. This way, you preserve your privacy and your view. Once lying on your deckchair, you no longer have an unobstructed view of the neighbors’ land and vice versa!
- Embellish the space. The railing delimits the outdoor terrace, but with style! Indeed, it is a decorative element in its own right: it adds character to your property. Especially since in terms of aesthetics, you have plenty of choice! Perforated sheet metal, laminated glass, stainless steel, wood, wrought iron with matching handrails or integrated lighting… You can play with materials, colors, and options to adopt a totally personal decor.
Read also: Privacy screens for balconies: how to make your choice?
When is a railing mandatory on a terrace?
You might be wondering: “Am I obligated to install a railing around my terrace?” The answer: it all depends on its situation!
Regarding railings, current French standards (notably NF P01-012 and NF P01-013) are strict:
- If the drop height from your terrace is greater than 1 m or if the slope exceeds 45°, you have an obligation to install a railing.
- This protection must have a minimum height of 1 m, unless it is more than 50 cm thick. In that case, it can be 80 cm high.
- The railing must be solid up to 45 cm in height (for example, a sheet metal or glass base) to prevent children from climbing it and accidentally falling.
- It must mandatory meet specific criteria regarding bar spacing, fastening systems, solidity, and resistance (to wind, fire, etc.). For example, the space between vertical bars must be less than 11 cm to prevent young children from passing through.
- In a co-ownership, you must first know if your balcony or terrace railing falls under common areas or if they are private.
- If they are private, you are still not free to change them as you wish. Your project must be presented at a general meeting and receive the agreement of the co-owners. If they refuse, you can seek recourse at the Administrative Tribunal. The cost of these works will be entirely your responsibility.
- If they fall under common areas, all railings will be changed at the same time, with the agreement of the co-owners at a general meeting. The cost of the works will be shared among everyone according to the share rule.
In which situation should you install a railing?
As you have understood, if your terrace is not on the ground floor but on an upper floor, the question does not arise: you must install this protection.
If your terrace is located less than 1 m from the ground, there is no obligation (though regulations still strongly recommend installing protection). However, nothing prevents you from installing one either! Indeed, several reasons might encourage you to set up a railing. You can choose to enhance your terrace with a distinctive ornamental element. It is the detail that will make the difference! It can also be very useful for limiting overlooking views. Indeed, if the view from your terrace looks directly onto the parking lot, bins, or a busy street, choose an opaque railing, in plexiglass for example. Conversely, if you want to have a view of your pool when your children are swimming, opt for a glass railing.
For every situation, there is an appropriate railing!
Different types of terrace railings: how to choose the right one?
Here is a brief overview of the main types of railings with detailed advantages and disadvantages to help you make the right choice according to your expectations!
Wooden terrace railings: the choice of authenticity
This is a great classic that still appeals to homeowners! Indeed, wood is a noble, natural, and durable material: it creates a warm atmosphere and brings conviviality. It spontaneously evokes a chalet spirit… It is an aesthetic asset to highlight your terrace (even if you don’t live in the mountains!) and make you want to enjoy this space, alone or with others! You can opt for classic species (light-colored beech) or more exotic ones (darker reddish-brown sipo).
Two options are available to you: solid wood or composite wood. While the former is more authentic, it requires regular maintenance (painting, varnishing, etc.) to keep it in good condition and prevent it from rotting, weakening, or cracking.
Stainless steel railings: a safe bet
Are you looking for a terrace railing with a sleek and modern style, a long lifespan, and easy maintenance? Choose a stainless steel model!
It often comes in the form of simple tubes. You will fall for its contemporary and minimalist look. But not just that! This stainless steel alloy is, by definition, solid and very resistant over time, even more so than aluminum. It can remain intact for decades without yellowing, rusting, or tarnishing. This is one of its main characteristics: the presence of chrome allows it to keep its lustrous appearance despite bad weather and temperature fluctuations. If polished, it will shine like a mirror and play with natural light. You could (almost) see yourself in it! But if your terrace is south-facing, it is better to choose brushed stainless steel so as not to be bothered (or even totally blinded) by the reflections of the sun’s rays! This matte version will be just as aesthetic but more suited to your situation.
Wrought iron terrace railings: a chic version
A wrought iron railing is a classic and elegant choice! Indeed, this material offers an elegant and unique design. Totally malleable, wrought iron bends to all your desires, between traditional or more contemporary styles. You can have a custom railing made with openwork panels, decorative motifs… Due to its composition, this type of guardrail is particularly robust and resistant: it is a long-term investment!
However, it does not only have advantages. For example, it is less affordable in terms of price (than wood, for example). Another disadvantage: its weight. This alloy is heavy and requires a suitable load-bearing structure. Additionally, it is recommended to treat it against corrosion approximately every 3 years to prevent the appearance of rust. Finally, a last totally subjective point: running your hand over a wrought iron railing can leave a cold sensation. But it’s up to everyone to form their own opinion…
Laminated glass railings to enjoy the view
From your terrace, can you see snowy mountains, ocean waves, or your lush garden? To enjoy an unobstructed view, opt for a glass railing!
This choice of transparency offers several advantages. It does not spoil the view, and that works both ways! Depending on your vantage point, you can admire your grounds but also the architecture of your house.
Furthermore, it is a real decorative asset that offers a very elegant finish. It is particularly suitable for a small terrace: glass gives the impression of opening up the space and thus benefiting from a larger terrace.
On the other hand, the main disadvantage is its maintenance. Indeed, it is essential to clean it regularly to remove traces of rain, dust, and pollution, which are particularly visible on a glass railing!
Good to know: the installation of a railing may be subject to the Local Urban Plan (PLU) of your municipality. Be sure to consult it to check if directives are given regarding color, material, shape…
Alternatives to terrace railings
Are you still hesitating to choose a railing for your terrace, especially if it is on one level? Fortunately, alternatives exist and we are going to share 2 with you!
First solution: opt for a privacy screen! It is the trendy element to delimit your space, protect you to a minimum (from outside eyes, wind, etc.), and add a decorative touch to your terrace. It can adapt to all styles: natural with an artificial hedge or reed screening, more chic and timeless with a complete kit (PVC slats and fencing)…
Need advice or suggestions to make the right choice? Discover 5 decorative privacy screen ideas for terraces!
Second possibility: install a fence around your terrace just as you would have around your garden! Here again, you can choose from different styles: a totally opaque aluminum fence or a mesh fence with rigid panels. Whatever your choice, installing a fence is child’s play with a pro’s advice!
Read in addition: 10 solutions for screening your fence.
You are now an expert on terrace railings! You are able to make the right choice according to your desires and regulatory obligations. All that remains is for you to fully enjoy your landscaped space in total serenity!
Dans le même thème
Expert in fencing, gates, and outdoor landscaping since 2019.
Holds a Master’s degree in Digital Marketing – SEO, UX/UI.
View LinkedIn profile
