‘We’ve got the safety and the beauty; the Balconette balustrade really does enhance our garden’

Satisfying the twin objectives of safety and enhancement of their new terrace, clear glass balustrading supplied by Balconette just puts ‘the icing on the cake’ for happy homeowners in Epsom, Surrey.

The raised terrace, overlooking a 100-foot-long garden, was created as part of a new extension to the rear of their end-of-terrace home. The extra space includes a utility room, shower room and cloakroom with bi-fold doors allowing level access to the terrace and garden beyond.

“The back of the house came down and the rubble was used to raise the terrace so there were no steps down. I wanted level access from the house to bring the outside inside,” explains homeowner Simon Firrell. “However, raising the terrace increased the height of the drop to the lawn below.

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“So, I chose Balconette’s Aerofoil System for two reasons: firstly, to enhance the terrace and secondly, for safety. The drop from the terrace down to the garden could potentially cause injury if someone was to fall off.”

Having done his research online, Simon liked the look of Balconette’s products and had initially chosen the Aerofoil handrail in a bronze shade to complement the sandstone terrace floor and wall colours. However, as the bronze had been discontinued, he opted for the Royal Chrome Anodised finish.

“I was slightly disappointed that I couldn’t get the bronze, but the balustrade looks good, has no posts and I like the style, so I went with it,” he continues.

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After

Fitting the balustrade took installer Paul Frampton of Timbertech Southern Ltd, a Balconette Registered Partner, and his colleague Paul about a day. The posts and handrail were fitted on a Friday and then the glass, along with the final fixings, were in place the following Monday.

For Simon, the project didn’t present any particular challenges other than waiting to fit in with Paul’s busy schedule. “It took a bit longer due to holidays and other commitments, but it wasn’t a problem. I didn’t feel ignored, I felt I was kept in the loop. Paul Frampton measured up for me, which was good; and they were jovial people. They looked after the property and the glass was left nice and clean.”

Next time, would he do anything differently? “When my wife saw the posts, she didn’t think the balustrade would be that high. So, I asked Paul if the posts could be shorter. He told me that they could, but the height is the legal requirement to protect the drop.

“I think the height gives it that little bit extra pizzazz and enhances the classy look of the glass balustrade. A lower one would have looked OK, but it wouldn’t have done what it’s meant to be doing. That’s the only thing I’d do differently perhaps, but, of course, it wouldn’t be legal.”

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After

Simon is delighted with the final result, saying: “We like to sit out on the terrace taking in the garden view and the balustrade is just the icing on the cake. We can walk around the terrace without the worry of anyone falling off. So, we’ve got the safety and the beauty…it really does make our garden!”

Happy to recommend Balconette to others, Simon adds: “I found the team very helpful and professional. It was no hardship to contact someone, and I felt I was always in the loop from a communication point of view. They’re the experts!”