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info

Summary of technical details

Stair balustrade
Technical details

Building Regulations - 92
Timber overview - 93
Staircase terminology - 94 to 95
Staircase configurations - 96 to 121
Installation information - 122-125
Finishing advice - 126 to 127

The following pages contain information on Building Regulations, the suitability of


products and helpful configuration drawings explaining how and where our stair balustrade
ranges can be used.
Remember that help is always at hand every step of the way to make your project a reality.
If you are looking for style ideas and information please refer to our brochure, if you
require stockists then our customer services team are just a call away and our technical
support team can help with planning and installation advice.
Customer services +44 (0) 1691 678300
Technical helpline +44 (0) 1691 678212
www.richardburbidge.com

We want to make it as easy as possible for you to have the staircase youve always wanted.
So weve brought together all our experience and know-how to create STAIRPLANNER a simple, online tool that helps you design your new stair balustrade in just a few easy
steps.
Even better, its completely free. Just visit www.richardburbidge.com and follow the link to
STAIRPLANNER, which will take you through each stage of the planning process from
start to finish. You can choose from different timbers, spindles and newels, and your
selections will be shown on a virtual staircase to give you a realistic idea of how it will look.
Once youve made your decisions, you can download easy-to-understand plans and fully
priced parts lists that you can take to your nearest Richard Burbidge stockist. Together,
well turn your plan into reality.
Remember, if you cannot find what you need or if you would like a little extra help, just call
us and we can access your STAIRPLANNER design to help you sort it.

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Building Regulations

Approved Document K of the Building Regulations 1992: Stairs, Ramps and Guards
gives provisions for stairways in the design and building of stairways which form part
of the structure and guidance on the aspects of geometry and guarding of stairs.
BS585 Part 1 1989: Woodstairs covers specifications for stairs with closed risers for
domestic use, including straight and winder flights and quarter or half landings.
Appendix A of this standard also details the recommendations for the site fixing of
stairs.
BS5395 Part 1 1977: Stairs, Ladders and Walkways covers the design of straight stairs.
BS6180 1982: Code of practice for protective barriers in and about buildings.
DEFINITIONS
Private stairs intended to be used for only one dwelling with a maximum rise of
220mm and a minimum going of 220mm. A maximum pitch of 42 is stipulated for
domestic stairs. Institutional and assembly stairs serving a place where a substantial
number of people will gather, with a maximum rise of 150mm and a minimum going
of 280mm. Buildings with a maximum rise of 190mm and a minimum going of 250mm
are covered by all other stairs.
Note - Institutional and assembly stairs plus other, both reference Approved
Document M, Access and facilities for disabled people for the maximum permissible
rise of stairs providing access for disabled people.
The normal relationship between the dimensions of the rise and going can be
expressed as detailed in Approved Document K, which states that twice the rise plus
the going (2R+G) should be between 550mm and 700mm.
Pitch - The angle between the pitch line (notional line connecting nosings) and the
horizontal. The maximum pitch for domestic stairs is 42, semi-public stairs, e.g.
factories, offices and common stairs serving more than one dwelling, 38 and public
stairs, e.g. places of public assembly, 33.
Height of handrails - Approved Document K states that flights should have a handrail
on at least one side if they are less than one metre wide and on both sides if they are
wider than one metre. There is no need for handrails beside the bottom two steps of a
stairway. Minimum domestic handrail heights of 900mm for both stairs and landings,
public handrail heights should be a minimum of 900mm on stairs and 1100mm on
landings.
It is also a Building Regulations requirement that no openings in any balustrading
should allow the passage of a 100mm sphere.

Timber overview

SPECIFICATION - MATERIALS USED


Timber is a natural product and components may vary in colour between pieces.

Timber overview

Building Regulations & British Standards

Pine - Pinus sylvestris L.: Commonly referred to as European redwood or Scots pine.
Creamy white to yellow sapwood with a distinctive yellow/reddish brown resinous
heartwood. Ideal for painting, staining and varnishing. Average weight 510kg/m3.
Hemlock - Tsuga heterophylla Sarge: Western hemlock, a non-resinous North
American softwood. Pale brown, straight grained with a fairly even texture. Can be
painted, stained, varnished or polished. Average weight 500kg/m3.
Sapele - Entandrophragma cylindricum Sprague: Distributed in West and East Africa.
Medium to dark reddish brown heartwood, similar to mahogany in colour. Sapele is
characterised by a marked and regular stripe with an interlocked/wavy grain and is
fairly close textured. Stains, varnishes and polishes extremely well. Average weight
640kg/m3.
White Oak - Quercus alba and petraea. USA, Canada and Europe. A straight-grained
medium to course texture hardwood. Ranges in colour from pale yellow brown to pale
brown. Stains and polishes well and can also be limed. Average weight 720 to
760kg/m.
American White Ash - Fraximus Americana. Distributed throughout USA and Canada.
A generally straight-grained hardwood, pale brown in colour sometimes tinged red.
Stains and polishes well. Average weight 670kg/m.
European Beech - Fagus sylvatica L.: No colour distinction between sapwood and
heartwood, the timber being pale pink following medium steaming. An immensely
strong timber that outperforms oak for bending strength, stiffness and shear by some
20%. It is also stronger in resistance to impact loads. It works well, producing a good,
smooth surface and stains and polishes to an excellent finish. Average weight
720kg/m3.
ACCLIMATISATION
IMPORTANT - You should note that acclimatising timber products by leaving in the
room or a room with a similar humidity for at least 48 hours is essential if problems
associated with shrinkage and expansion are to be avoided. Storing stair balustrading,
for example, in a cold and damp garage for months and then using for immediate
internal installation is not good trade practice. This is due to timber being a natural
material that both absorbs and loses moisture. The rule of thumb to remember is
timber plus water/moisture equals expansion and timber plus heat equals
shrinkage. It is therefore extremely important to seal/finish your timber products once
installed by painting, staining or varnishing (see page 126 for some ideas).

SUITABILITY FOR USE


Richard Burbidge stair balustrade systems in all timber types have been fully tested by
BM TRADA for conformity to domestic requirements as stated in the Building
Regulations Part K, The guarding should be able to resist a horizontal force of 0.36kN
for each metre of length if it guards a private stairs. In addition, spindles have been
subjected to a separate test as stated in BS6180 table 2 column 4(a).
Richard Burbidge also manufacture a number of systems for shared access and
commercial use tested to the higher strength requirements of 0.74kN including
FUSION Commercial, Heritage and Classic Ranges.
Richard Burbidge stair balustrade systems were tested using traditional draw-bored
mortise and tenon joints (straight handrail system), patented universal brackets
(bracket fix system) and tie-rail bolts/metal fixing plates (continuous handrail system).
We do not recommend the use of any other fixing method.
Richard Burbidge stair balustrade is manufactured from high quality raw materials
complying to BS1186 and are kiln dried ready for immediate internal use. All
components are turned or moulded to profile and sanded to a fine finish.
Richard Burbidge Limited is a BSI registered firm ISO9002 and is the first member of
the BM TRADA Q Mark Approved Timber Balustrade Scheme (certificate No. 001).

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Staircase terminology

Staircase terminology

Fig. 1 - Elevation and section

Baluster/spindle - The vertical member, plain or decorative, that acts as the infill
between the handrail and baserail (or tread if cut string).

Terminology

Terminology

Balustrade - The collective name for the complete assembly of handrails, baserails,
newels, spindles and caps.
Wall
string

Bracket fix - Patented Richard Burbidge Limited system which uses a bracket to fix the
handrail to the specially designed newels.

St
ep

Bullnose step - Usually at the bottom of the stairs with one or both ends of the step
having a quarter circle design.

Handrail

Closed string - A string with the face housed/trenched to accommodate treads and
risers so their profile cannot be seen.

Blockings
Riser

Newel

Continuous handrail - Using straight lengths of handrail connected to handrail fittings


and ramps, the handrail flows over the tops of newel turnings creating a continuous
run of handrail.

Tread

Baluster/spindle

Bracket

String
capping

Carriage

Curtail step - A decorative shaped step at the bottom of the stairs usually
accommodating the volute and volute newel turning of the continuous handrail
system.

Closed
string

Cut string

Nosing

Cut or open string - A string with the upper edge cut away to the shape of the treads
and risers so that their profile can be seen from the side.
Going - The going of a flight of stairs is the horizontal distance between the face of
the first and last risers. The individual going of a step is measured from face of riser to
face of riser and for domestic use should be a minimum of 220mm.

Fig. 2 - Rise and going

Pitch line
Nosing
Riser

Balusters
Rise

Pitch - The angle between the pitch line and the horizontal.
Pitch line - The notional line connecting the nosings of all treads in a flight of stairs.

Handrail

Going

Newel - Accommodates the strings, handrails and treads/risers of stairs.


Nosing - The edge of the tread projecting beyond the face of the riser and the face of
a cut string.

Fig. 3 - Balustrades and handrails

Tread

99mm
MAX

Rake - The pitch of the stairs.


900mm min

Rise - The rise of a flight is the vertical distance between the floors or landings
connected by the flight. The individual rise is the vertical measurement from top of
tread to top of tread.

Outer string

Riser - The board that forms the face of the step. The maximum individual rise for
domestic flights is 220mm.
Pitch line

Fig. 4 - Restrictions on flights

Stairway/stairwell - The space/void provided for the stairs.


Step - The tread and riser combined.
String margin - The distance between the top of the string and the pitch line
measured at 90 to the pitch line.
Tread - The top or horizontal surface of a step.
Wall string - The string of a staircase fixed flush with a wall.

Floor

Floor or
landing
Headroom
of not less
than 2m
measured
vertically
above the
pitch line.

Pitch line

Rise of step

Going
of step

Rise of flight

Staircase - The entire structure relating to a stair, comprising steps, treads, risers,
strings, balustrading, landings etc.

Winders - Are radiating steps narrower at one end that are used to change the
direction of a stairs through 90 or 180.

Going of flight

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Staircase configurations

Straight handrail
Fig. 3 - Bottom of flight - Dog leg with bullnose step

All diagrams are based on domestic staircases with a maximum pitch of 42, individual
rise of 200mm and individual going of 223mm. Handrail heights for both stairs and
landing are illustrated at the minimum UK Building Regulations stipulation of 900mm.
Further advice on all systems is available by contacting our technical advisors on
+44 (0) 1691 678212.

HDR or LHR
Handrail

NC3

Straight handrail

Configurations

Richard Burbidge stair balustrade components have been designed for use in the
majority of staircase configurations. No staircase need present a problem if the
components are used and installed in the correct manner. To assist, the following
bracket fix, straight handrail and continuous handrail configurations illustrate the most
popular bottom of flight, intermediate and top landing options in the construction of
staircases. The individual components are identified on each illustration together with
a simple plan view of the stairs.

Acorn cap

NT160
Newel turning

BR
Baserail

NB915

Straight handrail system

Newel base

Fig. 1 - Bottom of flight - Straight with straight step


HDR or LHR
Fig. 4 - Bottom of flight - Winders

Handrail

NC2

HDR or LHR

Ball cap

Handrail

NC3

NT160

Acorn cap

Newel turning

NT160
Newel turning

BR

BR

Baserail

Baserail

NB510
Newel base

NB1375
Newel base

Fig. 2 - Bottom of flight - Straight with straight step


HDR or LHR

Fig. 5 - Bottom of flight - Dog leg with straight step

Handrail

HDR
Handrail

NC2
Ball cap

NT160
Newel turning

NC2
Ball cap

NT160
Newel turning

NB1375
Newel base

BR
Baserail

BR
Baserail

NB915
Newel base

NB510
Newel base

96

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Straight handrail

Straight handrail

Fig. 6 - Bottom of flight - Dog leg with straight step and


pulpit end

Fig. 9 - Intermediate landing - Quarter turn with


landing
NC3

HDR
Handrail

Straight handrail

Straight handrail

Acorn cap

NT415
Newel turning

NC2

HDR or LHR

Ball cap

Handrail

NT160
Newel turning

NB915
Newel base

NB1375
Newel base

NB700

NB510

Newel
base

Newel base

Fig. 7 - Bottom of flight - Dog leg with double bullnose


and pulpit end

BR
Baserail

Fig. 10 - Intermediate landing - Quarter turn with


three winders
NC2
Ball cap

HDR or LHR
Handrail

NC3
Acorn cap

NT415
Newel turning

NT415
Newel turning

VT
Vertical turn

UE
Concave ramp

NT160

HDR or LHR

Newel turning

Handrail

NB2000

NT160

Newel base

Newel turning

BR
BR

Baserail

Baserail

NB700
Newel base

NB915
Newel base

Fig. 11 - Intermediate landing - Quarter turn with


three winders
NC2

Fig. 8 - Intermediate landing - Quarter turn with landing

Ball cap

NC2
Ball cap

VT
Vertical turn

UE
Concave
ramp

NT160

NT202

Newel turning

Newel turning

HDR or
LHR

NB2850
Newel base

Handrail

NB915

98

HDR or LHR

Newel base

Handrail

BR

BR

Baserail

Baserail

99

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Straight handrail

Straight handrail

Fig. 12 Intermediate landing - Quarter turn with four


winders

Fig. 15 - Intermediate landing - Half turn with


extended landing

NC2

NC3
Acorn cap

Straight handrail

Straight handrail

Ball cap

NT415
Newel turning

NT415
Newel turning

1100mm

VT

Spindle

Vertical turn

UE
Concave ramp

HDR or LHR
Handrail

HDR or LHR
Handrail

NB2000

NB915

Newel base

Newel base

BR
Baserail

BR
Baserail

Fig. 13 - Intermediate landing - Half turn with landing

Fig. 16 - Top landings - Top landing with 90 turn

NC2

NC2
NT160 Ball cap

Ball cap

Newel
turning

HDR or LHR
Handrail

NB700
NT415
Newel turning

HDR or LHR
Handrail

Newel drop
(adapted)

NB915
Newel base

BR
Baserail

Minimum distance between


centres of strings 82/90mm,
2 newel bases side by side 82
or 90mm section.

NC2
Ball cap

BR

Baserail

Fig. 17 - Top landings - Top landing with 180 turn


Fig. 14 - Intermediate landing - Half turn with landing

NC3

HT

HDR or LHR

Acorn cap

Horizontal turn

Handrail

NC3HALF
Half acorn cap

NC2
Ball cap

UE
Concave ramp

HT
VT

Horizontal turn

Vertical turn

Vertical turn

UE

UE

Concave ramp

NT160
Newel turning

NB915
Newel base

BR
Baserail

100

VT

Concave ramp

HDR or LHR
Handrail

NT160
Newel turning

NT160D

NB915

Half newel
turning

Newel base

NB510
Newel base

101

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Straight handrail

Straight handrail

Fig. 18 - Top landings - Top landing with 180 turn

Fig. 21 - Top landings - Landing or horizontal balustrade only

NC3

HT

NC2HALF

Acorn cap

Horizontal turn

Half ball cap

NT160HALF

HDR or LHR

Half newel turning

Handrail

Straight handrail

Straight handrail

NC2
Ball cap

NT160
Newel turning

HDR or LHR
Handrail

NB700

NB510HALF

Newel base

Half newel base

BR
Baserail

Fig. 19 - Top landings - Top landing 180 turn with


winders

NT160

NB700

Newel turning

Newel base

Fig. 22 - Top landings - Corner landing newel

NC3

NC2

HDR or LHR

Ball cap

Handrail

Acorn cap

HT
Horizontal turn

NT415
Newel turning

VT
Vertical turn

UE
Concave ramp

NB1375
Newel base

HDR or LHR
Handrail

BR
Baserail

Fig. 20 - Top landings - 90 turn with straight rail


NC2HALF

HDR or LHR

Half ball cap

Handrail

NT160HALF

HT

Half newel turning

Horizontal turn

90
0m
m

NB510HALF
Half newel base

102

ma
x.

NB700

NT160

Newel base

Newel turning

Fig. 23 - Top landings - Mid landing newel


HDR
Handrail

NB700
BR

Newel base

Baserail

103

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Continuous handrail

Continuous handrail

Fig. 1 - Bottom of flight- Straight with curtail step

Fig. 4 - Intermediate landings - Half turn with landing

HDR

HC

Handrail

Horizontal cap

Continuous handrail

Continuous handrail

UE
Concave ramp

VL-RH
Volute

VT
Vertical turn

UE
Concave ramp

NT0

BR
Baserail

NTV
Newel turning

HDR Handrail

Newel turning

1100mm

NB915

Spindle

Newel base

BR

4 x 1100mm

Baserail

Spindles

Minimum distance between


centres of strings 150mm.

Fig. 5 - Top landings - Top Landing with 90 turn


Fig. 2 - Bottom of flight - Straight with straight step

VT

HC

Vertical turn

Horizontal cap

HDR

HDR

Handrail

Handrail

UE
UE

Concave ramp

Concave ramp

NT0
Newel turning

OC
Opening cap

NT0
Newel turning

BR

NB700

Baserail

NB700
Newel base

BR

NC2

Baserail

Ball cap

Newel drop
(adapted)

Fig. 6 - Top landings - Top landing with 180 turn


Fig. 3 - Intermediate landings - Quarter turn with landing
HC
Horizontal
cap

HC

HT

Horizontal cap

Horizontal turn

HDR
Handrail

VT
NT0

Vertical turn

Newel turning

VT
Vertical turn

UE

UE
Concave ramp

HDR

UE
Concave ramp

Handrail

104

NT0
Newel turning

1100mm
Spindle

1100mm
Spindle

Concave ramp

NB915

NB700

Newel base

Newel base

BR

BR

Baserail

Baserail

105

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Continuous handrail

Bracket fix

Fig. 7 - Top landings - 90 turn with corner landing newel


HDR

Horizontal cap

Handrail

HDR or LHR
Handrail

Continuous handrail

HC

Fig. 1 - Bottom of flight - Straight with straight step

NC2

Bracket fix

Ball cap

N160
Newel turning

BR
Baserail

NB700

NB510

Newel base

Newel base

NT0
Newel turning

Fig. 2 - Bottom of flight - Straight with bullnose step


Fig. 8 - Top landings - Continuous rail over mid newel

HDR or LHR
Handrail

HDR
Handrail

NC2

SC

Ball cap

Straight cap

N160
Newel turning

BR
Baserail

NB915
NT0

Newel base

Newel turning

NB700
Newel base

Fig. 3 - Bottom of flight - Dog leg with bullnose step


HDR or LHR
Handrail

NC3
Acorn cap

N160
Newel turning

BR
Baserail

NB915
Newel base

106

107

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Bracket fix

Bracket fix
Fig. 7 - Bottom of stairs - Dog leg with double bullnose
and pulpit end

Fig. 4 - Bottom of flight - Winders


HDR or LHR

HDR or LHR

Handrail

Handrail

NC3

NC3
Acorn cap

Bracket fix

Bracket fix

Acorn cap

N160
Newel turning

N415A
BR

Adapted bracket
fix newel

Baserail

N160B

NB1375
Newel base

N160
Newel turning

Newel turning

N160B
Newel turning

BR
Baserail

Fig. 5 - Bottom of stairs - Dog leg with straight step


HDR

NB700

NB915

Newel base

Newel base

Fig. 8 - Intermediate landing - Quarter turn with landing

Handrail

NC3
Acorn cap

N415A
Newel turning

NC2
Ball cap

N415A
Newel turning

HDR or LHR
Handrail

N160
Newel turning

NB915

NB1375

Newel base

Newel base

BR

BR

Baserail

Baserail

NB510
Newel base

Fig. 6 - Bottom of stairs - Dog leg with straight step and


pulpit end

Fig. 9 - Intermediate landing - Quarter turn with winders


NC2
Ball cap

N415A
Newel turning

HDR
Handrail

NC2

VT

Ball cap

Vertical turn

N160
Newel turning

N160A
Adapted bracket
fix newel

NB700
Newel base

108

NB1375

UE
Concave ramp

HDR or LHR
Handrail

Newel base

NB2000
NB510
Newel base

Newel base

BR
Baserail

109

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Bracket fix

Bracket fix

Fig. 10 - Intermediate landing - Half turn with landing

Fig. 13 - Landings - Top landing with 90 turn and extra rise

NC2

NC3

Ball cap

Acorn cap HT
Horizontal turn

HDR or LHR

NC3HALF

VT

N415A
Newel turning

HDR or LHR

Vertical turn

Half acorn
cap

Handrail

UE

N160D

Concave ramp

Half newel
turning

NB915
Newel base

N160A

BR

Bracket fix

Bracket fix

Handrail

Newel turning

Baserail

NB915

Minimum distance between


centres of strings 82/90mm,
2 newel bases side by side 82
or 90mm section.

Newel base

NB510
Newel base

Fig. 11 - Intermediate landing - Half turn with


extended landing
NC3

Fig. 14 - Landings - Top landing with 180 turn

Acorn cap

NC3
Acorn cap

HT
Horizontal turn

1100mm
Spindle

N415A

N160A

Adapted bracket
fix newels

Newel turning

HDR or LHR

HDR or LHR

Handrail

Handrail

NB700
NB915

Newel base

Newel base

BR
Baserail

BR
Baserail

Fig. 15 - Landings - Top landing 180 turn with winders


NC3

Fig. 12 - Landings - Top landing with 90 turn

Acorn cap

NC2

HDR or LHR

Ball cap

Handrail

HT
Horizontal turn

N160A
Newel turning

N415A
Newel turning

VT
NB700

Vertical turn

Newel base
(adapted)

UE
Concave ramp

NB1375
Newel base

BR

Baserail

NC2
Ball cap

110

HDR or LHR
Handrail

BR
Baserail

111

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Bracket fix

Bracket fix

Fig. 16 - Landings - 90 turn with straight handrail


NC2HALF

Fig. 19 - Landings - Mid newel

HDR or LHR

Half ball cap

Handrail

N160D

HT
Horizontal turn

Half newel turning

HDR

Bracket fix

Bracket fix

Handrail

NC2
Ball cap

NB510HALF
Half newel base

90
0m
m

ma
x.

BR
Baserail

Fig. 17 - Landings - Landing and horizontal balustrade only

N160B
Adapted bracket
fix newel

NC2HALF

HDR or LHR

NB700

Half ball cap

Handrail

Newel base

N160D
Half newel turning

NC2
Ball cap

NB510HALF
Half newel base

N160B

NB700

Newel turning

Newel base

Fig. 18 - Landings - Corner landing newel


NC2
Ball cap

HDR or LHR
Handrail

NB700
Newel base

N160B
Newel turning

112

113

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Staircase configurations - other situations

FUSION Domestic
Fig. 1 Bottom flight - FUSION straight with straight
step

CUT STRING
RHR
Pre-finished
handrail

FUSION

Bracket fix

There are two ways of installing spindles to a cut string staircase. The traditional method
used by professional tradesmen is to fix the spindles to the top of the tread by constructing
a stub tenon woodworking joint. An alternative and more modern way of fixing is to cut
individual lengths of baserail and screw to each tread. The spindles and fillets are then fixed
as normal by glueing and pinning. This method is excellent for carpet finishes.
Fig. 1 - Cut string
HDR or LHR

MMBC

Handrail

Bottom connector

RHR750F

MMSB

Newel

Staircase
baluster &
bracket

MMNC
Base connector

SBR
Pre-finished
baserail

1100mm

NB510

Spindle

Newel base

Fig. 2 Bottom flight - FUSION straight with bullnose


step

CEILING LINE / STRING OVER STRING (Figs 2 and 3)


When a handrail hits the underside of a ceiling line or second flight string we recommend
that you run a length of handrail up from the bottom newel until it meets the ceiling/string
and a further length of handrail along the underside of the ceiling/string. Where the two
handrails meet they should be mitred together and fixed using a combination of glue,
screws, dowels and/or metal plate.
As spindles reach the underside of the ceiling/string they will become shorter in length, to
maintain an aesthetically pleasing balance with the pitch of the stairs and handrail, keep the
bottom square of all spindles the same length and reduce the spindle from the top
downwards. Depending on the style of spindle you are using it may be necessary to cut
into the turned part of the spindle and to space you should cut the timber fillets/spacers
with a coping saw to suit the spindles radius. Fix the spindles and fillets as normal with glue
and panel pins/lost head nails.

Figures 2 and 3 are suitable for HDR handrail applications.


Fig. 2 - Ceiling lines

RHR
Pre-finished
handrail

MMBC
Bottom connector

MMSB
Staircase
baluster &
bracket

RHR750F
Newel

SBR

MMNC

Pre-finished
baserail

Base connector

NB915

Fig. 3 - String over string

Newel base

Length of handrail on underside


of ceiling glued and screwed

Fig. 3 Bottom flight - FUSION dogleg with bullnose


step
RHR

Mitred handrail
joint is glued
and can be
fixed by screws,
dowels or
metal plate

Mitred handrail joint


is glued and can be
fixed by
screws,
dowels
or
metal
plate

Pre-finished
handrail

MMSB
Staircase
baluster &
bracket

MMBC
Bottom connector
Diminishing
spindles

Diminishing
spindles

Length of
handrail on
underside of
second flight
string glued
and screwed

RHR750F
Newel

MMNC
Base connector

SBR
Pre-finished
baserail

NB915
Newel base

114

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FUSION Domestic

FUSION Domestic
Fig. 7 Intermediate landing - FUSION quarter turn
with three winders

Fig. 4 Bottom flight - FUSION winders


RHR

FUSION

MMBC
Bottom connector

MMBC

RHR

Bottom connector

Pre-finished
handrail

RHR750F

RHR750F

Newel

Newel

MMSB

MMSB
Staircase
baluster &
bracket

MMNC
Base connector

SBR
Pre-finished
baserail

NB1375
Newel base

FUSION

Pre-finished
handrail

Staircase
baluster &
bracket

MMNC
Base connector

SBR
Pre-finished
baserail

MMIC
Intermediate
connector

NB915
Newel base

Fig. 8 Intermediate landing - FUSION half turn with


extended landing
MMBC

Fig. 5 Bottom flight - FUSION dogleg with double


bullnose & pulpit end

Bottom connector

MMHL

MMHL

MMBC

Half landing
connector

Half landing connector

Bottom
connector

MMLC
Landing connector

MMTC
MMSB
Staircase
baluster &
bracket

MMAL
Adj. landing
connector

MMLB
Landing
baluster &
bracket

Top connector

RHR750F
Newel

MMNC

SBR

Base connector

MMLB

Pre-finished
baserail

NB915

Landing
baluster &
bracket

NB915

RHR

Newel base

NB700

MMLC

MMNC

Newel base

Landing connector

Base connector

Newel base

MMSB

Pre-finished
handrail

Staircase
baluster &
bracket

SBR
Pre-finished
baserail

Fig. 6 Intermediate landing - FUSION quarter turn


with landing

Fig. 9 Top landing - FUSION top landing with 90 turn

MMBC

MMTC

Bottom connector

Top connector

MMLC
Landing connector

RHR
Pre-finished
handrail

MMTC
Top connector

RHR750F

RHR750F

Newel

Newel

MMNC

MMNC

Base connector

MMSB

Base connector

RHR

Staircase
baluster &
bracket

NB700

Pre-finished
handrail

NB915
Newel base

SBR
Pre-finished
baserail

116

Newel base

SBR
Pre-finished
baserail

MMSB

MMLB

Landing
Staircase
baluster & baluster &
bracket
bracket

117

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FUSION Domestic

FUSION Domestic

Fig. 10 Top landing - FUSION top landing with 180


turn and extra rise

Fig. 13 Top landing - FUSION top landing corner


newel

MMLC
Landing connector

RHR

MMAL

Pre-finished
handrail

Adj. landing connector

MMHTR/L
MMLB
Landing
baluster &
bracket

RHR750F

FUSION

FUSION

Horizontal turn

MMLB
Landing
baluster &
bracket

Newel

MMTC
Top connector

MMNC
Base connector

NB915
Newel base

SBR

RHR
Pre-finished
handrail

MMSB
Staircase
baluster &
bracket

SBR
Pre-finished baserail

Fig. 11 Top landing - FUSION top landing with 180 turn


MMLC

MMHTR/L

Landing connector

Horizontal turn

RHR750F

Pre-finished
baserail

Newel

NB700

MMNC

Newel base

Base connector

Fig. 14 Top landing - FUSION top landing mid newel


MMAL
Adj. landing connector

RHR
Pre-finished
handrail

MMLB
Landing
baluster &
bracket

RHR750F
Newel

MMTC
Top connector

RHR750F
Newel

MMNC

MMLB

Base connector
Newel base

Landing
baluster &
bracket

RHR

MMNC

NB700

Pre-finished
handrail

MMSB

SBR

Staircase baluster
& bracket

Pre-finished
baserail

Fig. 12 Top landing - FUSION top landing, 180 turn


with winders

Base connector

SBR

NB700

Pre-finished
baserail

Newel base

Fig. 15 Top landing - FUSION landing or horizontal


balustrades only
MMWC

MMHTR/L

Wall connector

Horizontal turn

MMLC
Landing connector

MMLC
Landing connector

MMLB
RHR750F
Newel

MMNC

Landing
baluster &
bracket

RHR750F

Base connector

Newel

MMIC
Intermediate connector

NB1375
Newel base
Pre-finished
handrail

SBR
Pre-finished
baserail

118

MMNC

MMLB

RHR
MMSB
Staircase
baluster &
bracket

Landing
baluster &
bracket

Base connector

SBR

NB635

Pre-finished
baserail

Newel base

119

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FUSION Domestic

FUSION Domestic

Fig. 16 Bottom of flight - FUSION straight with


straight step cut string

FUSION

Intermediate
newel connector

RHR

RHR

MMWC

Pre-finished round handrail

Pre-finished
round
handrail

Wall connector

MMBC

MMSB

Bottom
connector

Staircase
baluster &
bracket

FUSION

MMINC

Fig. 19 Top landing - FUSION T string

MMLC
Landing
connector

MMSB

RHR750

Suspended
baserail
connector

Newel

RHR750
Newel

SBR
Pre-finished
ungrooved baserail

MMNC
Base connector
Newel base

MMNC
Base connector

MMLB

Newel base

700mm

510mm

SBR

Fig. 17 Intermediate landing - FUSION quarter turn


with landing cut string
RHR750

MMBC

Newel

Bottom
connector

Landing
baluster &
bracket

Pre-finished
ungrooved
baserail

RHR
Pre-finished round
handrail

MMSB
Staircase baluster
& bracket

MMNC
Top connector

Newel base
connector

MMINC

NB700

MMTC

Newel base

Intermediate
newel connector

SBCB
Suspended baserail connector

SBR

MMNC

Pre-finished
ungrooved
baserail

Newel base connector

Fig. 18 Top landing - FUSION top landing 90 turn


cut string
LCB
Landing connector

MMTC
Top connector

RHR750

MMNC

Newel

Newel base
connector

MMLB

RHR

Landing baluster
& bracket

Pre-finished
round handrail

MMINC
Intermediate
newel connector

Newel base

700mm

120

MMSB

SBCB

Staircase baluster
& bracket

Suspended baserail
connector

SBR
Pre-finished
ungrooved
baserail

121

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Continuous handrail - installation


information

The Richard Burbidge straight handrail system (also known as posttopost) is designed for
traditional fixing using mortise and tenon joints to fix the handrails to newels.

The Richard Burbidge continuous handrail system (also known as overthepost) is


designed for professional installation by skilled tradesmen.

This system is designed primarily for professional installation by tradesmen who are fully
conversant with this type of traditional woodworking joint.

This system uses straight lengths of handrail connected to a series of shaped handrail
fittings and ramps which allow the handrail to flow over the tops of newels.

We recommend that tenons are constructed so that they are a minimum one-third the
width of the handrail and half the the length of the newel post. Tenons should be draw
bored using a minimum 9mm diameter dowel.

All handrail fittings and ramps are supplied over long and will need to be cut down to suit
the individual staircase pitch.

We do not recommend the use of bracket fix newel base heights when setting out the
straight handrail system. Newel base heights for this system should be calculated by
setting out the newels and establishing where the handrail will meet the newel post.
Straight handrail system stairparts have been designed to achieve minimum domestic
handrail heights of 900mm for both stairs and landings.
To calculate how many spindles you will need count the number of treads between newels
on the stairs. Allow 2 spindles per tread and 1 spindle per tread that has a newel post. For
example a 12 tread staircase with newels at the bottom and top of the stairs will generally
require 22 spindles.
For landings and horizontal balustrades measure the horizontal distance in millimetres and
by 112 for 32mm spindles and 121 for 41mm spindles.

Continuous handrail

Straight handrail

Straight handrail - installation information

Handrail fittings and ramps are supplied with tie-rail bolts to allow jointing of the fittings to
rails. Full instructions on how to use the tie-rail bolts are supplied with the fittings.
To calculate how many spindles you will need count the number of treads between newels
on the stairs. Allow 2 spindles per tread and 1 spindle per tread that has a newel post. For
example a 12 tread staircase with newels at the bottom and top of the stairs will generally
require 22 spindles.
For landings and horizontal balustrades measure the horizontal distance in millimetres and
by 112 for 32mm spindles, 121 for 41mm spindles, 126 for 46mm spindles and 135 for
55mm spindles.
Building Regulations state that the gap between any part of the balustrade should not
allow the passage of a 100mm sphere.

Building Regulations state that the gap between any part of the balustrade should not
allow the passage of a 100mm sphere.

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Bracket fix - installation information

Top of stairs bracket fix newel base height using


160A bracket fix top newel

Newel base centre line

The Richard Burbidge patented bracket fix system enables stair balustrade to be replaced
and constructed quickly and easily without the need for professional woodworking mortise
and tenon joints. The bracket fix system has been specifically designed to save time using
pre-drilled newels and a unique adjustable bracket that secures handrails to newels.
Pitch line

Bracket fix

Bracket fix

201mm
Bracket fix stairparts have been designed to achieve minimum domestic handrail heights of
900mm for both stairs and landings.
Brackets are sold individually apart from the N160D half newel which comes complete with
a universal half bracket.
To calculate how many spindles you will need count the number of treads between newels
on the stairs. Allow 2 spindles per tread and 1 spindle per tread that has a newel post. For
example a 12 tread staircase with newels at the bottom and top of the stairs will generally
require 22 spindles.
For landings and horizontal balustrades measure the horizontal distance in millimetres and
by 112 for 32mm spindles and 121 for 41mm spindles.
When using metal balusters on landings the horizontal measurement in millimetres by
112mm.
Building Regulations state that the gap between any part of the balustrade should not allow
the passage of a 100mm sphere.

90 quarter landing bracket fix newel base height


using 415A intermediate bracket fix newel

Newel base centre line

Pitch line
Bottom of stairs bracket fix newel base height using
160 bracket fix bottom newel

270mm

Newel base centre line

Pitch line

Half landing bracket fix newel base heights using


415As intermediate bracket fix newels

Newel base centre line


264mm
Newel at
bottom of
2nd flight
Newel at top
of 1st flight
270mm

Pitch line

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Finishing advice

Once Richard Burbidge products have been installed they must be finished to seal the
pores, protect the surface and give an attractive appearance. Successful finishing will
depend on correct preparation of the surface, filling of nail holes and sanding to remove
marks which have occurred during installation, for example.
We recommend that all finishes are applied to test pieces so that the finish obtained is the
one that you wish to achieve. Please read manufacturers instructions carefully. Richard
Burbidge display models are spray lacquered. A similar finish can be achieved using brush
applied methods follow the simple guidelines alongside for a perfect finish.

Finishing advice

French polish
This gives a very good gloss finish. It is applied by building up in layers and is made
from a mixture of shellac and alcohol, with a fair degree of skill required to achieve a
good finish. French polish does not provide any real protection, with the surface not
resistant to scratches, heat, water or alcohol and is normally applied to surfaces that
receive little wear and tear. A modern alternative two part treatment is plastic
coating, which does provide resistance to heat, liquids and scratches.
Liming

3. Allow at least eight hours to dry. Lightly rub down using a fine grade wire wool and apply
a coat of clear varnish only.

This is best applied to coarse grained woods such as oak. A traditional mixture for
liming oak can be achieved by mixing unslaked lime with water. Once applied and
semi-dry any surplus is wiped off. When dry this is rubbed down with glasspaper and
a coat of french polish is added, with a final coat of white polish to finish. Alternatively,
an easier method is to mix white matt emulsion with water to the same consistency as
milk and brush into the grain, wiping off before setting. To finish and seal two coats of
satin varnish are applied, giving an eggshell shine. Liming wax is also available, which
is quick and easy to apply.

4. Allow at least eight hours to dry and apply two further coats of clear varnish.

Paint

Spray applied varnish

Use a knotting solution on live knots and resinous areas. This prevents resin
bleeding/seeping through onto the finished surface. New bare timber should have a
coat of primer, followed by one or two coats of undercoat. Finish with a topcoat of
gloss. There are numerous painting finishes and techniques, for example, crackle,
glaze, marble or mottled effects.

Brush applied varnish


1. Sand the surface with a fine grade sandpaper. Traces of dust and grease can be
removed using a cloth dampened with white spirit.
2. First coat - mix together one part white spirit, three parts polyurethane clear varnish and
if a colour is required one part spirit based wood stain/dye.

1. Rub down with 240 grit sandpaper and apply one coat of sanding/sealer.
2. Allow to dry and denib/sand with a fine grade wire wool.
3. Apply two coats of pre-cat lacquer (if a coloured finish is required use tinted pre-cat
lacquer).

Finishing advice

Finishing advice

Note - Remember, a clear varnish will change the colour of wood which should be
considered before deciding on a coloured finish. Practice on off-cuts before applying to
product.
The following details are examples of some of the more popular ways of finishing. Of
course, before applying your chosen finish (stain, paint or varnish) your timber product
should be properly prepared. Pin/nail holes should be filled with a proprietary filler and the
product sanded to remove blemishes that can occur during installation.
Varnish
Available in clear matt, satin and gloss finishes and also tinted/coloured, varnish gives a
tough, durable and hardwearing finish which requires minimal maintenance and is heat and
water resistant. Coloured varnishes have the advantage of being suitable for application on
previously varnished surfaces. When applying coloured varnishes you should note that as
they do not penetrate the wood like a true wood stain/dye it is a good idea to finish with a
couple of coats of clear varnish which will prevent colour loss due to wear and tear.
As well as polyurethane varnishes there are a number of acrylic/water-based varnishes which
are solvent free, have a low odour and are extremely quick drying. They also have the
advantage of easy brush maintenance and require only a quick rinse with water after use.
Oils
Oils can be used to seal timber. They do, however, tend to be used on hardwoods only as
softwoods discolour and become dirty very quickly. There are various types available which
are easy to apply, usually by rag or brush. Teak oil is quick drying whilst danish oil has the
advantage of being able to accept a varnish for added protection. Linseed oil is slow
drying and tends to be soft.
Wood stains/dyes
These will penetrate the wood and are used to enhance the colour and to some extent
unify and neutralise the natural colour variations that occur in timbers. They tend to dry
quickly and are usually applied with a cloth along the grain. Before it is dry, excess
stain/dye is wiped off with a lint-free cloth. Wood stains/dyes do not seal the timber and
require a varnish or polish application to finish.
Protective wood stains
All in one finish enhances the colour of wood and is normally brush applied. Unlike wood
stains/dyes it also seals the timber and is quick drying with further coats being applied after
just two hours.

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Summary of technical details

Outdoor balustrade
& decking
Technical details
Planning your deck
Building Regulations
Building your deck
Outdoor configurations
Maintenance and finishing

130 to 131
132 to 135
136 to 139
140 to 149
150 to 151

The following pages contain information on Building Regulations, how to plan and build
your deck, the suitability of products and helpful configuration drawings explaining how
and where our outdoor balustrade ranges can be used.
Remember that help is always at hand every step of the way to make your project a reality.
If you are looking for style ideas and information please refer to our brochure, if you
require stockists then our customer services team are just a call away and our technical
support team can help with planning and installation advice.
Customer services +44 (0) 1691 678300
Technical helpline +44 (0) 1691 678212
www.richardburbidge.com

We think creating the decking youve always wanted should be easy. So using all our
experience and know-how weve created DECKPLANNER - a simple, and completely
free, online tool that helps you design your new decking and outdoor balustrade in just a
few easy steps.
All you have to do is visit www.richardburbidge.com and follow the link to
DECKPLANNER. Youll be taken through each stage of planning your new decking and
balustrade from start to perfect finish. All our outdoor balustrade ranges are there to
choose from, with all the spindle, newel and panel options and whatever you go for
youll be shown a realistic idea of how your design will look. Easy.
Once youve made your decisions you can download easy to understand plans and
drawings showing each part. Simply take your print-outs which have fully priced parts lists,
product codes and quantities, to your nearest Richard Burbidge stockist and theyll help
you turn your plan into reality.
Remember, if you cannot find what you need or if you would like a little extra help, just call
us and we can access your DECKPLANNER design to help you sort it.

129

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Before you build your deck you will need to plan it. If the deck is to look good when its
finished, then it needs to be planned and designed carefully. There are a number of
aspects that should be considered when planning the size and position of your deck.

DECKPLANNER

Will it be functional, decorative or both? The size of the deck can be determined by a
combination of available space, changes in the level of the site, access to existing
services such as drains and overall project costs.

Our simple, free online planning tool will help you design your new outdoor balustrade
and decking project in just a few easy steps. All the options you require are there to choose
from such as different ranges, spindles and newels and are shown as a virtual balustrade to
give you a realistic idea of how your balustrade and decking will look. Once you have made
your decisions you can download easy to understand plans and fully priced parts lists and
take to your nearest Richard Burbidge stockist. Together well turn your plan into reality.

If the deck is to be used as an alternative to a traditional paved patio then it needs to be


large enough to allow the comfortable use of garden tables, chairs and benches.

Storage

Will the deck be at ground level or elevated? Whilst elevated decks will allow better views of
the surroundings it will also allow the surroundings such as your neighbours to have a better
view of you. Trellis, balustrades and foliage will help screen unwanted views and provide
some privacy.
If there are any underground services beneath the proposed deck area such as drainage
pipes and manhole covers you will need to add an easy access feature to the proposed deck
design such as a trapdoor. Alternatively you may decide to reposition the deck to avoid
underground services.

Planning your deck

Planning your deck

Once you have purchased your decking materials you will need an area to store them
before and during the construction of the deck and installation of the balustrades. In the UK,
the moisture content of exposed timber is usually around 18%. Exposure to heavy rainfall or
warm sun will cause the timber to swell or shrink respectively. To make sure the decking
materials do not pick up too much moisture or are allowed to dry out on site, stack all the
materials on bearers that are well clear of wet areas, preferably at least 150mm off the ground
level. Stack the decking so that air can easily circulate around and between them using timber
battens or spindles.

To make the most of the summer months plan the finished position of the deck to utilise
existing shaded features such as trees or the sides of buildings. The heat reflected off a
south facing wall will turn a cool deck into a warm one whilst trees will cool a south
facing deck in the summer.

Protect the materials from rain using a waterproof cover, this cover should not be wrapped so
tightly that it prevents air circulation and condensation. Careful storage will also prevent the
timber from getting dirty and stained. Generally the less time the timber is on site the better.

Deckboard laying patterns should not be overlooked at the planning stage as they can
affect the overall appearance of the finished deck. Position the deck so that it is easily
seen from the house if children are to use unsupervised.

Preparing the site

If the proposed site is exposed to wind then a partial screen of balustrades, trellis or
foliage will act as a wind break without completely blocking it and will also allow some
cooling on warm days.

Planning your deck

Planning your deck

As well as careful planning and good construction techniques successful deck planning also
requires careful site preparation. Once the area has been cleared of all vegatation
including shrubs and any trees it should be levelled. Slightly slope the ground towards the
outer edge of the deck to allow for adequate drainage and to prevent water stagnating. If
the deck is attached to the side of the house or building the slope should fall away from
the building and not run to it.

Drawing plans
How well you consider size, usage, climate, views, privacy, costs, relationship to the house
and overall site evaluation will determine how often you use the deck. Before setting out
your ideas onto paper, walk the site and visualise how the deck will look from the house
and its surroundings. Measure the site and transfer these measurements onto paper. A
good working drawing is important as not only will it help visualise the finished deck but
also make estimating the materials needed easier.
Try and work to a reasonable size scale, 1:20 is ideal, using either graph paper or a scale
ruler. Draw the deck and also add other design considerations such as boundaries, trees,
buildings, shrub and planting borders. You may find two views help, a plan view showing
the deck directly from above and an elevation from the side, this view helps if you have
variations in ground level.
As well as illustrating the overall size of the deck and deckboard laying pattern also include
the position of post centres, posts, beam, joist and balustrade arrangements as this again
makes estimating easier.
Planning permission
As a general rule domestic timber decks are regarded in exactly the same way as private
patios and do not require planning approval unless they are within 20 metres of a road or
higher than 300mm from the ground.
If a deck forms part of the design features of a new building or extension, the size and
shape of the deck should be included on drawings submitted for planning approval but the
deck itself would not normally be subject to approval.
For existing residential properties a ground level deck will not need to be submitted for
approval under the current UK Building Regulations. A high level deck however will need
to be designed to ensure that it will be structurally stable. As such calculations may be
required proving the deck is capable of taking the necessary loading if the high level deck
is submitted as part of a new house to your local Building Control office.

Remove any obstacles and if desired redirect drain pipes. Apply a proprietary weed killer
and cover with a weed block membrane available from most garden centres. Cover this
membrane with approximately 50mm thickness of gravel to hold in place. 3 x 25kg bags of
gravel will cover an area of 2m2.
Important information
Do not burn preserved wood. Dispose of all decking off-cuts as ordinary household
waste. Do not burn on open fires, barbecues or stoves.
Always wear gloves to avoid splinters and protect hands.
Wear safety goggles when using power tools and a dust mask when cutting all timber
components.
All saw dust and construction debris should be cleaned and disposed of after
construction.
Avoid prolonged inhalation of sawdust and always wash hands before eating, drinking
and smoking.
Wash all work clothes separately from other household clothing.
For decks over 600mm above ground level consult a reputable builder or structural
engineer.
Do not bridge the damp course or cover air bricks when fixing to the side of a house or
building.
Use Richard Burbidge fixings where stated. All other fixings should be either stainless
steel, hot dipped galvanised or coated specifically for exterior use.
All cut ends and drill holes on all treated timber deckboards, joists, posts and
balustrades must be treated with a suitable proprietary end coat.
Read all Richard Burbidge instructions carefully before commencing any construction
and installation work.
Due to the preservative treatment Richard Burbidge softwood treated decking is not
suitable for use in direct contact with garden ponds.
Mould growth can occur on treated and untreated timber during prolonged exposure to
excessive moisture. To remove mould, first let the timber dry and then wash the effected
area with mild soapy water.

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Timber decks for residential installation are not as such referenced in current UK Building
Regulations. However as the regulations state that stairs and balustrades should be
designed and installed for the safe movement in or about buildings it can be assumed that
they do apply especially with regards to balustrades.
The TDA (Timber Decking Association) technical bulletin on the design and construction of
deck balustrade details two types of deck, low level and high level. A low level deck is any
deck up to 600mm above ground level with high level referring to all other decks higher
than 600mm.
For low level residential decks the balustrade should be set at a minimum height of
900mm on both stairs and landings and resist a minimum horizontal uniformly
distributed line load of 0.36kN/m, a uniformily distributed load applied to the infill of
0.5kN/m2 and a point load applied to part of the infill of 0.25kN.

Building Regulations

High level domestic decks and external balconies (all decks and balustrades over
600mm above ground level) should have the balustrade set at a minimum height of
900mm for stairs/steps and 1100mm on landings/horizontal guarding. The balustrade
should resist a minimum horizontal uniformly distributed line load of 0.74kN/m, a
uniformly distributed load applied to the infill of 1.0kN/m and a point load applied to
part of the infill of 0.5kN.
Commercial decks in public areas used to move people through and not susceptible to
overcrowding including stairs/steps, landings, external balconies and ramps should have
the balustrade set at a minimum height of 900mm on stairs/steps and 1100mm on
landings/horizontal guarding. The balustrade should resist a minimum horizontal
uniformly distributed line load of 0.74kN/m, a uniformly distributed load applied to the
infill of 1.0kN/m and a point load applied to part of the infill of 0.5kN.
Additionally balustrades in commerical areas with tables or fixed seating where people
may congregate and are susceptible to overcrowding should have the balustrade set at
900mm on stairs and 1100mm for landings and horizontal guarding. Balustrades for
these environments should resist a minimum horizontal uniformly distributed line load of
1.5kN/m, a uniformly distributed load applied to the infill of 1.5kN/m2 and a point load
applied to part of the infill of 1.5kN.
The balustrade should be designed so that it is not easily climbable and not allow the
passage of a 100mm sphere.
Richard Burbidge offers different systems specifically designed for these different
situations.
Document K: Building Regulations 1992
This regulation details that stairs/steps should be designed, constructed and installed so
that they are safe for people to use when moving between different levels in buildings. Key
points include;
Twice the rise plus the going (2R+G) should be between 550 and 700mm.

Building Regulations & British Standards

For commercial situations the guarding should be able to resist a horizontal loading
of 0.74kN per metre for public stairs not susceptible to overcrowding and 1.5KN for all
other public stairs.
The maximum pitch for domestic stairs/steps is 42 and between 33 and 38 for public
stairs/steps depending on its use.
Private stairs/steps are defined as those used for only one dwelling using any rise between
155mm and 220mm with any going between 245mm and 260mm or alternatively any rise
between 165mm and 200mm used with any going between 223mm and 300mm.
Stairs/steps that serve a building where a substantial group of people gather are defined as
Institutional & Assembly using any rise between 135mm and 180mm with any going
between 280mm and 340mm.
Stairs/steps for all other buildings are defined as Other with the rise described as 150mm
and 190mm used with any going between 250mm and 320mm.
When calculating the relationship between the rise and going the dimensions should be
twice the rise plus the going (2R+G) must be between 550mm and 700mm.
British Standards
British Standards relevant to using wood externally that have relevance to designing and
constructing decks and external balustrades include;
BS 585 Part 1 1989: Wood stairs. Specification for stairs with closed risers for domestic use,
including straight and winder flights and quarter or half landings.
This document covers the specifications for stairs with closed risers for domestic use,
including straight and winder flights and quarter or half landings. Appendix A of this
standard gives details for the site fixing of stairs and Appendix B guidance for the design of
stairs with winders. Other sections of this standard cover the recommendations for treads
and risers, strings, newels, construction, handrails and balustrades.
BS 585 Part 2 1985: Wood stairs. Specification for performance requirements for
domestic stairs constructed of wood-based materials.
Specifies the performance requirements for domestic straight flight stairs including those
with quarter and half landings constructed from wood based materials.
Appendix B of this standard includes details for test methods used to establish stair and
tread deflection and balustrade static load and impact tests.
BS 5395-1:2000: Stairs, Ladders and Walkways. Code of practice for the design,
construction and maintenance of straight stairs and winders.
Gives recommendations for the design, construction and maintenance of straight flight
stairs including landings and winders in a number of materials and for all types of buildings.
Table 1 of this document gives recommended sizes for private, public and assembly stairs
and Figure 4 the relationship between the rise, going and pitch. This document also covers
recommedations and guidance on safety including accidents on stairs, handrails, steps,
rise, going, treads, pitch headroom and stair width. Section 10 gives details on the
materials used to construct stairs including, timber, concrete, steel and aluminium.

Handrails should be provided to at least one side if the stairs/steps are less than 1 metre
wide.

BS 5395 Part 2 1984: Stairs, ladders and walkways. Code of practice for the design of
helical and spiral stairs.

For stairs/steps wider than 1 metre handrails should be provided to both sides.

Scope covers recommendations for the design of both helical and spiral stairs used
internally and externally in all types of buildings. This standard covers all stairs which are
circular on plan. Table 2 details the sizes of stairs for small private, private, small-semi
public, semi-public and public use.

There is no need for a handrail beside the bottom 2 stairs/steps.


For ground level domestic situations the handrail should be set at a minimum height of
900mm on both stairs and landings.
For raised level domestic situations the handrail should be set at a minimum of 900mm
on stairs/steps and 1100mm for landings/horizontal guarding.

BS 6399 Part 1 1996: Loadings for buildings. Code of practice for dead and imposed
loads.

For public situations the handrail should be set at a minimum height of 900mm on stairs
and 1100mm on landings/horizontal guarding.

Gives recommended dead and imposed loads for use in designing new buildings and
structures, alterations to existing buildings and the change of use to an existing
construction. Section 10 and Table 4 covers parapets, barriers and balustrades and the
minimum horizontal imposed loads.

There should be no opening in the balustrade/guarding that would allow the passage
of a 100mm sphere

Building Regulations

Building Regulations & British Standards

The "guarding" should be able to resist a horizontal loading of 0.36kN per metre run for
ground level domestic situations and 0.74kN per metre for raised level domestic
situations.

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BS 6180 1999: Barriers in and about buildings, code of practice.


Covers recommendations for the design and construction of both permanent and
temporary barriers provided in buildings and places of assembly. Contents include, design
criteria, loadings and safety details, and barriers in various materials including concrete, glass,
masonry, metals, aluminium and timber.
Richard Burbidge balustrades are certified by BM TRADA, certification number 001 and
meet the requirements of and are registered within the BM TRADA certification scheme for
timber balustrades.
BS 5268-2 Structural use of timber. Code of practice for permissible stress design,
materials and workmanship.

Building Regulations

This British Standard gives recommendations for stress grades applicable to timber when
used as members, as part of a construction and as part of a structure including other
components. Detailing for the design of nailed, screwed, bolted, dowelled, connected and
glued joints are are also covered. This document additionally gives recommendations for
test methods to assess structural assemblies with guidance on workmanship, treatments,
inspection and maintenance.
BS EN 350-1 Durability of wood and wood based products.

Building Regulations & British Standards

The Timber Decking Association


Richard Burbidge Ltd is a member of the Timber Decking Association (TDA)
which is a technical and advisory organistaion that provides guidance on
the materials and practices required to create high quality decks and
associated structures. For further information contact Timber Decking
Association, 5 Flemming Court, Castleford, West Yorkshire WF10 5HW Tel: 01977 558147, www.tda.org.uk.
The Deck-Mark Certification Scheme is a third party product certification
scheme operated on behalf of the TDA. The scheme is based on
recognised quality assurance standards (ISO 9000) and confirms
compliance to the best practice guidance and relevant British Standards
and ensures that any Richard Burbidge outdoor balustrade product is of the
highest standard.
Deck-Mark Plus is an extension of the TDAs Deck-Mark Scheme and
applies to products manufactured in accordance with Deck-Mark but
which also have a performance rating in line with BS EN ISO 14001:2004
Environmental Management Systems and BS EN ISO 9001:2000 Quality
Management Systems.

Building Regulations

Building Regulations & British Standards

Covers wood classification systems, hazards, grading, sampling, durability and physical
properties. Used in conjunction with BS EN 350-2 which details guidance on the natural
durability and treatability of selected wood species of importance in Europe.
Suitability for use
Richard Burbidge external balustrade systems in all timber types have been independently
tested by both TRADA and FIRA for conformity with UK Building Regulations.
All balustrade systems conform with the requirements for domestic use as detailed in Table
4 of BS 6399 : Part 1 : 1996 Loadings for buildings.
Domestic settings - All areas within or serving exclusively one dwelling including stairs and
landings, the balustrades should resist a minimum horizontal uniformly distributed line load
of 0.36kN/m, a uniformily distributed load applied to the infill of 0.5kN/m2 and a point load
applied to part of the infill of 0.25kN. For decks above 600mm above ground balustrades
need to conform to the same requirements as the heavier loadings detailed in the
commercial settings section.
Raised domestic and light commercial settings - Some of our systems have been tested
and conform to the increased loading requirements for commercial applications which are
defined as areas not susceptible to overcrowding in office, leisure and institutional
buildings such as hotels, doctors and dental surgeries and stairs in multi occupancy
buildings such as apartments. In these applications the increased requirements detail that a
balustrade should resist a minimum horizontal uniformly distributed line load of 0.74kN/m,
a uniformly distributed load applied to the infill of 1.0kN/m2 and a point load applied to
part of the infill of 0.5kN.
Heavy commercial settings - Additionally balustrades in commerical areas with tables or
fixed seating where people may congregate and are susceptible to overcrowding should
have the balustrade set at 900mm on stairs and 1100mm for landings and horizontal
guarding. Balustrades for these environments should resist a minimum horizontal uniformly
distributed line load of 1.5kN/m, a uniformly distributed load applied to the infill of
1.5kN/m2 and a point load applied to part of the infill of 1.5kN.

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Building your deck

Building your deck


Fig.1

Constructing the frame


Please read these instructions carefully and with the appropriate balustrade
installation instructions prior to building your deck.
If the deck is to be attached to the side of a house or building, the finished level of the
deck should be at least two brick courses below the damp course level. Use a Richard
Burbidge 150 x 47mm joist as a wall plate/ledger to carry and support the joists. Keep
the wall plate off the wall by approximately 10mm by packing behind the plate or by
fixing washers over the wall plate fixing (Fig. 1). This will allow water running down the
face of the brickwork to pass behind rather than on top of the plate. Alternatively if
fixing the wall plate directly to the wall use a metal flashing keyed into the mortar in the
brickwork and dressed down over the plate to keep water off the top surface.

Fig.2

Building your deck

Building your deck

For ground level and elevated decks it is important that the proposed site is marked
out accurately if you want the finished deck to be square. To create a square deck and
determine the overall size, mark out the area using a basic building technique
consisting of batter boards (horizontal boards with a peg at each end to secure into
the ground), pegs and string line (Fig. 2). To check the corners are 90 use a 3-4-5
builders square, which you can construct from straight lengths of timber, creating a
triangle with sides in the ratio of 3-4-5 e.g. 60cm, 80cm and 100cm. Adjust the string
lines accordingly until square (Fig. 2).
Fig.3

The construction methods for building either a ground level deck or elevated deck are
basically the same; both are fixed to a frame constructed of Richard Burbidge 150 x
47mm joists. The main difference between the two is that for ground level decks you
can use concrete paving slabs if desired rather than structural posts and beams to
support the decks frame (Fig. 3).
Ground level decks
As previously mentioned, a ground level deck can be laid onto concrete paving slabs.
Use a minimum slab size of 600 x 600 x 50mm and bed these into position with either
mortar, sand and cement or sand. Space the paving slabs at maximum centres of
1800mm. The frame to support and fix the deckboards is constructed from Richard
Burbidge 150 x 47mm joists. These should be spaced at maximum 400mm centres
and fixed to each other using Richard Burbidge landscape screws and/or galvanised
nails, joist hangers, metal angles or 100 x 100mm timber offcuts. For additional
strength, noggins (offcuts of joists) are then fixed at 90 to the joist. Alternatively your
ground level deck can be constructed as detailed in the elevated deck section (Fig. 4).

1800mm

Fig.4

1800mm

m
1800m
m
1800m

Elevated decks

Ledger Board

Richard Burbidge decking materials and accessories are suitable for decks elevated up
to 600mm above ground. For high level decks over 600mm consult a reputable
builder or structural engineer.
Elevated decks can be free standing or have one or more sides attached to the side of
a house, building or wall. The joist frame used to support and fix the deckboards is in
turn supported by posts and beams. Beams are constructed from Richard Burbidge
joists and structural posts. Posts should be spaced at maximum centres of 1800mm.
Fix the posts into the holes using concrete, cap the top of the concrete with a trowel
so that water runs away from the posts. Once the posts have set, attach the beams to
the posts using Richard Burbidge 150mm landscape screws at the desired height. The
joist frame is then fixed to the beams by skew nailing or screwing with joist centres at
maximum 400mm centres. For additional strength as with ground level decks, noggins
should then be fixed at 90 to the joists. For maximum strength and stability fix the
joists to the ledger boards/wall plates and framing joists using joist hangers.

18
00
mm
All spacing between
posts must not exceed
1800mm max.

18
00
mm

Fig.5

Fixing deckboards
There are three ways of fixing deckboards, either by using Richard Burbidge secret fix
deck ties or traditional fixing using screws or nails. Unless your deck design uses
standard lengths of deckboards you will need to stagger the deckboards to cover the
deck area. To prevent movement and give structural stability staggered boards must
be fixed to a double joist (Fig. 5).
It is perfectly natural for deckboards to swell when wet and shrink when dry. Some
variation in the gaps between the deckboards is therefore inevitable and these gaps
will vary in size from season to season.
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Building your deck

Building your deck


Fig.6a

Fig.6b

Deck ties
You can eliminate installation damage to the face of deckboards, which can happen
when screwing or nailing by using Richard Burbidge deck ties (Fig. 6a).
Deck ties automatically space the deckboards and are completely hidden when fixed.
Please note when using deck ties for fixing deckboards during the planning stage you
must allow for the joist arrangement to be at 90 to the finished deckboard laying
pattern.
The back edge of the first deckboard should be fixed to the joists using Richard
Burbidge 75mm ceramic galvanised screws (Fig. 6b). Countersink and fill the screw
head to prevent possible injury to feet. Once the first row of deckboards has been
fixed, position deck ties in the centre of each joist and to the edge of the deckboard.

Fig.7

Building your deck

Building your deck

Use a hammer to knock the deck ties into the joists and tap the face of the deck ties
so that they are flush with the edge of the deckboard, secure using Richard Burbidge
40mm annular ring nails (Fig. 7).
Place the back edge of the next board against the spikes of the previously fixed deck
ties and using a timber block to protect the board knock onto the spikes with a hammer.
To prevent the board springing along its length off the deck ties this is best done with
two people (Fig. 9). Repeat this procedure until all the deckboards have been fixed.
The final board should be fixed exactly as the first board, through the face of the
deckboard using Richard Burbidge 75mm ceramic galvanised screws (Fig. 8).
Traditional fixing
For traditional fixing use either nails or screws. We recommend Richard Burbidge
75mm ceramic galvanised screws as the preferred traditional fixing option as
damaged individual deckboards are far easier to remove and replace.
Whichever fixing method you choose it is essential to use fixings of at least 75mm in
length. The deckboards should be fixed along their length to every supporting joist
using 2 fixings per face/joist.

Fig.8

Keep the fixings at least 25mm from the ends and edges of the boards and to
minimise the risk of splitting it is recommended that the boards be predrilled to
accommodate the fixings. The boards should be spaced with a 6 to 9mm gap to allow
for drainage and movement.
Unless the size of the deck has been designed and planned to use single length
boards it will be necessary to join boards along their length. It is essential that joined
boards must always meet over a joist. Use additional sections of joist to increase the
area for fixing.

Fig.9

To avoid injury to feet, nail and screw heads should always be fixed below the surface
of the deckboards. Countersink screw heads below surface and use a nail punch for
nails. Check once or twice a season and retighten or re-punch any raised fixings. Use
an endcoat preservative on all surfaces exposed by drilling and cutting.
Steps
The height and position of your deck will influence the style and height of your steps.
Steps can be constructed from a combination of posts, joists and deckboards or
Richard Burbidge cut strings.
The Richard Burbidge ranges include 2 sizes of cut strings for step building both
having individual rises of 190mm. 3 step string/570mm rise and 5 step string/950mm
rise. The number of steps and risers required will be determined by the height of the
deck and the available space in front of it.

Fig.10

Position the strings at right angles to the deck (Fig. 10) at maximum 400mm centres
and fix to the joists using suitable galvanised brackets or joist hangers. At ground
level rest and fix strings to paving slabs or concrete slabs for maximum stability.
Treads are created from deckboards allowing 30mm to overhang each string. Fix the
deckboards to the strings using Richard Burbidge deck ties or 75mm ceramic
galvanised screws. Additional fixings such as galvanised angle brackets can also be
used.

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Outdoor configurations

The following figures illustrate our Traditional, Classic, Contemporary including our
unique FUSION outdoor balustrades and Hardwood ranges.

Traditional

Fig. 1 Traditional Colonial system - ground level

Balustrades for ground level and up to 600mm above ground level in domestic
situations achieve handrail heights of 900mm and are tested for domestic installations
at 0.36kN/m. Balustrades for raised domestic situations (more than 600mm above
ground level) and light commercial settings are tested to the higher loadings of
0.74kN/m with handrail heights of 1100mm.

3
3

Each range of balustrade is independently tested by TRADA (Timber Research And


Development Association) and FIRA (Furniture Industry Research Association) and
complies with UK Buildings Regulations.

2
4

Richard Burbidge Ltd is a member of the TDA Timber Decking Association whose aim
is to ensure that timber decking will not only be suitable for purpose but also meet
British Standards.

Traditional

Traditional

For further information on how to plan your project and create parts lists for your
outdoor balustrades and decking project why not try our free on-line planning service
DECKPLANNER via our website www.richardburbidge.com.

Installation instructions for each range and how to finish and maintain your balustrades
can also be found in the resources section for each range within our website.

1
2
3
4

LD200 Colonial spindle


LD202/250 82mm Colonial newel
LD201C Traditional multi-purpose rail 1800mm
LD333 Twist bracket
Note: LD265 Large Traditional handrail with fillet and LD246 Large Traditional
baserail, can be used as an alternative to the LD201C Traditional multi-purpose rail.
Fig. 2 Traditional Square baluster system - ground level

4
3
3

2
1

2
3

1
2
3
4

LD252/226 Square baluster 32mm or Square baluster 41mm


LD207/209/251 Patrice newel 75mm, Patrice newel 82mm
LD201C Traditional multi-purpose rail 1800mm
LD333 Twist bracket
Note: LD265 Large Traditional handrail with fillet and LD246 Large Traditional
baserail, can be used as an alternative to the LD201C Traditional multi-purpose rail.

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Traditional

Traditional

Fig. 5 Traditional timber panel system - ground level

Fig. 3 Traditional Stop chamfered system - ground level

3
3

3
3

Traditional

Traditional

1
2
3
4
5
6

LD248 Stop chamfered baluster 41mm


LD249 Stop chamfered newel 82mm with LD204 Patrice newel cap
LD201C Traditional multi-purpose rail 1800mm
LD333 Twist bracket
Note: LD265 Large Traditional handrail with fillet and LD246 Large Traditional
baserail, can be used as an alternative to the LD201C Traditional multi-purpose rail.

LD202/250/209/251 Colonial or Patrice newel 82mm


Timber or metal balusters
LD201C Traditional multi-purpose rail 1800mm
LD211/212/228/229 Timber panels
LC244 Baserail support bracket
LD333 Twist bracket
Note: LD265 Large Traditional handrail with fillet and LD246 Large Traditional
baserail, can be used as an alternative to the LD201C Traditional multi-purpose rail.

Fig. 4 Traditional glass panel ground and raised level systems

Fig. 6 Traditional metal baluster and panel system

1
2
3
4

4
3
4
2

2
1

1
2
3
4
142

LD256 & LD256PACK / LD258 & LD258PACK Ground and raised level glass
panels with brackets
LD249/LD257 Ground and raised level stop chamfered newel 82mm with
LD204 Patrice newel cap
LD265 Large Traditional handrail with fillet and LD246 Large Traditional
baserail
LD333 Twist bracket

1
2,3,5
4
6
7

LD202/250/209/251 Colonial or Patrice newel 82mm


Metal balusters and panels
LD201C Traditional multi-purpose rail 1800mm
LD244 Baserail support bracket
LD333 Twist bracket
Note: LD265 Large Traditional handrail with fillet and LD246 Large Traditional
baserail, can be used as an alternative to the LD201C Traditional multi-purpose rail.

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Classic

Classic

Fig. 7 Classic square spindle system - ground level

Fig. 9 Classic glass panel system - ground level

3
2

Classic

Classic

1
2
3
4
5

1
2
3
4
5

LD252/226 Square baluster 32mm or 41mm


LD224 82mm Square newel
LD259 L rail
LD220 Capping rail
LD230 Fixing strap

Fig. 8 Classic metal baluster system - ground level

LD262/LD262PACK Glass panel


LD224 Square newel
LD263 Glass panel carrying rail with fillet
LD220 Capping rail
LD330 Fixing strap

Fig. 10 Classic American system

4
5

5
3

3
2

1
2
3
4
5
144

LD260/LD261 Victorian and Abbey metal balusters


LD224 82mm Square newel
LD259 L rail
LD220 Capping rail
LD230 Fixing strap

1
2
3
4
5

LD207/LD955/LD950 27mm and 32mm American balusters


LD207/209/251 75mm and 82mm Patrice newels
LD206 American rail 1800mm
LD309 Balustrade bolt
LD311 Cover cap

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Contemporary

Contemporary

Fig. 13 Contemporary FUSION system - ground level

Fig. 11 Contemporary round spindle system - ground and raised level

3
4

7
1
5

Contemporary

Contemporary

1
8
1

Softwood
1
LD218 Round rail 2200mm
2
LD227 Round spindle 900mm
3
LD220 Capping rail 2400mm
4
LD223 90mm Round newel
5
LD559 Rail to newel bracket - landing

Hardwood
1
LD561 Round rail 1800mm
2
LD560 Round spindle 900mm
3
LD563 Capping rail 1800mm
4
LD562 90mm Round newel
5
LD559 Rail to newel bracket - landing

LD558 - Rail to newel bracket - rake

LD558 - Rail to newel bracket - rake

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

LD500 Aluminium rail with brackets


LD503/LD503PACK Hardwood baluster
LD505 Hardwood slatted panel
LD504 Acrylic panel
LD501 Hardwood top rail
LD502 Aluminium newel
LD506 Rail to rail bracket
LD507 - Rail to newel bracket

Fig. 14 Contemporary FUSION system - raised level

Fig. 12 Contemporary glass panel system - ground and raised level


5

11
8

10

4
1

5
2

5
6

4
1

Softwood
1
LD218 Round rail 2200mm
2
LD258/LD258PACK Glass panel
3
4
5
146

with brackets
LD220 Capping rail 2400mm
LD223 90mm Round newel
LD559 Rail to newel bracket

Hardwood
1
LD561 Round rail 2200mm
2
LD258/LD258PACK Glass panel
3
4
5

with brackets
LD563 Capping rail 2400mm
LD562 90mm Round newel
LD559 Rail to newel bracket

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

LD575 Aluminium newel


LD578 Aluminium rail
LD580 Hardwood slatted panel
LD579 Large glass panel
LD584 Small glass panel
LD582 Aluminium rail to wall bracket
LC581 Hardwood baluster
LD577 Newel to timber rail support bracket
LD576 Rail to rail bracket
LD585 Hardwood rail
LD583 End cap for hardwood top rail

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Hardwood

Hardwood

Fig. 15 Hardwood Colonial system - ground and raised level

Fig. 17 Hardwood Flat baluster system - ground and raised level

6
4

4
3

Hardwood

Hardwood

1
2
3
4
5
6

1
2
3
4
5
6

LD750/773 41mm Colonial spindle 900mm and 1100mm


LD761/776 90mm Colonial newel
LD770 Capping rail 2000mm
LD754 Handrail 1800mm
LD755 Baserail
LD335 Twist bracket

LD751/LD772 Flat baluster 900mm and 1100mm


LD760/LD777 90mm Square newel
LD770 Capping rail 2000mm
LD754 Handrail 1800mm
LD756 L rail
LD335 Twist bracket

Fig. 16 Hardwood Square system - ground and raised level

6
4
3

6
1

1
2
3
4
5
6
148

LD758/759 41mm Square baluster 900mm and 1100mm


LD760/777 90mm Square newel
LD770 Capping rail 2000mm
LD754 Handrail 1800mm
LD756 L rail
LD335 Twist bracket

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Maintenance & finishing

Richard Burbidge softwood decking components are treated with Osmose Naturewood with
an anti-fungal additive which is a modern copper based preservative treatment. After
treatment the components will have a green appearance weathering to natural honey brown
colour before eventually fading to a driftwood grey after long term exposure to the sun.

Maintenance & finishing

Osmose Naturewood important information


Do not burn preserved wood.
Wear a dust mask and goggles when cutting or sanding wood.
Wear gloves when working with wood.

All Richard Burbidge softwood timber decking materials are manufactured from European
Redwood/British grown Scots Pine, a light coloured knotty softwood used extensively in UK
construction work. It is perfectly natural as the timber weathers for some surface checking
and splitting to occur due to the natural variation in moisture content and the effects of
wetting and drying. These surface defects will have no adverse effect to the decks structure.

Some preservative may migrate from the treated wood into


soil/water or may dislodge from the treated wood surface upon contact with skin. Wash
exposed skin areas thoroughly.

Once the installation is complete you may wish to apply a proprietary deck cleaner which
removes the build up of dirt and grease that can occur during construction, deck cleaners
also brighten the timber.

Wash work clothes separately from other household clothing before re-use.

Hardwood balustrades
Richard Burbidge Hardwood external balustrades are manufactured from Sapele, a dark
hardwood similar to a mahogany colour of reddish brown. Although moderately durable
any untreated timber exposed to the natural elements should be protected from the
weather to make them more resistant to picking up moisture. To enhance and protect the
hardwood balustrade apply either a proprietary clear water repellent, semi-transparent
stain or decking oil. Before applying the finish you must make sure your balustrades are dry.
Test by sprinkling drops of water onto the timbers surface. If the wood does not absorb
the water, wait a few days to allow the timber to dry out and retest before application.
Balustrade maintenance
For both softwood and hardwood timber balustrade components always follow the seal,
stain or oil manufacturers recommendations and test on an off-cut or hidden surface. How
often you apply further coats of water seal, stain or oil will depend on the balustrades
usage, and we recommend that all components be recoated at least once a year. Please
refer to the manufacturers recommendations.

Preserved wood should not be used where it may come into direct contact or indirect
contact with drinking water, except for uses involving incidental contact such as fresh
water docks and bridges.
Do not use preserved wood under circumstances where the preservative may become a
component of food, animal feed, or beehives.

Maintenance

Maintenance

Any treated or untreated timber exposed to the natural elements should be protected from
the weather. To enhance the treated softwood decking apply either a proprietary clear
water repellent or semi-transparent stain. Before applying the finish you must make sure
your deck and balustrades are dry. Test by sprinkling drops of water onto the timbers
surface. If the wood does not absorb the water, wait a few days to allow the timber to dry
out and retest before application.

All sawdust and construction debris should be cleaned up and disposed of after
construction.

Do not use preserved wood for mulch.


Only preserved wood that is visibly clean and free of surface residue should be used.
Disposal recommendations: Preserved wood may be disposed of in landfills or burned
in commercial or industrial incinerators or boilers in accordance with national and
regional regulations.
If you want to apply paint, stain, clear water repellent or other finishes to your
preservative treated wood, we recommend following the manufacturers instructions of
the chosen finishing product. Before you start, we recommend you apply the finishing
product to a small test area before finishing the entire project to ensure it provides the
intended result.
Mould growth can and does occur on the surface of many products, including treated or
untreated wood, during prolonged surface exposure to excessive moisture conditions.
To remove mould from treated wood surfaces, the wood should be allowed to dry and
then washed with mild soap and water.
End seal
Use an end coat preservative on all surfaces exposed by drilling or cutting.
Further information
For further information and current range of finishing products available please contact:

For non-timber items such as acrylic panels and zinc alloy posts and rails use a soft cloth,
luke warm water and a mild detergent. Do not polish or use abrasive cleaners and scourers
as these can damage and scratch the surface coatings.

Cuprinol Ltd, Wexham Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL2 5DS, Tel 01753 550555,
www.cuprinol.co.uk
Ronseal Ltd, Thorncliffe Park, Chapeltown, Sheffield, S35 2YP, Tel 0114 240 9469,

Deck maintenance

www.ronseal.co.uk

How often you clean the deck will depend on its usage and position in relation to trees and
foliage. Once or twice a season give the deck a brush with a stiff broom which will not only
maintain the appearance but also remove algae and reduce the risk of slipperiness.
The deck can be given an annual clean using a hosepipe and if necessary a proprietary
deck cleaner and brightener. Surface resin can be removed using a sharp broadfaced chisel
and the area then recoated. Use a knife to remove any debris that has built up in the
grooves between deckboards as these gaps allow for drainage and air circulation. Check all
fixings and repunch nail heads and retighten all screwheads if required.
Osmose Naturewood
Richard Burbidge softwood decking components are treated with Osmose Naturewood, a
preservative treatment that is based on copper and an organic co-biocide (Alkaline Copper
Quaternary). Alkaline Copper Quaternary systems have provided proven performance for
almost a decade in locations throughout Europe, North America, Australia and Japan.
Products treated with Osmose Naturewood will initially have a green appearance that
highlights the natural variations of the wood; this will weather to an attractive natural honey
brown colour before finally fading to driftwood grey after long-term exposure to the sun.
Osmose Naturewood treated timber can be painted or stained to match any outdoor
colour scheme. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

150

151

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Summary of technical details

Technical details

Commercial stair balustrade Building


Regulations - 153
Commercial staircase configurations - 154 to 160
Commercial outdoor balustrade Building
Regulations - 161 to 162
Commercial outdoor balustrade - 163
Juliette balconies - 164
Maintenance and finishing advice - 165 to 167

The following illustrations show FUSION Commercial balustrade in use in non


domestic situations with handrails set at 900mm stairs and 1100mm landings.
Within the 1992 Building Regulations (part K), there are several different categories of
building type that fall within the general area of non domestic. The reason for the
distinction is that different strength requirements are demanded according to the
buildings usage, specifically:
Category A - Factories/warehouses (light traffic)
Category B - Residential (e.g. flats, old peoples homes, educational, office and public
buildings)
Category C - Retail premises
In all three of these building types the requirement concerning handrail height differs
from that in domestic housing. The minimum handrail heights permitted are 900mm
for rake of stairs and 1100mm for landings.
The regulations specify a strength requirement as follows (from above): category A:
0.36kN/m (as per domestic); category B:0.74kN/m; category C: 1.5kN/m.
Richard Burbidge Commercial stair balustrade is fully strength tested, this includes not
just the system conforming to details as laid out above but also for individual infill
tests carried in accordance with BS6180 for categories A and B above.
Note: This does not include balustrade used for aesthetic purposes only in retail
situations e.g. room dividers, providing they are not guarding a difference in height
greater than 380mm.
Technical helpline and bespoke planning service
We understand how complex planning balustrade can be, and we also appreciate the
frustration this brings with it. We want to make it as easy as possible for you to
incorporate Richard Burbidge balustrade into your projects. So we'll take your plans
and work out the complete specification for you. We'll give you technical feedback,
supply drawings, CAD images and even fully costed parts lists where required. All at
no cost - it's simply part of our service.

Building Regulations

Commercial

As well as CAD drawings we also offer NBS specifications to seamlessly incorporate


technical detail into your plans and a CPD course looking at the steps required when
specifying internal balustrade.
For further information on any of this please don't hesitate to contact us
+44 (0) 1691 678351 or info@richardburbidge.co.uk

153

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FUSION Commercial

FUSION Commercial

Fig. 1 Bottom of flight - FUSION Commercial


straight step closed string
INCB

Fig 4. Bottom of flight - FUSION Commercial dogleg


with bullnose step closed string

RHR

Intermediate
newel
connector

Pre-finished
round handrail

RHR

INCB

Pre-finished
round
handrail

Intermediate
newel
connector

BCB
Bottom
connector

Staircase baluster
& bracket

NBCB

CNP950WOF
Newel

SBR

CSB

BCB

CSB

Newel base connector

Staircase baluster
& bracket

Bottom
connector

NBCB
Newel base
connector

CNP950WOF
Newel

SBR

Pre-finished
ungrooved baserail

Pre-finished
ungrooved baserail

NBCB

NBCB

Newel base connector

Newel base connector

510mm
Newel base

915mm
Newel base

INCB

RHR

Intermediate
newel
connector

FUSION Commercial

Fig. 5 Bottom of flight - FUSION Commercial


winders closed string
RHR

Pre-finished
round handrail

INCB

Pre-finished
round
handrail

Intermediate
newel
connector

FUSION Commercial

Fig. 2 Bottom of flight - FUSION Commercial


straight step cut string

NBCB

BCB

Newel base
connector

CSB

Bottom
connector

Staircase baluster
& bracket
Suspended
baserail connector

CNP950WOF
Newel

CSB
BCB

SBCB

Staircase baluster
& bracket

Bottom
connector

SBR

CNP950WOF

Pre-finished
ungrooved baserail

Newel

SBR
Pre-finished
ungrooved baserail

NBCB
Newel base connector

NBCB

1375mm

Base connector

Newel base

510mm
Newel base

Fig. 3 Bottom of flight - FUSION Commercial


straight with bullnose step closed string

RHR

INCB

Pre-finished
round handrail

Intermediate
newel
connector

Fig. 6 Intermediate landing - FUSION Commercial


quarter turn with landing closed string
BCB

RHR

Bottom connector

Pre-finished
round
handrail

CNP950WOF
Newel

CSB

TCB

Staircase baluster
& bracket

Top connector

CSB

BCB

Staircase baluster
& bracket

Bottom
connector

NBCB

CNP950WOF

Newel base connector

Newel

915mm
Newel base

INCB
Intermediate
newel
connector

NBCB
Newel base connector

SBR
Pre-finished
ungrooved baserail

NBCB
Newel base connector

915mm
Newel base

154

SBR
Pre-finished
ungrooved baserail

155

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FUSION Commercial

FUSION Commercial

Fig. 7 Intermediate landing - FUSION Commercial


quarter turn with landing cut string

Fig. 10 Intermediate landing - FUSION Commercial


extended half landing cut string

BCB

RHR

Bottom
connector

ALB

INCB

Pre-finished Round
Handrail

Adjustable
landing
connector

Intermediate newel
connector

CTB

LCB
CSB
CNP950WOF

Staircase baluster
& bracket

Newel

915mm

TCB

Newel base

Top connector

Transition
connector

Landing
connector

RHR

TCB
Top
connector

Pre-finished round
handrail

CNP950WOF

SBR

Pre-finished newel

Pre-finished
ungrooved baserail

NBCB

INCB

Newel base connector

Intermediate
newel
connector

915mm

CSB

Newel base

Staircase baluster
& bracket

NBCB

SBCB

Newel base
connector

Suspended
baserail
connector

SBCB

SBR Pre-finished
ungrooved baserail

Suspended
baserail
connector

BCB
Bottom
connector

FUSION Commercial

CNP950WOF
Newel

CSB

NBCB

Staircase baluster
& bracket

Newel base
connector

SBR

2000mm

Pre-finished
ungrooved baserail

Newel base

ICB
Intermediate
connector

RHR
Pre-finished round
handrail

INCB
Intermediate
newel
connector

Fig. 11 Intermediate landing - FUSION Commercial


extended half landing cut string
ALB

CTB

Adjustable
landing
connector

Transition connector

LCB
Landing
connector

TCB
Top connector

INCB
Intermediate
newel
connector

RHR
Pre-finished round
handrail

SBR

CNP950WOF

Pre-finished
ungrooved baserail

Pre-finished newel

CSB

915mm

Staircase
baluster &
bracket

Newel base

FUSION Commercial

Fig. 8 Intermediate landing - FUSION Commercial


quarter turn with winders closed string

NBCB
Newel base
connector

NBCB

SBCB

Newel base
connector

Suspended
baserail
connector

Fig 9. Intermediate landing - FUSION Commercial


half landing off set risers closed string
LCB

CTB

INCB

Transition connector
Landing
connector

Intermediate
newel connector

ECB

RHR

End cap

Pre-finished round handrail

NTB

SBR Pre-finished
ungrooved baserail

Newel tie

TCB
Top connector

NBCB
Newel base
connector

915mm
Newel base

Fig. 12 Intermediate landing - FUSION Commercial


half landing riser to riser closed string
BCB

RHR

Bottom
connector

Pre-finished round
handrail

ECB

SBR

End cap

INCB

NTB

Intermediate
newel connector

TCB

CNP950WOF
Prefinished newel

CSB
Staircase baluster
& bracket

NBCB
Newel base
connector

Newel tie

Pre-finished
ungrooved baserail

CSB

Top connector

Staircase baluster
& bracket

CNP950WOF

INCB

Pre-finished
newel

Intermediate
newel connector

NBCB
Newel base
connector

915mm
Newel base

NBCB
Newel base
connector

156

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FUSION Commercial

FUSION Commercial
Fig. 16 Top landings - FUSION Commercial top
landing with 90 turn closed string

Fig.13 Top landings - FUSION Commercial top


landing with 180 turn closed string
UHTB

LCB

Universal horizontal turn

Landing
connector

RHR
Pre-finished round
handrail
Suspended baserail
connector

Landing connector

CLB

TCB
Top connector

Landing baluster
& bracket

CNP950WOF

SBR

Pre-finished newel

NBCB

Pre-finished
ungrooved baserail

Newel base connector

NBCB
Newel base
connector

INCB
Intermediate
newel connector

NBCB
Newel base
connector

RHR
Pre-finished
round
handrail

CLB

700mm

Intermediate
newel
connector

Newel base

Staircase baluster
& bracket

Newel base

Landing
baluster &
bracket

INCB

SBCB

Suspended baserail
connector
Pre-finished
ungrooved
baserail
NBCB
Newel base connector

SBR

CSB

700mm

Top
connector

Pre-finished newel

SBCB
LCB

TCB

CNP950WOF

CSB
Staircase baluster
& bracket

Fig. 14 Top landings - FUSION Commercial top


landing with 180 turn cut string

Fig. 17 Top landings - FUSION Commercial top


landing with 90 turn cut string

UHTB
Universal horizontal turn

LCB
Landing
connector

RHR

TCB
Top
connector

NBCB

LCB

Newel base
connector

Landing
connector

NBCB
Newel base
connector

CLB

TCB

Landing
baluster &
bracket

Top connector

CNP950WOF
Pre-finished newel

SBR

NBCB

Pre-finished
ungrooved baserail

Newel base
connector

SBCB

700mm

Suspended baserail
connector

Newel base

INCB

CSB

Intermediate
newel
connector

Staircase baluster
& bracket

Fig. 15 Top landings - FUSION Commercial top landing with


180 turn and winders closed string

RHR

CLB

Pre-finished
round
handrail

Landing baluster
& bracket

700mm

SBR

INCB

Newel base

Pre-finished
ungrooved baserail

Intermediate
newel
connector
Pre-finished newel

Landing connector

Pre-finished round
handrail

CLB

WCB

Landing baluster
& bracket

Wall connector

CLB

INCB

TCB

SBR

CNP950WOF

Newel base
connector

Pre-finished
ungrooved baserail

Pre-finished
newel

ICB

NBCB

1375mm
Newel base

158

Suspended baserail
connector
Top
connector

Intermediate
connector

Universal horizontal turn

Pre-finished round handrail

Intermediate newel
connector

NBCB

UHTB
RHR

SBCB

Pre-finished newel

Staircase baluster & bracket

LCB
RHR

CNP950WOF

Suspended baserail
connector

Fig. 18 Top landings - FUSION Commercial top


landing with 90 turn and extra rise closed string

Universal horizontal turn

Landing
connector

SBCB

CNP950WOF CSB

UHTB

LCB

Newel base
connector

CSB
Staircase baluster
& bracket

FUSION Commercial

FUSION Commercial

Pre-finished
round handrail

NBCB
Newel base
connector

915mm
Newel base

Landing
baluster &
bracket

SBCB
Suspended baserail
connector

NBCB
Newel base connector

SBR
Pre-finished
ungrooved baserail

CSB
Staircase baluster
& bracket

159

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FUSION Commercial

Commercial outdoor balustrade


Building Regulations & British Standards

Fig. 19 Top landings - FUSION Commercial landing


or horizontal balustrade
RHR

WCB

Pre-finished round
handrail

Wall connector

The TDA (Timber Decking Association) technical bulletin on the design and construction of
deck parapets details two types of deck, low level and high level. A low level deck is any
deck up to 600mm above ground level with high level referring to all other decks higher
than 600mm.
SBR
Pre-finished
ungrooved
baserail

CLB

LCB

Landing
baluster &
bracket

Landing connector

CNP950WOF
Pre-finished
newel

NBCB

SBCB

Newel base
connector

Suspended baserail
connector

Commercial decks in public areas used to move people through and not susceptible to
overcrowding including stairs/steps, landings, external balconies and ramps should have
the balustrade set at a minimum height of 900mm on stairs/steps and 1100mm on
landings/horizontal guarding. The balustrade should resist a minimum horizontal
uniformly distributed line load of 0.74kN/m, a uniformly distributed load applied to the
infill of 1.0kN/m and a point load applied to part of the infill of 0.5kN.
Additionally balustrades in commerical areas with tables or fixed seating where people
may congregate and are susceptible to overcrowding should have the balustrade set at
900mm on stairs and 1100mm for landings and horizontal guarding. Balustrades for
these environments should resist a minimum horizontal uniformly distributed line load of
1.5kN/m, a uniformly distributed load applied to the infill of 1.5kN/m2 and a point load
applied to part of the infill of 1.5kN.

700mm
Newel base

The balustrade should be designed so that it is not easily climbable and not allow the
passage of a 100mm sphere.

Fig. 20 Top landings - FUSION Commercial landing


mid newel

British Standards relevant to commercial external balustrades include;

ILCB
Intermediate
landing
connector

CNP950WOF
Pre-finished newel

BS 6399 Part 1 1996: Loadings for buildings. Code of practice for dead and imposed
loads.
Gives recommended dead and imposed loads for use in designing new buildings and
structures, alterations to existing buildings and the change of use to an existing
construction. Section 10 and Table 4 covers parapets, barriers and balustrades and the
minimum horizontal imposed loads.

Building Regulations

FUSION Commercial

Pre-finished
round
handrail

British Standards

BS 6180 1999: Barriers in and about buildings, code of practice.


Covers recommendations for the design and construction of both permanent and
temporary barriers provided in buildings and places of assembly. Contents include, design
criteria, loadings and safety details, and barriers in various materials including concrete, glass,
masonry, metals, aluminium and timber.

Pre-finished
ungrooved
baserail

Richard Burbidge balustrades are certified by BM TRADA, certification number 001 and
meet the requirements of and are registered within the BM TRADA certification scheme for
timber balustrades.

CLB
Landing
baluster &
bracket

NBCB
Newel base
connector

SBCB
700mm

Suspended baserail
connector

Newel base

Fig. 21 Top landings - FUSION Commercial landing


corner landing newel
Pre-finished
round
handrail

CNP950WOF

ALB

Pre-finished newel

Adjustable landing
connector

BS 5268-2 Structural use of timber. Code of practice for permissible stress design,
materials and workmanship.
This British Standard gives recommendations for stress grades applicable to timber when
used as members, as part of a construction and as part of a structure including other
components. Detailing for the design of nailed, screwed, bolted, dowelled, connected and
glued joints are are also covered. This document additionally gives recommendations for
test methods to assess structural assemblies with guidance on workmanship, treatments,
inspection and maintenance.
BS EN 350-1 Durability of wood and wood based products.
Covers wood classification systems, hazards, grading, sampling, durability and physical
properties. Used in conjunction with BS EN 350-2 which details guidance on the natural
durability and treatability of selected wood species of importance in Europe.

CLB
Landing
baluster &
bracket
Pre-finished
ungrooved
baserail

160

NBCB
700mm
SBCB

Newel base
connector

Newel base

Suspended baserail
connector

161

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Building Regulations & British Standards

Suitability for use

FUSION Commercial

FUSION commercial outdoor balustrade options

Richard Burbidge external balustrade systems in all timber types have been independently
tested by both TRADA and FIRA for conformity with UK Building Regulations.
All balustrade systems conform with the requirements for domestic use as detailed in Table
4 of BS 6399 : Part 1 : 1996 Loadings for buildings.

11
8

Raised domestic and light commercial settings - Some of our systems have been tested
and conform to the increased loading requirements for commercial applications which are
defined as areas not susceptible to overcrowding in office, leisure and institutional
buildings such as hotels, doctors and dental surgeries and stairs in multi occupancy
buildings such as apartments. In these applications the increased requirements detail that a
balustrade should resist a minimum horizontal uniformly distributed line load of 0.74kN/m,
a uniformly distributed load applied to the infill of 1.0kN/m2 and a point load applied to
part of the infill of 0.5kN.

Building Regulations

Heavy commercial settings - Additionally, balustrades in commerical areas with tables or


fixed seating where people may congregate and are susceptible to overcrowding should
have the balustrade set at 900mm on stairs and 1100mm for landings and horizontal
guarding. Balustrades for these environments should resist a minimum horizontal uniformly
distributed line load of 1.5kN/m, a uniformly distributed load applied to the infill of
1.5kN/m2 and a point load applied to part of the infill of 1.5kN.
The Timber Decking Association
Richard Burbidge Ltd is a member of the Timber Decking Association (TDA)
which is a technical and advisory organistaion that provides guidance on
the materials and practices required to create high quality decks and
associated structures. For further information contact Timber Decking
Association, 5 Flemming Court, Castleford, West Yorkshire WF10 5HW Tel: 01977 558147, www.tda.org.uk.

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

10

5
6

LD575 Aluminium newel


LD578 Aluminium rail
LD580 Hardwood slatted panel
LD579 Large glass panel
LD584 Small glass panel
LD582 Aluminium rail to wall bracket
LC581 Hardwood baluster
LD577 Newel to timber rail support bracket
LD576 Rail to rail bracket
LD585 Hardwood rail or LD586/LD587 Metal handrail
LD583 End cap for hardwood top rail

FUSION Commercial

Domestic settings - All areas within or serving exclusively one dwelling including stairs and
landings, the balustrades should resist a minimum horizontal uniformly distributed line load
of 0.36kN/m, a uniformily distributed load applied to the infill of 0.5kN/m2 and a point load
applied to part of the infill of 0.25kN. For decks above 600mm above ground balustrades
need to conform to the same requirements as the heavier loadings detailed in the
commercial settings section.

The Deck-Mark Certification Scheme is a third party product certification


scheme operated on behalf of the TDA. The scheme is based on
recognised quality assurance standards (ISO 9000) and confirms
compliance to the best practice guidance and relevant British Standards
and ensures that any Richard Burbidge outdoor balustrade product is of the
highest standard.
Deck-Mark Plus is an extension of the TDAs Deck-Mark Scheme and
applies to products manufactured in accordance with Deck-Mark but
which also have a performance rating in line with BS EN ISO 14001:2004
Environmental Management Systems and BS EN ISO 9001:2000 Quality
Management Systems.
Planning permission
As a general rule domestic timber decks are regarded in exactly the same way as private
paved patios and do not require planning approval unless they are within 20 metres of a
road or higher than 3 metres above ground level.
If a deck forms part of the design features of a new building or extension, the size and
shape of the deck should be included on drawings submitted for planning approval but the
deck itself would not normally be subject to approval.
For existing residential properties a ground level deck will not need to be submitted for
approval under the current UK Building Regulations. A high level deck however will need
to be designed to ensure that it will be structurally stable. As such calculations may be
required proving the deck is capable of taking the necessary loading if the high level deck
is submitted as part of a new house to your local Building Control office.

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FUSION Commercial

Finishing advice

Our Juliette balconies are available in a range of sizes and style offerings. You can choose
from the clean lines of the single handrail option illustrated in Fig. 1 or opt for the choice of
additional handrails in either metal or timber as illustrated in Fig. 2
Richard Burbidge Juliette balconies are suitable for openings from 600mm to 2010mm and
provide a safe and attractive balustrade solution.

FUSION Commercial indoor balustrade


FUSION Commercial products are now pre-finished. However for retrospective refinishing
ensure correct preparation of the surface, filling of nail holes and sanding to remove marks
which have occurred during installation, for example.
We recommend that all finishes are applied to test pieces so that the finish obtained is the
one that you wish to achieve. Please read manufacturers instructions carefully. Richard
Burbidge display models are spray lacquered. A similar finish can be achieved using brush
applied methods follow the simple guidelines alongside for a perfect finish.

Fig. 1
Brush applied varnish
1. Sand the surface with a fine grade sandpaper. Traces of dust and grease can be
removed using a cloth dampened with white spirit.
2. First coat - mix together one part white spirit, three parts polyurethane clear varnish and
if a colour is required one part spirit based wood stain/dye.
3. Allow at least eight hours to dry. Lightly rub down using a fine grade wire wool and apply
a coat of clear varnish only.
LD655

LD656

Rail end caps x 4

Return to wall
brackets x 4

4. Allow at least eight hours to dry and apply two further coats of clear varnish.
Spray applied varnish

LD662

LD654

1. Rub down with 240 grit sandpaper and apply one coat of sanding/sealer.

Aluminium rail

2. Allow to dry and denib/sand with a fine grade wire wool.

OS glass panel
with 4 x panel
brackets

3. Apply two coats of pre-cat lacquer (if a coloured finish is required use tinted pre-cat
lacquer).

Finishing advice

FUSION Commercial

Note - Remember, a clear varnish will change the colour of wood which should be
considered before deciding on a coloured finish. Practice on off-cuts before applying to
product.
The following details are examples of some of the more popular ways of finishing. Of
course, before applying your chosen finish (stain, paint or varnish) your timber product
should be properly prepared. Pin/nail holes should be filled with a proprietary filler and the
product sanded to remove blemishes that can occur during installation.

LD659
Aluminium rail
support brackets

Varnish

Fig. 2
LD576
Rail to rail brackets

LD652/LD661/
LD586/LD587
Timber or
aluminium top rail

LD655

Available in clear matt, satin and gloss finishes and also tinted/coloured, varnish gives a
tough, durable and hardwearing finish which requires minimal maintenance and is heat and
water resistant. Coloured varnishes have the advantage of being suitable for application on
previously varnished surfaces. When applying coloured varnishes you should note that as
they do not penetrate the wood like a true wood stain/dye it is a good idea to finish with a
couple of coats of clear varnish which will prevent colour loss due to wear and tear.
As well as polyurethane varnishes there are a number of acrylic/water-based varnishes which
are solvent free, have a low odour and are extremely quick drying. They also have the
advantage of easy brush maintenance and require only a quick rinse with water after use.

Rail end
caps x 6

LD656
Return to wall
brackets x 4

LD654
Aluminium rail

LD657
Glass panel with
4 x panel
brackets

Oils
Oils can be used to seal timber. They do however, tend to be used on hardwoods only as
softwoods discolour and become dirty very quickly. There are various types available which
are easy to apply, usually by rag or brush. Teak oil is quick drying whilst danish oil has the
advantage of being able to accept a varnish for added protection. Linseed oil is slow
drying and tends to be soft.
Wood stains/dyes

LD659
Aluminium rail
support brackets

These will penetrate the wood and are used to enhance the colour and to some extent
unify and neutralise the natural colour variations that occur in timbers. They tend to dry
quickly and are usually applied with a cloth along the grain. Before it is dry, excess
stain/dye is wiped off with a lint-free cloth. Wood stains/dyes do not seal the timber and
require a varnish or polish application to finish.
Protective wood stains
All in one finish enhances the colour of wood and is normally brush applied. Unlike wood
stains/dyes it also seals the timber and is quick drying with further coats being applied after
just two hours.

164

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Finishing advice

Finishing & maintenance

French polish

FUSION Commercial outdoor balustrade

This gives a very good gloss finish. It is applied by building up in layers and is made from a
mixture of shellac and alcohol, with a fair degree of skill required to achieve a good finish.
French polish does not provide any real protection, with the surface not resistant to
scratches, heat, water or alcohol and is normally applied to surfaces that receive little wear
and tear. A modern alternative two part treatment is plastic coating, which does provide
resistance to heat, liquids and scratches.

Hardwood balustrades

Liming
This is best applied to coarse grained woods such as oak. A traditional mixture for liming
oak can be achieved by mixing unslaked lime with water. Once applied and semi-dry any
surplus is wiped off. When dry this is rubbed down with glasspaper and a coat of french
polish is added, with a final coat of white polish to finish. Alternatively, an easier method is
to mix white matt emulsion with water to the same consistency as milk and brush into the
grain, wiping off before setting. To finish and seal two coats of satin varnish are applied,
giving an eggshell shine. Liming wax is also available, which is quick and easy to apply.
Paint

Balustrade maintenance
For both softwood and hardwood timber balustrade components always follow the seal,
stain or oil manufacturers recommendations and test on an off-cut or hidden surface. How
often you apply further coats of water seal, stain or oil will depend on the balustrades
usage, and we recommend that all components be recoated at least once a year. Please
refer to the manufacturers recommendations.
For non-timber items such as glass panels and zinc alloy posts and rails use a soft cloth,
luke warm water and a mild detergent. Do not polish or use abrasive cleaners and scourers
as these can damage and scratch the surface coatings.

Maintenance

Finishing advice

Use a knotting solution on live knots and resinous areas. This prevents resin
bleeding/seeping through onto the finished surface. New bare timber should have a coat
of primer, followed by one or two coats of undercoat. Finish with a topcoat of gloss. There
are numerous painting finishes and techniques, for example, crackle, glaze, marble or
mottled effects.

Richard Burbidge Hardwood external balustrades are manufactured from Sapele, a dark
hardwood similar to a mahogany colour of reddish brown. Although moderately durable
any untreated timber exposed to the natural elements should be protected from the
weather to make then more resistant to picking up moisture. To enhance and protect the
hardwood balustrade apply either a proprietary clear water repellent, semi-transparent
stain or decking oil. Before applying the finish you must make sure your balustrades are dry.
Test by sprinkling drops of water onto the timbers surface. If the wood does not absorb the
water, wait a few days to allow the timber to dry out and retest before application.

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