Wire Balustrade Posts Buying Guide: Types, Materials and Ranges Compared
I this guide we go through all the different considerations we have across our product ranges that can help you make a decision on what to choose for your cable railing project.
We go through the different aesthetic, functional and budgeting considerations when choosing a post range. We also have a guide that goes in-depth to the technical differences between posts that make or break scenarios. We even have some case studies from our clients who graciously sent through their finished project! These are linked below!
Feel free to skip ahead to any section if you already know the detail! Let's get started!
Contents
Which Post Range should I go for?
Know more about the pro's and con's of our different post options. We go into affordability, style, colour options, general specifications, recommendations, customisability and where you can and can't use the range.
What should I consider when choosing wire balustrade posts?
Post Ranges
Better Hardware offers different ranges of balustrading posts that have different benefits and appeal. We source our wire balustrade post ranges from high quality and reliable suppliers.
This discussion is specific to the ranges we offer and won't be applicable elsewhere. - Having been in this industry for over a decade we know the differences between the ranges matter when making it work for your project!
We label post ranges by their shared aesthetic appeal, supply origin and functionality. This results in a consistent style, budget range and technical detail. Whilst you could mix and match, most people choose one range and stick with it, as they want a consistent visual look to their balustrade.
We will go into a deeper technical breakdown into the ranges later, but here are the key features.
We also have a showroom in Moorabbin that displays all the different ranges. Come down and have a chat to us to see what works for your project!
Standard Square Classic Stainless Range
Better Hardware's Standard Classic Range of marine grade stainless steel 316 wire balustrading posts are a cost-efficient line of pre-made posts.
Made to the most common wire balustrading specification seen in Australia this range is a great starting point for most residential wire balustrade projects.
These posts are available in-store in Moorabbin, but we also ship nation-wide. Always check ahead for availability.
Features:
- 960mm height
- 80mm hole spacing
- Pre-drilled holes or M6 Pre-tapped threads
- Pre-welded base and top plates
- Ends, corners, intermediates, flat bar, rhs and droppers available
| Pros | Cons |
| Great quality & Affordable | No customisation available |
| Suits flat handrail | Does not suit round handrail |
| Suits most wire balustrade projects | Not suitable for ramps |
| For horizontal balustrades only | No stair posts in the Standard Classic Range |
| Matching stair posts are found in the Premium Range | No custom powdercoating available |
| Ready-made |
Check the available finishes. Some lines are stocked in satin finish, mirror polish or matte black.
Standard Square Classic Stainless Range
Better Hardware's Standard Classic Range of marine grade stainless steel 316 wire balustrading posts are a cost-efficient line of pre-made posts.
Made to the most common wire balustrading specification seen in Australia this range is a great starting point for most residential wire balustrade projects.
These posts are available in-store in Moorabbin, but we also ship nation-wide. Always check ahead for availability.
Features:
- 960mm height
- 80mm hole spacing
- Pre-drilled holes or M6 Pre-tapped threads
- Pre-welded base and top plates
- Ends, corners, intermediates, flat bar, rhs and droppers available
| Pros | Cons |
| Great quality & Affordable | No customisation available |
| Suits flat handrail | Does not suit round handrail |
| Suits most wire balustrade projects | Not suitable for ramps |
| For horizontal balustrades only | No stair posts in the Standard Classic Range |
| Matching stair posts are found in the Premium Range | No custom powdercoating available |
| Ready-made |
Check the available finishes. Some lines are stocked in satin finish, mirror polish or matte black.
Standard Modern Square Stainless Range
The Standard Modern Range of marine grade stainless steel 316 wire balustrading posts are a stylish cost-efficient line of pre-made posts.
Available in satin finish. Mirror polish due late 2026.
Made to the most common wire balustrading specification seen in Australia this range is a great starting point for most residential wire balustrade projects.
These posts can be ordered in for pickup in our showroom in Moorabbin, but we also ship nation-wide. Always check ahead for availability.
Features:
- 960mm height
- 80mm hole spacing
- Pre-drilled holes or M6 Pre-tapped threads
- Pre-welded base plates
- Interchangeable screw-fixed saddle tops
- Options to suit either round (2" tube) or flat handrail
- Ends, corners and intermediates available
Stair/Ramp Posts Made to Order
- Custom-made stair posts available
- 960mm fixed height - no extensions or shortening available
- Ramp and stringer post options available
- Suits most angles
Notes: None of our wire balustrade stair posts are off-the-shelf. Wire balustrading stair posts are always Made to Order as they require fabrication in one way or another. Hole positions change per project which makes stocking a pre-fabricated stair post unfeasible. Check ahead for lead times.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Ready-made (excluding stair/ramp-posts)
- Suits most wire balustrade projects
- Great quality
- Suitable for most stair and ramp projects
- Options to suit either round (2" tube) or flat handrail
- Custom powdercoating available (additional cost) - Not recommended for use in areas subject to salt spray
Cons:
- No horizontal post customisation available
- Limited suitability for stair corner transitions for use with round tube handrail. - Further technical discussion below.
- No options that suit different round handrail dimensions
Standard Modern Square Stainless Range
The Standard Modern Range of marine grade stainless steel 316 wire balustrading posts are a stylish cost-efficient line of pre-made posts.
Available in satin finish. Mirror polish due late 2026.
Made to the most common wire balustrading specification seen in Australia this range is a great starting point for most residential wire balustrade projects.
These posts can be ordered in for pickup in our showroom in Moorabbin, but we also ship nation-wide. Always check ahead for availability.
Features:
- 960mm height
- 80mm hole spacing
- Pre-drilled holes or M6 Pre-tapped threads
- Pre-welded base plates
- Interchangeable screw-fixed saddle tops
- Options to suit either round (2" tube) or flat handrail
- Ends, corners and intermediates available
Stair/Ramp Posts Made to Order
- Custom-made stair posts available
- 960mm fixed height - no extensions or shortening available
- Ramp and stringer post options available
- Suits most angles
Notes: None of our wire balustrade stair posts are off-the-shelf. Wire balustrading stair posts are always Made to Order as they require fabrication in one way or another. Hole positions change per project which makes stocking a pre-fabricated stair post unfeasible. Check ahead for lead times.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Ready-made (excluding stair/ramp-posts)
- Suits most wire balustrade projects
- Great quality
- Suitable for most stair and ramp projects
- Options to suit either round (2" tube) or flat handrail
- Custom powdercoating available (additional cost) - Not recommended for use in areas subject to salt spray
Cons:
- No horizontal post customisation available
- Limited suitability for stair corner transitions for use with round tube handrail. - Further technical discussion below.
- No options that suit different round handrail dimensions
Standard Modern Round Stainless Range
The Standard Modern Range of marine grade stainless steel 316 wire balustrading posts are a stylish cost-efficient line of pre-made posts.
Available in Satin Finish or Mirror Polish.
Made to the most common wire balustrading specification seen in Australia this range is a great starting point for most residential wire balustrade projects.
These posts can be ordered in for pickup in our showroom in Moorabbin, but we also ship nation-wide. Always check ahead for availability.
Features:
- 960mm height
- 80mm hole spacing
- Pre-drilled holes or M6 Pre-tapped threads
- Pre-welded base plates
- Interchangeable screw-fixed saddle tops
- Options to suit either round (2" tube) or flat handrail
- Ends, corners and intermediates available
Stair Posts Made to Order
- Custom-made stair posts available
- 960mm fixed height - no extensions or shortening of height available
- Suits most angles
Notes: None of our wire balustrade stair posts are off-the-shelf. Wire balustrading stair posts are always Made to Order as they require fabrication in one way or another. Hole positions change per project which makes stocking a pre-fabricated stair post unfeasible. Check ahead for lead times.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Ready-made (excluding stair posts)
- Suits most wire balustrade projects
- Great quality
- Options to suit flat or round 2" handrail
- Custom powdercoating available (additional cost) - Not recommended for use in areas subject to salt spray
Cons:
- No horizontal post customisation available
- Not suitable for ramp projects
- Limited suitability for stair corner transitions when using round tube handrail. - Further technical discussion below.
- No options that suit different round handrail dimensions
Standard Modern Round Stainless Range
The Standard Modern Range of marine grade stainless steel 316 wire balustrading posts are a stylish cost-efficient line of pre-made posts.
Available in Satin Finish or Mirror Polish.
Made to the most common wire balustrading specification seen in Australia this range is a great starting point for most residential wire balustrade projects.
These posts can be ordered in for pickup in our showroom in Moorabbin, but we also ship nation-wide. Always check ahead for availability.
Features:
- 960mm height
- 80mm hole spacing
- Pre-drilled holes or M6 Pre-tapped threads
- Pre-welded base plates
- Interchangeable screw-fixed saddle tops
- Options to suit either round (2" tube) or flat handrail
- Ends, corners and intermediates available
Stair Posts Made to Order
- Custom-made stair posts available
- 960mm fixed height - no extensions or shortening of height available
- Suits most angles
Notes: None of our wire balustrade stair posts are off-the-shelf. Wire balustrading stair posts are always Made to Order as they require fabrication in one way or another. Hole positions change per project which makes stocking a pre-fabricated stair post unfeasible. Check ahead for lead times.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Ready-made (excluding stair posts)
- Suits most wire balustrade projects
- Great quality
- Options to suit flat or round 2" handrail
- Custom powdercoating available (additional cost) - Not recommended for use in areas subject to salt spray
Cons:
- No horizontal post customisation available
- Not suitable for ramp projects
- Limited suitability for stair corner transitions when using round tube handrail. - Further technical discussion below.
- No options that suit different round handrail dimensions
Premium Round Stainless Range
The Premium Round Range of marine grade stainless steel 316 wire balustrading posts are a high-quality made to order line of premium wire balustrade posts.
Available in Satin Finish or Mirror Polish.
Custom made to your specification these posts offer a premium finish to any balustrade. The Premium range offers the most flexibility with customisation. If you have ramps, require alternate base plates or want to side-mount the posts our fabrication team can work with you to make changes. Height is customisable, holes can be made to suit different types of wire balustrading kits and the posts handle stair corner transitions when using round handrail. Please note fabrication and material changes may incur a different cost.
This range can be made to common specification if you want to keep things standard but prefer this design and finish to the other ranges.
These posts can be ordered in for pickup in our showroom in Moorabbin, but we also ship nation-wide. Always check ahead for availability.
Features:
- Custom height (additional material charges over 1000mm)
- Custom hole spacing
- Custom holes or M6 or M8 rivet nuts
- Pre-welded base plates
- Interchangeable screw-fixed saddle tops
- Options to suit either round (2" tube) or flat handrail
- Ends, corners and intermediates available
Stair Posts Made to Order
- Custom-made stair posts available
- Custom height
- Adjustable saddle top
- Custom mounting for side-mounting, ramps or alternate base plates (may incur alternate costings)
- Suits most angles
Notes: None of our wire balustrade stair posts are off-the-shelf. Wire balustrading stair posts are always Made to Order as they require fabrication in one way or another. Hole positions change per project which makes stocking a pre-fabricated stair post unfeasible. Check ahead for lead times.
Pros:
- Professionally made to order
- Made to suit almost every wire balustrade project
- Can be made to work with almost all of our wire balustrade kits including the EZ-Crimp system
- Superior quality
- Options to suit flat or round 2" handrail
- Custom powdercoating available (additional cost) - Not recommended for use in areas subject to salt spray
- Highly customisable
Cons:
- No options that suit different round handrail dimensions
- Local fabrication and higher quality materials attract a higher price
- Incurs fabrication lead times - generally 4-5 days, enquire ahead for current lead times as they can extend during busy periods and for larger jobs
- Not a stocked item
Premium Round Stainless Range
The Premium Round Range of marine grade stainless steel 316 wire balustrading posts are a high-quality made to order line of premium wire balustrade posts.
Available in Satin Finish or Mirror Polish.
Custom made to your specification these posts offer a premium finish to any balustrade. The Premium range offers the most flexibility with customisation. If you have ramps, require alternate base plates or want to side-mount the posts our fabrication team can work with you to make changes. Height is customisable, holes can be made to suit different types of wire balustrading kits and the posts handle stair corner transitions when using round handrail. Please note fabrication and material changes may incur a different cost.
This range can be made to common specification if you want to keep things standard but prefer this design and finish to the other ranges.
These posts can be ordered in for pickup in our showroom in Moorabbin, but we also ship nation-wide. Always check ahead for availability.
Features:
- Custom height (additional material charges over 1000mm)
- Custom hole spacing
- Custom holes or M6 or M8 rivet nuts
- Pre-welded base plates
- Interchangeable screw-fixed saddle tops
- Options to suit either round (2" tube) or flat handrail
- Ends, corners and intermediates available
Stair Posts Made to Order
- Custom-made stair posts available
- Custom height
- Adjustable saddle top
- Custom mounting for side-mounting, ramps or alternate base plates (may incur alternate costings)
- Suits most angles
Notes: None of our wire balustrade stair posts are off-the-shelf. Wire balustrading stair posts are always Made to Order as they require fabrication in one way or another. Hole positions change per project which makes stocking a pre-fabricated stair post unfeasible. Check ahead for lead times.
Pros:
- Professionally made to order
- Made to suit almost every wire balustrade project
- Can be made to work with almost all of our wire balustrade kits including the EZ-Crimp system
- Superior quality
- Options to suit flat or round 2" handrail
- Custom powdercoating available (additional cost) - Not recommended for use in areas subject to salt spray
- Highly customisable
Cons:
- No options that suit different round handrail dimensions
- Local fabrication and higher quality materials attract a higher price
- Incurs fabrication lead times - generally 4-5 days, enquire ahead for current lead times as they can extend during busy periods and for larger jobs
- Not a stocked item
Premium Square Stainless Range
The Premium Square Range of marine grade stainless steel 316 wire balustrading posts are a high-quality made to order line of premium wire balustrade posts.
Available in Satin Finish or Mirror Polish.
Custom made to your specification these posts offer a premium finish to any balustrade. The Premium range offers the most flexibility with customisation. If you have ramps, require alternate base plates or want to side-mount the posts our fabrication team can work with you to make changes. Height is customisable, holes can be made to suit different types of wire balustrading kits and the posts handle stair intermediate and corner transitions by welding the tab on the angle. Please note fabrication and material changes may incur a different cost.
This range can be made to common specification if you want to keep things standard but prefer this design and finish to the other ranges.
Stair posts can be produced to match the style of the Standard Classic range.
These posts can be ordered in for pickup in our showroom in Moorabbin, but we also ship nation-wide. Always check ahead for availability.
Features:
- Custom height (additional material charges over 1000mm)
- Custom hole spacing
- Custom holes or M6 or M8 rivet nuts
- Pre-welded base plates
- Pre-welded top plates
- Suits flat handrail only
- Ends, corners, intermediates, flat bar, rhs and 25mm support post options available
Stair Posts Made to Order
- Custom-made stair posts available
- Custom height
- Top plate welded on angle
- Custom mounting for side-mounting, ramps or alternate base plates (may incur alternate costings)
- Suits most angles
Notes: None of our wire balustrade stair posts are off-the-shelf. Wire balustrading stair posts are always Made to Order as they require fabrication in one way or another. Hole positions change per project which makes stocking a pre-fabricated stair post unfeasible. Check ahead for lead times.
Pros:
- Professionally made to order
- Made to suit almost every wire balustrade project
- Can be made to work with almost all of our wire balustrade kits including the EZ-Crimp system
- Superior quality
- Suits flat handrail only
- Custom powdercoating available (additional cost) - Not recommended for use in areas subject to salt spray
- Highly customisable
Cons:
- Does not suit round handrail
- Local fabrication and higher quality materials attract a higher price
- Incurs fabrication lead times - generally 4-5 days, enquire ahead for current lead times as they can extend during busy periods and for larger jobs
- Not a stocked item
Premium Square Stainless Range
The Premium Square Range of marine grade stainless steel 316 wire balustrading posts are a high-quality made to order line of premium wire balustrade posts.
Available in Satin Finish or Mirror Polish.
Custom made to your specification these posts offer a premium finish to any balustrade. The Premium range offers the most flexibility with customisation. If you have ramps, require alternate base plates or want to side-mount the posts our fabrication team can work with you to make changes. Height is customisable, holes can be made to suit different types of wire balustrading kits and the posts handle stair intermediate and corner transitions by welding the tab on the angle. Please note fabrication and material changes may incur a different cost.
This range can be made to common specification if you want to keep things standard but prefer this design and finish to the other ranges.
Stair posts can be produced to match the style of the Standard Classic range.
These posts can be ordered in for pickup in our showroom in Moorabbin, but we also ship nation-wide. Always check ahead for availability.
Features:
- Custom height (additional material charges over 1000mm)
- Custom hole spacing
- Custom holes or M6 or M8 rivet nuts
- Pre-welded base plates
- Pre-welded top plates
- Suits flat handrail only
- Ends, corners, intermediates, flat bar, rhs and 25mm support post options available
Stair Posts Made to Order
- Custom-made stair posts available
- Custom height
- Top plate welded on angle
- Custom mounting for side-mounting, ramps or alternate base plates (may incur alternate costings)
- Suits most angles
Notes: None of our wire balustrade stair posts are off-the-shelf. Wire balustrading stair posts are always Made to Order as they require fabrication in one way or another. Hole positions change per project which makes stocking a pre-fabricated stair post unfeasible. Check ahead for lead times.
Pros:
- Professionally made to order
- Made to suit almost every wire balustrade project
- Can be made to work with almost all of our wire balustrade kits including the EZ-Crimp system
- Superior quality
- Suits flat handrail only
- Custom powdercoating available (additional cost) - Not recommended for use in areas subject to salt spray
- Highly customisable
Cons:
- Does not suit round handrail
- Local fabrication and higher quality materials attract a higher price
- Incurs fabrication lead times - generally 4-5 days, enquire ahead for current lead times as they can extend during busy periods and for larger jobs
- Not a stocked item
Powdercoated Square Aluminium Range
The Aluminium Square Range of 6061 T6 wire balustrading posts are a high-quality line of durable pre-made wire balustrade posts.
Available in Black Powdercoated Finish or Custom Colour Powdercoating, all from the Dulux Protexture Range. (See above or the Dulux website for colour options).
Made to the most common wire balustrading specification seen in Australia this range is a great starting point for most residential wire balustrade projects.
These posts can be ordered in for pickup in our showroom in Moorabbin, but we also ship nation-wide. Always check ahead for availability.
Features:
- 960mm height
- 80mm hole spacing
- Pre-drilled holes or pre-installed M6 black or stainless rivet nuts (additional cost)
- Pre-welded base plates
- Interchangeable screw-fixed saddle tops
- Suits flat timber handrail only
- Ends, corners, intermediates and RHS 50x10mm available
Stair/Ramp Posts Made to Order
- Custom-made stair posts available
- 960mm max height - can be shortened but not extended
- Not suitable for ramps or stringers post
- Top plates only suitable for angles 33-38°
- Fabrication can occur for cutting and drilling for angles outside this range, but there is currently no top plate option available to suit other angles
Notes: None of our wire balustrade stair posts are off-the-shelf. Wire balustrading stair posts are always Made to Order as they require fabrication in one way or another. Hole positions change per project which makes stocking a pre-fabricated stair post unfeasible. Check ahead for lead times.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Ready-made (excluding stair/ramp-posts)
- Suits most wire balustrade projects
- Great quality
- Suitable for most stair and ramp projects
- Suits flat timber handrail
- Custom powdercoating available (additional cost)
Cons:
- No horizontal post customisation available
- Does not suit round handrail
- Not recommended with other handrail materials due to risks of dissimilar metal corrosion
Powdercoated Square Aluminium Range
The Aluminium Square Range of 6061 T6 wire balustrading posts are a high-quality line of durable pre-made wire balustrade posts.
Available in Black Powdercoated Finish or Custom Colour Powdercoating, all from the Dulux Protexture Range. (See above or the Dulux website for colour options).
Made to the most common wire balustrading specification seen in Australia this range is a great starting point for most residential wire balustrade projects.
These posts can be ordered in for pickup in our showroom in Moorabbin, but we also ship nation-wide. Always check ahead for availability.
Features:
- 960mm height
- 80mm hole spacing
- Pre-drilled holes or pre-installed M6 black or stainless rivet nuts (additional cost)
- Pre-welded base plates
- Interchangeable screw-fixed saddle tops
- Suits flat timber handrail only
- Ends, corners, intermediates and RHS 50x10mm available
Stair/Ramp Posts Made to Order
- Custom-made stair posts available
- 960mm max height - can be shortened but not extended
- Not suitable for ramps or stringers post
- Top plates only suitable for angles 33-38°
- Fabrication can occur for cutting and drilling for angles outside this range, but there is currently no top plate option available to suit other angles
Notes: None of our wire balustrade stair posts are off-the-shelf. Wire balustrading stair posts are always Made to Order as they require fabrication in one way or another. Hole positions change per project which makes stocking a pre-fabricated stair post unfeasible. Check ahead for lead times.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Ready-made (excluding stair/ramp-posts)
- Suits most wire balustrade projects
- Great quality
- Suitable for most stair and ramp projects
- Suits flat timber handrail
- Custom powdercoating available (additional cost)
Cons:
- No horizontal post customisation available
- Does not suit round handrail
- Not recommended with other handrail materials due to risks of dissimilar metal corrosion
What should I consider when choosing wire balustrade posts?
Choosing the right wire balustrading range is a combination of budget, style and technical solutions.
We'll go into some different combinations we see on different projects.
The simpler your project, the more options you have to choose from. If you have a complex project it is best to discuss it with us to help go through your options.
Wire Balustrade Pricing
Here we get into the relative costs of the different ranges and why you might choose one over the other.
Standard Range
The Standard Range is a range of pre-made (excluding stairs/ramps) wire balustrading posts. These are made to a common-budget friendly specification seen throughout most of Australia.
The pre-made fabrication lends to cheaper costs. The specification is based on the most cost-effective wire balustrade specification based on the NCC. Whilst there are other combinations in the NCC the cost of these combinations for the whole project is greater than Standard specification.
Please keep in mind the Standard specification may not be suitable for your project. You will always need to assess the specification you require for your project. If you are unsure, it is best to contact a builder, surveyor or other qualified professional who can determine what specification you require. Please note we are a materials supplier only and are not able to give you specific advice on what you can and cannot use for your project.
Here are the Standard Specifications:
Height: 960mm - The most common height as it allows a 40mm+ handrail to be placed on top to reach the required 1000mm height for balustrades. It also divides evenly into the hole spacing.
Hole Spacing: 80mm - The most cost effective hole spacing is 80mm. With the 960mm height this divides evenly into 11 holes/wires (12 gaps).
- You gain no substantial benefit by adding more holes (60mm), which would add more cost to the project from additional labour on the posts and additional wire balustrade kits and wire lengths.
- You also massively increase your cost by going 100mm spacing. In order to get 100mm spacing compliance you need to decrease the distance between your posts. If you are intent on covering your entire deck this means you have to install more posts. Posts are a lot more expensive than a couple of extra kits and a few extra metres of wire.
Use the standard range where you can to save on cost.
316 Stainless
From $79.00
To $79.80
316 Stainless
From $89.00
To $89.80
316 Stainless
316 Stainless
Premium Range
The Premium range is made from higher quality materials than the standard range. It is also made to order which includes local fabrication. This increases the cost per post above the standard range. Typically people are seeking a specific look, higher quality material or require a different specification or custom work when purchasing the higher-cost post.
The Premium range is highly customisable and can be made to suit almost any project. Costs on the premium posts are set based on a number of underlying costs that are covered under one price. Extensions, additions and substantial changes are likely to incur additional charges.
They can be made to Standard specification (although this still incurs premium pricing) and they are distinct from the Standard range in terms of looks.
Still, the premium range often beats on-site or custom fabrication by quite a margin.
316 Stainless
Powdercoated Posts
Powdercoating is an additional price above that of the underlying material. This is due to the additional cost of getting the posts powdercoated. Whilst we do offer the facilitation of powdercoating on some of the ranges there will be variable costs associated with it. There may be some logistics charges surrounding powdercoating shipments to help offset some of the costs incurred.
6061 T6 Aluminium
6061 T6 Aluminium
6061 T6 Aluminium
Satin Finish or Mirror Polish Stainless
Mirror polish is a pricier alternative to satin. Both are high quality finishes but there are factors that go into producing mirror polish posts that increase the cost.
Satin is often considered the base price for a range.
316 Stainless
316 Stainless
316 Stainless
Want to dive into the Technical Details on the Ranges?
Check out our Technical guide to our balustrading post ranges.
We go into Stairs, Ramps, Side-mounting, Custom Fabrication and more...
Start Here → (Coming Soon)
Wire Balustrade Post Guides & FAQs
