Posting my question in the tools forum even though it might fit better in some building construction dimension thingamajig. I get the feeling that practical experience here will suffice 
I'm planning to finally get around to fixing a balcony railing for the house this summer. The railing is meant to cover a classic recessed gable balcony from the '70s. Total width around nine meters. The posts will be equipped with "plates" and screwed with two (?) concrete anchors into the front edge of the concrete slab on the balcony. The idea is to replicate a railing I saw at a neighbor's place and which I have measured. Sketch of the railing:
40x20 and 50x25 profiles are turned so that the narrow side faces outward. I will probably upgrade the 10x10 solid steel to 12x12. I was thinking about a distance of about one meter between the posts.
My question is whether 2mm thick material is sufficient for the 40x20 and 50x25 profiles?
I'm planning to finally get around to fixing a balcony railing for the house this summer. The railing is meant to cover a classic recessed gable balcony from the '70s. Total width around nine meters. The posts will be equipped with "plates" and screwed with two (?) concrete anchors into the front edge of the concrete slab on the balcony. The idea is to replicate a railing I saw at a neighbor's place and which I have measured. Sketch of the railing:
40x20 and 50x25 profiles are turned so that the narrow side faces outward. I will probably upgrade the 10x10 solid steel to 12x12. I was thinking about a distance of about one meter between the posts.
My question is whether 2mm thick material is sufficient for the 40x20 and 50x25 profiles?
It depends on the type of steel, the last time I made railings I chose stainless steel in 40x20 mm, and then the choice was between 1.5 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm in material thickness.
The choice fell on 3 mm as the other dimensions flexed a bit too much.
The choice fell on 3 mm as the other dimensions flexed a bit too much.
I have 2mm in my railings.....I think it's sturdy enough...
2mm might be enough considering that the profiles are set "on edge" in relation to the load. However, I usually go overboard when constructing with metal, mostly because it's easier to weld and you don't have to worry about the load But you do suffer when it has to be moved...
But you do suffer when it has to be moved...Found a page with various fence measurements...looks like it's 3mm in their...
http://www.silenssmide.se/default.asp?HeadPage=318
http://www.silenssmide.se/default.asp?HeadPage=318
Thank you so much for that link Enk!
Now it remains to figure out who has the slightly more unusual dimensions 40x20x3 and 50x25x3 KKR. Previously, I have received good prices at Skåne Handellstål but they do not stock the current dimensions.
Now it remains to figure out who has the slightly more unusual dimensions 40x20x3 and 50x25x3 KKR. Previously, I have received good prices at Skåne Handellstål but they do not stock the current dimensions.
What is the budget?
I seem to recall that I thought Tibnor was quite expensive compared to Skåne Handelsstål, but it's worth checking again. How much should it cost? Well, it is what it is, but I usually find some satisfaction in hunting for good prices.
We renovated my parents' balcony a few years ago. It is a concrete extension measuring 2*14m. The posts were attached with standard post brackets and Hiltihit straight into the slab. It sways a bit, not enough to cause concern, but more than ideal even though it's securely attached. Today, I would have bolted angle iron 50*50*3, 200mm high with two expanders on the front edge of the slab instead, it feels more stable and secure, especially for outward swaying.
edit1:
The posts are pressed 70*70 in that solution.
edit2:
Read the question again. plh wants only steel in the railing? How large is the balcony? Is it worth having a wider cap rail to put a beer on (groggveranda? )
I would have chosen a slightly heavier dimension for the posts, 50*25*3mm or perhaps 50mm bluerör (water pipe) and then a wooden cap rail at 120*30, while maintaining the design of the grille. There is quite a bit of torque at that height on the railing. It will definitely hold even with weaker materials, but does it feel right?!
edit1:
The posts are pressed 70*70 in that solution.
edit2:
Read the question again. plh wants only steel in the railing? How large is the balcony? Is it worth having a wider cap rail to put a beer on (groggveranda?
)I would have chosen a slightly heavier dimension for the posts, 50*25*3mm or perhaps 50mm bluerör (water pipe) and then a wooden cap rail at 120*30, while maintaining the design of the grille. There is quite a bit of torque at that height on the railing. It will definitely hold even with weaker materials, but does it feel right?!
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Hmm... I was just wondering if there's room to choose just about anything....phl said:
Maybe some details for the railing too....
http://www.arteferro.se/arteferro-produktoeversikt/smidesloesdelar-/c-29/c-117
http://www.metallgrossisten.se/ is located in Kristianstad, has good prices.phl said: