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Stainless Steel Balustrades and Handrails in Kenya: Designs, Materials and How the Cost Is Worked Out
- Priced per running metre
- 38–51 mm round tube
- Posts every 1–1.2 m
- 304 outdoors and at the coast
On this page
What Goes Into a Balustrade
- Handrail: usually 38 or 51 mm round tube.
- Posts (standards): heavier tube fixed with base plates or side-mounted to the slab.
- Infill: horizontal or vertical rods, tensioned cables, or toughened glass with clamps.
- Fittings: brackets, end caps, elbows, glass clamps.
- Fixing: anchor bolts or chemical anchors into concrete.
Tubes and Rods on H-TECH’s Price List
stainless steel Round Tubes (51diarx1.2mm g201)KSh 4,800
stainless steel Round Tubes (38diarx1.2mm g201)KSh 3,850
stainless steel Round Tubes (32diarx1.2mm g201)KSh 3,500
stainless steel Round Tubes (25diarx1.2mm g201)KSh 2,800
stainless steel Round Tubes (12diarx1.2mm g201)KSh 1,900
Stainless Steel Rod bar(16mmx5.8mtrs g304 round bar)KSh 11,600
Stainless Steel Rod bar(8mmx4mtrs g304 round bar)KSh 2,230Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 13 October 2026).
Infill Options Compared
| Infill | Look | Cost level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horizontal rods | Modern, light | Lower | Children can climb horizontal bars; consider vertical in homes with small children |
| Vertical rods | Classic | Medium | Keep gaps small enough that a child cannot pass through |
| Toughened glass | Open view, premium | Higher | Needs toughened (tempered) safety glass and quality clamps |
| Cable | Minimal | Medium | Needs strong end posts to hold tension |
How the Price per Metre Is Built Up
- Measure the running length (stairs are measured along the slope).
- Count posts (length ÷ 1–1.2 m, plus ends and corners).
- Add the tube, rods or glass for the length.
- Add fittings, anchors and polishing.
- Add fabrication and installation labour.
Grade 304 costs more than 201 but does not stain outdoors; at the coast and by swimming pools it is the only sensible choice. See 201 vs 304 vs 316 and tube and rod prices.
Safety: Height and Gaps
Follow your approved building plans and county requirements. As a common practice, stair handrails sit around 900 mm above the stair nosing and balcony guards higher, around 1,000–1,100 mm, with infill gaps small enough that a child’s head cannot pass (often under about 100 mm). Fix posts into solid concrete, not tiles alone.
Care
Wash with mild soap and water, rinse and dry; avoid bleach and steel wool. At the coast, rinse monthly to remove salt.
For the full fabrication picture see stainless steel fabrication cost.
Watch: Fabrication and components
Frequently asked questions
How much is a stainless steel balustrade per metre in Kenya?
It depends on tube size, grade, infill (rods or glass) and labour; get a quote with the measured length.
Which stainless steel grade is best for balustrades?
Grade 304 for outdoor, coastal and pool areas; 201 only for dry indoor use.
What size tube is used for handrails?
Usually 38 mm or 51 mm round tube.
How far apart should balustrade posts be?
Commonly about 1–1.2 m, closer for glass or heavy use.
Does stainless steel rust outdoors?
Grade 304 resists rust well; lower grades can stain, especially near the sea.