Infills
# How to choose your balustrade infill

Balustrade Fer Forgé 21 September 2026 · 2 min read The infill shapes both the style and a good part of the price — here's how to decide between the three most common options.

Once the balustrade’s location is settled (terrace, balcony or indoor), the next question is almost always the same: which infill to choose? It’s the choice with the biggest visual impact — and a good part of the budget depends directly on it. See our [infill and patterns](https://gloriette-fer-forge.fr/en/infill-and-patterns/) page for the full price grid.

## Straight balusters: the affordable base

Straight balusters — regular vertical uprights, no pattern — are the simplest and cheapest infill (€250 – €350 / lm). It’s a sound choice when function matters more than ornament, or for a discreet balustrade that shouldn’t visually compete with the rest of the facade.

One often-overlooked point: even straight balusters must meet the maximum 11 cm gap required by the [NF P01-012 standard](https://gloriette-fer-forge.fr/en/guard-rail-regulations/) between two uprights.

## Wrought iron scrollwork: the most decorative register

Scrollwork — coiled patterns, hot-worked by the workshop — is the most ornate and most expensive infill (€450 – €650 / lm). It’s the choice that most clearly sets a balustrade apart from a purely functional guard-rail, particularly well suited to a period facade or a project where the decorative look is the priority.

A real point of caution: the 11 cm gap applies at **any point** in the pattern, not just between two straight balusters. A very open scrollwork pattern can exceed this threshold without it being obvious — which is why the workshop always checks the design’s compliance before starting fabrication.

## Panels (sheet metal, cables, glass): the contemporary register

Panels — perforated sheet metal, tensioned cables or safety glass paired with a wrought iron structure — offer a contemporary, sober look for a mid-range budget (€350 – €550 / lm). This infill needs little upkeep and suits recent architecture particularly well, where an overly ornate register would clash with the rest of the building.

## Can several infills be mixed?

Yes — for example scrollwork on the upper section and straight balusters below, or a handrail-only piece combined with wooden uprights for an [indoor balustrade](https://gloriette-fer-forge.fr/en/indoor-balustrade/) . These combinations are worked out at the quote stage and affect the final price, but nothing stops you customising an infill rather than picking a single category.

## The right approach before deciding

The infill is chosen based on three criteria: the budget available, the style of the existing building (an overly ornate balustrade can clash on a very contemporary facade, and vice versa), and the location — a [terrace balustrade](https://gloriette-fer-forge.fr/en/terrace-balustrade/) exposed to weather needs a reinforced finish whatever the infill chosen.

If in doubt, [request a quote](https://gloriette-fer-forge.fr/en/quote/) describing your project: the partner workshop can help guide the choice based on your exact measurements and budget, free and with no obligation.

### A balustrade project?

The partner workshop replies with a first estimate within 48h, free and with no obligation.
 [Get a quote →](https://gloriette-fer-forge.fr/en/quote/)
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