NF P01-012 standard
# What the standard requires for a balustrade

The French NF P01-012 standard, revised in November 2024 and phased in since June 2025, sets the dimensional requirements for guard-rails — whatever the piece is called (rail, handrail, balustrade).

Handcrafted Custom-made, never a kit Quote within 48h [Get a quote →](https://gloriette-fer-forge.fr/en/quote/) **NF P01-012** In force since June 2025 [Unsure your project complies?](https://gloriette-fer-forge.fr/en/quote/) The four thresholds to know ## What the standard sets | **Minimum height — 1.00 m** Measured from the tread nose or the finished floor level | | --- | | **Maximum infill gap — 11 cm** The threshold used to stop a young child's head from passing through | | **Secured lower zone — 45 cm, solid or non-climbable** Stops a child from climbing using the structure as a foothold | | **Horizontal spacing ("ladder" effect) — < 18 cm** Limits horizontal elements that would make climbing easier | A co-ownership regulation or a public-facing building may impose extra requirements — the workshop checks this with you before any pricing.
                 Three often-overlooked points
## What gets checked before, not after, fitting

### An ornate pattern can fail inspection

The 11 cm gap is checked at any point in the infill, not just between two straight balusters — very open scrollwork can exceed it without it being obvious before fitting.

The lower zone (45 cm) is the most commonly overlooked point on a balustrade with a lighter decorative register.
             Vocabulary
## Rail, handrail, balustrade

Different words, the same regulatory thresholds.

Height 1.00 m Gap 11 cm Indoor = outdoor Frequently asked questions ## About the standard Does my existing balustrade, fitted before the 2024 revision, need to be brought up to the new standard? Not systematically — the obligation to comply depends on the context (sale, rental, public-facing building). On an already-equipped private home, an existing piece isn't automatically due for replacement, but a replacement is an opportunity to meet the current thresholds.
       Does the standard differ between indoor and outdoor?
No, the height and gap thresholds are identical in both cases — see our [terrace balustrade](https://gloriette-fer-forge.fr/en/terrace-balustrade/) and [indoor balustrade](https://gloriette-fer-forge.fr/en/indoor-balustrade/) pages for what actually changes by location.
       Who checks compliance once the balustrade is fitted?
There's no systematic inspection for a private home, but compliance remains your responsibility — the workshop designs every piece to meet the thresholds in force, without guaranteeing an official certification, which isn't its role.
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## Unsure your project complies ?

The workshop discusses it with you before any pricing, free and with no obligation.