The Importance Of Handrails

A handrail is more than a feature which can brighten up a set of stairs, it’s a safety device. Sometimes the importance of a handrail can be overlooked, it’s a specially designed device to prevent people from tumbling headlong down a flight of stairs, which can result in some very nasty injuries.

Using the stairs can become a daunting part of everyday for some individuals, that is why handrails should be put in place to make using them easier. A good handrail is strong, durable and continuous from the top to the bottom so you do not have to take your hand of the rail at any given moment.

At Alpharail we understand the importance of a good handrail, which is why we have designed a range of different rails that will provide continuous support. Our handrails can be made to be either square or round. Whether you wish your rail to be wall mounted, ground mounted or attached to our vertical bar fence products, we can manufacture a product to suit your needs.

To acquire a quote from us today, simply visit our handrail product page to fill out our ‘Get a Quote’ form, or you can give us a call on 01623 750 214.

Bollards, Arches, Barriers And Cycle Stands At Alpha Rail

Providing people with the feeling of security when it comes to their belongings and their safety is one of the main purposes of Alpha Rail. We provide a large collection of standard and bespoke designs that can enhance the feeling of safety within public and private areas.

We produce and design a range of bollards, arches, barriers and cycle stands all made from the best quality materials available, you won’t find anything better on the current market. These products are designed to be both strong and robust so investing in them means that you can be safe with the knowledge that you have brought a product that will last you a long time.

Bollards

The range of bollards that we produce are made from steel and are available in static, fold down and removable forms in both square and circular sections.

Archers

Our archers can be fabricated to suit client’s requirements, whether you have a specific design in mind or you would like your arch to be a specific colour then we can do it for you without any hassle.

Barriers

The barrier gates that we make are usually employed to restrict vehicular access to housing areas and day time car parks.  We can customise barrier gates to how you would like them to look.

Cycle Stands

We offer a large collection of different cycle stands, which come in various different shapes and sizes to suit the needs of our customers.

Our work doesn’t just focus on the materials we use but also the quality of the design, we understand the demand for good working products that are aesthetically pleasing too.

To acquire a quote from us today simply visit our website, or you can give us a call on 01623 750 214.

Churchill Railing At Alpha Rail

At Alpha Rail we aim to produce designs which optimise functional aspects along with appearance and cost considerations. That is why we have produced an excellent range of railings designed by us that have been cleverly optimised to fulfil the needs of our customers.

The Churchill is a type of railing that we have worked very hard to develop, it provides an excellent alternative to a standard vertical bar. Featuring an attractive decorative finial, plus square infill’s and posts, the Churchill is perfect for enhancing the aesthetics of any area.

We like to provide a complete service when you purchase from us, which is why we can supply railings to suit your project applications and needs. Churchill railings are perfect for a decorative feature for the tops of the perimeter of walls, as well as free- standing applications.

For more information or to get a quote from us either fill out the ‘Get a Quote’ form on our product pages on our website or feel free to calls us on 01623 750 214.

A Look at Some of the Projects Completed By Alpha Rail

The purpose behind  Alpha Rail is to create strong and robust products that still look aesthetically pleasing. That is why we are proud to show case our work from our happy customers.

We believe it is a great achievement to provide a service that fulfils the needs of our customers that is why we document the work to show you what we can do. Here are a few examples of what projects we have completed:

Speakers Corner Hyde Park

Our services were acquired to create specialist themed railings for Speakers Corner at Hyde Park. We created railings with rail heads in the shape of a megaphone to reflect the history of Speakers Corner.

Boothen Garden

We were asked to manufacture a decorative arch for a community garden in Stroke-on-Trent, which has now been given pride of place at the entrance to a regenerated garden.

This project has meant that our work has become the focal point and a gateway to a beautiful community garden that can be enjoyed by all.

We supplied the landscape contractors with the decorative arch and vertical railings that run either side of it, but we worked alongside with an architect to ensure that we fulfilled exactly what was needed of us. The design brief was to design an Art Nouveau style arch, featuring a motif that reflected the style produced at the local Minton Hollins tile factory.

Produced from mild galvanized steel we were proud to have our piece placed at the centre of this project.

St Neots

For St Neots, a school in Cambridgeshire, we worked alongside with them to provide safety and security for their school. We provided a 140M long railing system that was placed around the grounds of the school.

The 1.8M high, black powder coated railings, which we manufactured, supplied and installed by us provided the necessary safety measures due to the school being on a busy main road. The railings also included bespoke decorative features, which add an aesthetic quality to the design that subtly disguises its robust and functional purpose.

We have provided a range of services for a variety of people and companies and we are also happy to discuss any ideas that you may have when it comes to providing a service for you. For more information contact us on 01623 750 214 or visit our website.

Fencing for estates- Why it is a necessity

Estates possess a grand and luxurious air about them, this is partially due to the fact that they over shadow traditional homes and because in the ‘back garden’ you will find animals such as deer and sheep.

What is featured in many estates is estate fencing or most commonly known as park fencing which has a purpose of retaining stock and providing decoration for the grounds. This type of fencing mirrors the style of the traditional iron fencing that was used on old estates and parkland.

As well as country estates, estate rails can be found on prestigious parkland, this style of fencing is seen as a traditional and classic style of fence, but don’t let that fool you, this railing is not all about aesthetics. This modern fence is now stronger and more resilient than previous styles so you can feel comfortable that it’s not just all looks and no purpose.

Estate Railings are excellent for marking out boundaries on large areas of parkland, this is incredibly useful if an estate offers a public service as it blends in with the traditional appearance of most estates.

This type of railing is a lot more durable when compared to other styles of fencing such as wire as it’s made of steel and is susceptible to weathering. Estate railings also come with the option of including extras such as gates and a more traditional finish in order to adapt the railings to your specific need when purchasing from Alpharail.

If you purchase estate railings from us we can provide a galvanized finish or a powder coating, having a powder coating gives you the option to have your railings a different colour. This distinctive high performance railing has been tried and tested over many decades so you can rest assured that this product is durable.

At Alpharail we pride ourselves on providing a complete and excellent service, that is why we can supply and deliver your fencing to you, we can also go the extra mile and install your purchase. If you would like to order from us then complete the form at the bottom of our estate rail website page or contact us by calling us on 01623 750 214.

Electrofused Grating at Alpha Rail

At Alpha Rail our priority is to provide a range of products that satisfies your needs, is functional but is still aesthetically pleasing.

is an extremely versatile medium when it is employed in the field of architectural metalwork.

So what is Electrofused grating? It is a raw material that is strong and is formed from a combination of flat and round bars.

You can get this product in different aperture sizes which Alpha Rail can provide based on what the project in questions requires. The two most common aperture sizes are 132mm x 62m which forms a rectangular size or 62mm x 66mm which is square in size. You can also get louvred screen panels which provide a good level of security physically and visually.

Electrofused grating is a material that is ideal for the closing of structural openings such as multi storey car parks and windows. This is due to the material being strong and attractive with minimal reduction in light levels.

One main contributing factor to our products is that we want our various rails to be aesthetically pleasing as well as functional. In order to assure this all products are available in a standard galvanized finish or with optional powder coated finish, this affect will introduce colour that will blend in with the local environment.

The quality of service you will receive from us is of a high quality standard and we will provide detail drawings and photographs to ensure customers know what they are investing in.

To receive a budget quotation either complete the  form here or contact out sales department to discuss specific requirements.

For more contact information you can click here.

Use of Finishes on Fencing, Gates and Rails

BS EN ISO 146 provides a specification concerning the general properties of coatings used and the standards required for the treatment of iron and steel today. These guidelines are produced by the British Standard Institute (BSI) and are essential to be followed in order to protect structures made of these materials. These coatings, also called finishes, provide maximum protection against corrosion after they have been hot dip galvanised.

Structures that often need this treatment include fencing such as bow top, chevron and flat top fences. As well as providing protection, these coatings can improve surface properties of the structure such as adhesion, wet ability, scratch resistance and wear resistance. Aesthetically these coatings can also improve the appearance of the structure using colour or texture.

Bow top fencing is regularly used for parks and children’s play areas. Often used for its security benefits and lack of sharp edges, this type of fencing comes in a variety of styles such as interlaced, bow in bow and bar in bow.  Factory applied polyester powder coated finish can be applied to this fencing, in a wide range of colours that can make the fencing match with the surroundings and be eye catching to passers-by.

Fencing has been around for thousands of years, ever since humans had possessions, land and farms we have had fencing. Ultimately they are used to keep things in or out of a particular space, marking boundaries or for privacy reasons.  Chevron and flat top fencing are popular railing systems that can be suitable for most applications. As an alternative to polyester powder coating, site applied wet painting services are available from a wide variety of companies such as Alpha Rail who offers both procedures following guidelines produced by the BSI.

Finishes can be applied to a wide range of fencing, gates and rails. It is true that fencing and railing systems ultimately need to be strong, robust and safe but that does not mean that they can’t be aesthetically pleasing.

To see designs incorporating colour and shape to communicate ideas visit Alpha Rail today! For enquiries call 01623 750 214.

Trip rail fencing

Trip Rail fencing often called knee rail prevents unwanted traffic from accessing grass areas and verges.

For the protection of grassed or planted areas trip rails protect and preserve the condition of the surrounding landscape. The rail also shows the area's boundaries and doesn't allow vehicles or bikes through its unobtrusive design.

As well as protection Alpha Rail offers trip rails that looks aesthetically pleasing and gives the finishing look to already great looking greenery.

Fabricated from circular or rectangular hollow sections, trip rails guard aesthetically and effectively. The basic concept of the trip rail can be enhanced when combined with a finial from our extensive range.

If you want to enquire about our trip rails please call 01623 750 214 or get a quote here.

Gates

At Alpha Rail we make gates designed for privacy, security of course beauty.

Gates not only distinguish the entrance and perimeter to a property but they also create a first impression to all visitors passing by. We often ask ourselves us why house owners will spend freely on the interior design in the hope of creating a good impression but totally overlook the aesthetics at the front of their house?

Today, gates and railings are a focal feature for both security and garden design. They add a feel good factor to a property, quality in the form of craftsmanship and the use of traditional techniques to recreate time-honoured designs.

If nothing else, nicely designed Gates and Railings create a first impression that can make a real statement, showing the onlooker your understanding and appreciation of quality design and craftsmanship as well as giving your home a sense of grandeur and privacy.

If you’re interested in buying a new gate, check out our great range here. 

Handrails

The vast majority of homes and business' in the UK have some form of stair or steep gradient. Whether you have a slope that leads up to your house, stairs that lead down into your cellar or stairs that lead up to the 45th floor of your business, All of these stairs and slopes need some form of safety, in this case...Handrails.

Handrails in today’s market come in a wide variety of forms. Aluminum, wood, steel, and even plastic handrails are available.

However today, by far the most popular is the traditional wrought iron handrail.

The earliest wrought iron handrails date back centuries, but they’re very different from modern ones. That’s because the definition of ‘wrought iron’ has changed these days; today wrought iron is actually a form of mild steel with low carbon content. It’s still worked by hand the way old-style wrought iron was; it’s just harder and more durable today. At Aplha Rail we are able to manufacture a diverse range of bespoke wrought iron handrails to our customer’s exacting requirements, including fantastic styling and Balustrades

Wrought iron Balustrades add even more mystique and aesthetic power to an already gorgeous handrail. More importantly, they also enforce the handrail and make it even safer for use. If you have the space, meaning your handrail isn’t already attached to a wall, a wrought iron balustrade is a perfect addition to a wrought iron handrail.

Our Handrails can be fabricated from square or round hollow section to suit customer requirements.

Check out our fantastic range!

Juliette Balconies

“Romeo Romeo wherefore art thou Romeo”

The Aptly named “Juliette Balconies” is of course famous from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The shallow balcony is designed to provide a safety barrier in front of French windows but at the same time give you a feeling of your very own home balcony.

Juliet Balconies are ideal for:

• Housing developments
• Apartments
• Three storey townhouses
• Schools
• Hospitals
• Nursing homes
• Student accommodation
• And on the rare occasion... famous romantic novels.

Due to the increasing popularity of Juliette Balconies Alpha Rail has now added four stunning new designs to our collection, These are:

The Washington, the Lincoln, the Jefferson and the Cleveland.

All of which are fully galvanized with a robust black powder coated finish.

Juliette balconies are not only required for safety but can be a thing of beauty, a fantastic contemporary alternative to the usual ranges out there. Juliette balconies are easy to fit and are extremely cost effective.

Check out our great range here:

Bow Top Fencing

Bow top fencing is a traditional iron fence design that takes its name from its distinctive rounded top.

It is also a popular way to turn a standard perimeter fence into a much more attractive feature. Designed with safety in mind this makes this type of fence ideal for use on children’s play areas, in schools and play grounds.
Along with the standard bow top railing design Alpharail offers 5 additional bow top railing designs for customers to choose from, developed to meet client requirements and taking practicality, design and cost into consideration there is a bow top design available to suit all budgets.

Interlaced Bow Top Railing
This alternative to the standard design features a more decorative, interlocking design that provides a secure boundary while remaining pleasing on the eye.

Bow Top BT302
Popular for use in parks, housing estates and along garden perimeters this style of rail fence sees the addition of a vertical bar within the standard design, reducing the width between the rails.

Bow Top BT303
This design offers further alternatives to the traditional bow top design, again there is the addition of another vertical bar but this time the bar passes through the top rail into the bow itself. This variation is particularly popular when design is important to the overall finish.


Bow Top BT304
Taking the design element of the bow top fence even further the BT304 features hollow posts that are completed with finials to add a more decorative finish. Popular in housing developments and parks simply for their stunning features, this particular design is also customisable with the use of contrasting colours.

Bow Top BT305
Designed to meet the more decorative demands of customers this design incorporates a more elegant look, the smaller bow inlayed within the standard, with the high performance requirements and security benefits this type of railing provides.

Pedestrian Guardrail – Keeping Pedestrians Safe.

Normally used along higher speed road, pedestrian guard rail is designed to keep pedestrians safe. While traditional guardrail keeps pedestrians off the road except at designated crossing points, it can often be difficult to see through and obscures small children and pets that can’t be seen through the bars. There is a solution where you can use guardrail and can see through it.

Optirail only available at Alpharail offers railings that are staggered, so while the pedestrian guardrail protects the pedestrian from the cars, the cars can see the pedestrian whatever their size. As visibility will change depending on the speed and curvature of the road, there are different spacing and setting of the panels for different speed roads. The different panels also take into account the minimum stopping distance from the end of the rail and the angle that the driver will be looking through the rail. Using optirail can improve visibility by a factor of three giving pedestrians and drivers more chance of being seen, to see and to take evasive action.

Pedestrian Guardrails also have their used on lower speed roads in town and city centres, here appearance is often more important as the railings can smarten up the appearance of pedestrian areas. Decorative posts, rings and finials that tie in with other street furniture such as bins and bollards can help to give town centres an identity that the pedestrian guardrails on the higher speed roads lack. In addition to their primary function of keeping the pedestrians safe from traffic. Optirail also has a decorative guard railings option so you can have the same safety features as the optirail in a decorative railing.

Whatever the speed of the road, it is worth getting a quote from alpharail for your pedestrian guardrail to make sure the roads are as safe as possible.