What Makes a Good Railing or Vertical Bar Fence?

Railing systems and vertical bar fencing remain one of the most popular choices for schools, commercial sites, public buildings and residential developments across the UK. They offer a clean architectural appearance while delivering strong, reliable perimeter protection.

However, not all railings are built to the same standard. If you are specifying a system, here is what truly makes a good railing or vertical bar fence.

1. Long Term Durability Backed by a long Guarantee

A quality railing system should be engineered for decades of performance.

• High grade steel construction
• Fully welded pale through rail design
• Substantial horizontal rails for rigidity
• A genuine 25 year guarantee

The strongest systems now offer guarantees of up to 25 years with no need for repairing or recoating during that period. That level of assurance is only possible with robust fabrication and high performance protective finishes.

Short guarantees often indicate compromises in coating quality or steel specification.

2. Hidden Vandal Proof Connectors

One of the most important yet overlooked details is how the panels connect to the posts.

A good railing or vertical bar fence should include:

• Hidden, vandal proof connectors
• Tamper resistant fixings
• Secure panel to post engagement systems

Concealed connection methods prevent opportunistic removal of panels and significantly improve security. They also provide a cleaner, more architectural finish by eliminating exposed brackets and visible fixings.

For schools, transport hubs and public infrastructure, this feature adds both resilience and visual quality.

3. Correct Bar Spacing and Standards Compliance

Spacing between vertical bars is critical for both safety and compliance.

For general applications, gaps should comply with BS EN 1722, ensuring appropriate spacing to reduce climbability and improve safety.

However, where railings are installed around playgrounds, additional considerations apply. In these environments, systems should comply with BS EN 1176 or be approved by RoSPA.

• Reduced risk of head entrapment
• Child safe bar spacing
• Minimised climbable features
• Compliance with recognised playground safety guidance

4. Architectural Grade Powder Coating

Finish quality plays a major role in both appearance and longevity.

A good system should include:

• Hot dip galvanising after fabrication
• Architectural grade polyester powder coating
• Consistent coating thickness
• High resistance to UV fading and chipping

Architectural grade powder coating delivers a smooth, durable and colour stable finish suitable for premium commercial developments and public spaces.

Marine Environments Require Enhanced Protection

If the railing is being installed near water or coastal locations, standard coatings may not provide sufficient protection.

In these cases, it is important to specify:

• Marine grade powder coating systems
• Enhanced corrosion protection
• Coating systems tested for salt spray resistance

Without the correct marine specification, corrosion can occur prematurely in exposed coastal conditions.

5. Strength Without a Harsh Appearance

Modern railing systems are designed to balance security with visual appeal.  The design of the fence is a big part of this and tubular railings are stronger than solid steel, not only looking good but having a performance positive also.  Read our blog on Tubular vs solid metal railings. 

• Provide strong perimeter protection
• Maintain consistent bar spacing and alignment
• Offer a range of top options such as flat, rounded or pointed
• Complement contemporary architecture

Unlike mesh or palisade systems, vertical bar railings provide a secure boundary while maintaining visibility and a professional appearance.

The above image shows a Bow Top railing in a park.  The pales are welded through the railing rail, while the rails have hidden vandal proof connectors.  Its tubular design makes it strong.  Thank you to Jacksons Fencing for use of this image of their metal railings.

6. Minimal Maintenance Over the Life of the Fence

When correctly manufactured and coated, a high quality railing system should require very little intervention.

• 25 year guarantees
• No need for repairing or recoating
• Proper galvanising and powder coating
• Secure hidden fixings

The result is a low maintenance perimeter solution that reduces whole life cost and long term disruption.

In Summary

• Structural strength and rigidity
• Hidden vandal proof connectors
• Bar spacing compliant with BS EN 1722
• Playground compliance with BS EN 1176 or RoSPA approval where required
• Architectural grade powder coating
• Marine grade protection where necessary
• A genuine 25 year guarantee with no repairing or recoating
• A clean, professional appearance

When these features come together, you get more than just a boundary. You get a long term, low maintenance, safety compliant perimeter solution that enhances and protects the site for decades.

Also read our blog on Why vertical bar is a popular fence