Side mounting of the post

About side mounting brackets for railing posts

A side mounting bracket holds a railing post against the vertical edge of a structure – the side of a balcony slab, a deck joist or a stair stringer – rather than on its top surface.

Side mounting frees the whole floor area and avoids drilling through waterproofing or decking boards, which is why it is the usual choice for refurbishments and for balconies where the slab surface must stay intact.

Strofix supplies side mounting brackets for two post shapes – Ø42.4 mm round tube and 40x40 mm square profile – with offsets from 100 to 150 mm.

The range covers straight brackets, an external-corner version and a 135° version for angled transitions, plus the assembly plates and clamps that connect the post to the bracket.

The correct variant depends on post profile, the offset required from the wall, the joint geometry and the steel grade.

How to choose a side mounting bracket

1. Post profile: Ø42.4 mm tube or 40x40 mm

The top of the bracket is profiled for a specific post, so this is the first choice. Ø42.4 mm versions have a concave seat for round tube; 40x40 mm versions have a flat seat for square profile.

The range also includes a 135x56 mm assembly plate that suits both profiles, and separate assembly clamps for Ø42.4 mm and 40x40 mm posts.

2. Offset from the mounting surface (100–150 mm)

The offset sets how far the post axis sits from the slab edge. The range covers 100 mm, 120 mm, 135 mm and 150 mm.

A larger offset moves the balustrade clear of the slab edge, for example past a projecting kerb or insulation. A smaller offset keeps more usable area and puts less leverage on the fixing.

3. Geometry: straight, external corner or 135°

Straight brackets are for a continuous run of balustrade.

The external-corner version is profiled for a 90° corner where two runs meet around the slab. The 135° version suits chamfered corners and polygonal terraces.

4. Steel grade: AISI 304 or AISI 316

AISI 304 is the standard choice for interiors and normal outdoor exposure.

AISI 316 contains molybdenum and resists chlorides better, which makes it the choice for coastal sites, pool surrounds and locations where de-icing salt is used. In this range AISI 316 is available for the 100 mm, 120x50 mm and 150 mm offsets.

5. Finish: satin or polished

Satin is a matt finish with a fine unidirectional grain and matches the rest of the railing hardware.

Polished is a mirror finish. It stands out more and needs more frequent cleaning to keep its appearance.