MF Steel is a noteworthy manufacturer of steel fences, balusters, and railings, and remains a reliable company for more than 20 years now.

We think its speciality in steel railings is a plus as it’s an advantage to have a contractor that has mastered the art of bending and shaping steel.

In terms of its services, we have to give it to MF Steel for fabricating different kinds of railings suitable for indoor and outdoor use.

Some of the railings clients recommend the company for include electric fences, burglar gates and fences, and steel carports.

They also highlight the durability of these railings and even noted that they now sleep better at night as their properties are safe and secure from intruders.

As for turnaround time, MF Steel often gives a 2-week schedule to finish most projects. But from what we’ve heard, the contractors can deliver high-quality railing items even earlier than scheduled.

We also appreciate the company for contacting clients right away if there are any hurdles with the project.

That said, we hope it applies the same effort in responding to clients regarding other concerns, such as quote estimations.

We’re told that clients had to hammer the company a bit to know how much their projects will cost and how long they’ll take to complete.

Given that MF Steel is located a little far from the city centre, we think it won’t hurt if its staff will work on communicating with clients so they’ll know what’s going on with their projects.

FedGlass is a noteworthy contractor and installer of glass railings, balustrades, shower doors, and shower partitions.

It has been accredited by the South Africa Bureau of Standards (SABS), the South African National Standards (SANS), and the South African Glass and Glazing Association (SAGGA), among others. 

While the accreditations can already speak for the company’s expertise, we have to give it to the company for living up to its reputation.

From what we’ve heard, the company has a team of at least 16 specialists who design, process, and toughen up the glass railings and panels for various projects.

With that, one of the company’s strong points is that it can build glass railings for outdoor use. We think this sets FedGlass apart as other contractors will only use glass for indoor projects.

Another favourable point is that this contractor’s services extend to both residential and commercial sectors.

We looked into FedGlass’ portfolio and found that it has built glass railings for homes and notable establishments such as the Fourways Mall.

We also have to give it to this railings contractor for opening a physical showroom of its different products and projects.

If you’re after glass railings for your next project, we recommend visiting this showroom for inspiration and meeting FedGlass’ contractors and consultants.

While the company’s glass materials are heavy-duty, we’re not too pleased to hear about the mediocre quality of the other components that hold the glass together.

Clients complained that their glass shattered because the metal joints and railings broke only after weeks of installation.

It’s also a little disappointing that FedGlass only does installations in select areas in Johannesburg. 

This can be inconvenient as clients living in areas not covered by the installation services will need to enlist the help of another company to have their glass railings built in.

Since 2005, Balustyle CC has been trusted by architects, developers, interior designers, and other contractors.

We looked into the company’s portfolio and found that it specialises in railings made of glass and stainless steel.

Besides the availability of two different materials, we’re also pleased to know that this contractor does different kinds of railings.

Some of the projects it has completed are glass and steel balustrades, swimming pool fences, balconies, handrails, foot rails, and gates for driveways.

A slight limitation though is that the company’s design selection is a little limited compared to other contractors. 

We recommend looking elsewhere if you’re after more intricate styles of fences and railings.

On a brighter note, we’re going to forgive this limitation as clients noted that the company’s railings are stable and easy to maintain.

Another aspect we liked about Balustyle is that it has a price list of its materials – per metre – displayed on its website.

We think this feature is convenient as it gives clients a glimpse of how much they’ll spend on materials and the likely total cost of their project.

While Balustyle’s strengths lie in its range of services and quality workmanship, one weakness is communication.

From what we’re told, some of the consultants don’t “laymanise” shop talk, which can be difficult to digest for clients.

We find this a disadvantage, especially if clients contacted the company for quotes and services via phone call or email.

Alternatively, we recommend making an appointment with Balustyle’s contractors to discuss the plans and quotes in more detail.

Steel Studio is another specialist of steel railings. It currently designs and builds balustrades, handrails, guard rails, and pool enclosures.

A strong point of this contractor is that it builds railings suitable for indoors and outdoors – other railings contractors may work on either only indoor or outdoor structures.

Steel Studio’s prime material may be steel, but we’re pleased that it also works of different materials and supplies, such as glass and timber.

We also have to give it to the company for offering custom-made services. It’s favourable the clients can have bespoke balustrades and stair sets made with all of the materials Steel Studio works on.

As for the quality of its materials, we’ve heard that the company uses steel, glass, and timber that are accredited by and compliant with the safety and security protocols of the South African National Standards (SANS).

It just goes to show that this contractor is after building railings that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and long lasting.

On the downside, we’re not to pleased to hear about the company’s lack of communication regarding updates about the projects.

We’ve also heard complaints about the contractors not following through their turnaround times.

For us, it is crucial that Steel Studio’s staff should respond to clients queries and follow-through about any problems that may delay the project.

That way, clients will know what’s happening and adjust their schedules and accommodate any changes needed.

Dynamic Balustrade is another one of Johannesburg’s notable contractors of railings for residential, industrial, and commercial uses.

It takes pride in its impressive portfolio – some of its projects include the Grayston Bridge at Sandton, Parkview Mall in Pretoria, the Rustenburg Plaza, and the Medforum Mediclinic Hospital in Pretoria.

In terms of its services, the company currently builds railings for balconies, enclosures, cable fences, and custom handrails.

While steel and glass are the company’s primary materials, we’re pleased that the railings fit almost all architectural styles and interior designs.

Clients also highlighted that the company accommodates custom-made services, which we think will be ideal for building railings that suit their mobility and functionality needs.

From what we’ve heard, this contractor’s prices are also more affordable than what other companies offer, which is great.

Despite Dynamic Balustrade’s location being a little too far, we think the company is worth hiring as it builds long-lasting railings that give good value for money.

It’s just unfortunate to hear that the staff isn’t that keen on cleanliness. Clients complained that their workers left their cigarette butts and other trash after installing the railings.

We hope the company’s workers will work on their tidiness as a way to respect their clients and their properties.