When Altar Decks began construction on a timber staircase for a canal-front property on the Gold Coast, the design called for a stainless steel balustrade that could handle constant sun, salt air and water exposure while keeping a clean, architectural look. Altar Decks brought in Miami Stainless to design and supply the wire balustrade system for the staircase, which runs from the raised pool deck down to a private pontoon on the water.
A Challenge Beneath the Surface
Our team identified a factor that ruled out a standard post-mounting approach. The stair treads had been built using a new type of decking board that flexes under load, meaning a standard baseplate-mounted post would not stay stable over time.
Rather than compromise on strength, Miami Stainless went back to the drawing board to design a hidden mounting method specific to this stair tread.
Designing a Hidden Mounting Solution
Our team was supplied detailed on-site measurements, including the exact hole spacing needed to suit the stair tread, and used these to design a bespoke concealed mounting bracket in Sketchup.
The result secures each stainless post firmly through the stair tread structure itself, rather than relying on the flexible decking board for stability. All fixing hardware is hidden from view, so the post appears as a single, clean line from every angle.
Built for the Waterfront
Once the design was finalised, the custom brackets and stainless steel posts were fabricated and installed on site, fitting the full staircase with a wire balustrade system engineered to handle the canal-front conditions long-term.
The slim stainless wires keep the staircase feeling open, letting the focus stay on the water views and the craftsmanship of Altar Decks’ timber build beneath it.
A Result Both Teams Are Proud Of
The finished staircase is now a standout feature of the property: a run of steps finished with a sleek stainless steel post and wire balustrade system, running securely from the pool deck to the water’s edge.
This project is a good example of what a genuine site assessment adds to a trade collaboration. A standard mounting post would not have held up long-term on this deck. By identifying the issue early and designing a custom bracket, Miami Stainless delivered a balustrade solution that’s both secure and true to the clean design intent of Altar Decks’ build.
Project: Waterfront Staircase, Gold Coast Location: Gold Coast, Queensland Builder: Altar Decks System: Custom Miami Stainless wire balustrade with concealed post mounting
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