Balustrading refers to a row of posts or panels that work toward supporting a railing. As such, they are commonly found as part of staircases, decking, balconies and more. Balustrades function for two main reasons. Firstly, they work toward providing protection so that people may not fall over. Secondly, they are a great way to enhance the aesthetics of your home. Due to their popularity, there are a range of materials used to make staircase balustrades. Thus, you can rest assured that you will find something that will not only complement the current design of your home, but that it will be functional too. Here are some of the options available to you when selecting a staircase balustrade.
Lace staircase balustrade
This type of balustrading is commonly manufactured from either aluminium or cast iron. The contractor will have a pre-determined panel design that will guide them in creating this type of balustrade. Due to the intricacies of lace balustrading, they tend to be more expensive than other options you may consider. This design is best suited for homes that have a country feel to them as they add onto the heritage of the home.
Wrought staircase balustrade
Wrought iron is one of the stronger options you could opt for when look for sturdy staircase balustrades. These balustrades commonly comprise individual posts, rather than panelling. The decorative designs are then created on the individual posts of the balustrade. Some of the designs you could contemplate include rings, twists, scrolls and more. If you have smaller children in the home, be cautious about the spacing between the posts so as to prevent unfortunate incidents of their heads being caught between the posts.
Glass staircase balustrade
Over the years, glass balustrading has steadily increased in popularity. Some homeowners my shy away from this, assuming that glass is too weak to be used as functional balustrading. This is not correct though as the glass used tends to be tempered so as to make is as sturdy as the other materials used. Glass staircase balustrades will come in panels, and you have the option of choosing between framed or frameless panels. They are great for homeowners who are looking for unobstructed views in their home, as you can see right through the balustrading. However, if you would like to use the balustrading for some privacy, you can also opt for frosted or semi-transparent glass. They are a popular choice for residences with a modern design.
