Friday, April 26, 2013

Stair Rails and Balusters

Stair Rails and Balusters
 
Have you been looking for a great do-it-yourself project that can spruce up your entire home? Or maybe something that can add some pizazz to your outdoor setting, like a deck or porch area? If you’re not sure where to start with a project like this, the answer may be staring right at you in your staircase. If you’re wondering what could be so interesting about a staircase, consider the railing and balusters and discover how steel or metal stair rails can add dimension and detail to a room instantly.
 
Stair Construction Basics

There are several different parts to your entire stair system, and understanding the role of each can help you find ways to enhance it with scrolls or other decoration. Your stairs consist of balusters, which are also sometimes referred to as spindles, pickets, or rails. At the support areas, you will find newels posts, or newels, which are larger and heavier than the balusters, and generally are at the top and bottom of the staircase, as well as in the middle if it has turns or curves where it requires support. There are several smaller components that hook the system together, called rail fittings (the most common being goosenecks, volutes, and turnouts), and it is topped off with a top rail. Finally, the hand rail is there for guidance and grip while you’re going up and down the stairs. The entire system is often referred to as a balustrade.
 
 
Using Metal for Decorative Stairs

The different components in a balustrade can be made of many different materials, although the most common is definitely wood. You can use decorative wood, or plain wood, but if you’re looking for a way to really make your staircase stand out, consider using metal. There are many different ways that you can use metal in the staircase, but the most common (and often most dramatic) is to do it by replacing wood railing with metal.
 
Fancy Designs

A place like Wasatch Steel can shape metal into an endless array of different shapes and designs, which makes it fun to start imagining the possibilities of your balusters. You can get plain designs, such as squares, spheres, or rectangles, or you can get more whimsical designs, such as scrolls. If you have a favorite flower, or a floral design is more in line with your overall theme and décor, you can even get rosets in your railing.
 
 
 
The Benefits

Adding metal to your staircase is a great way to break up all the more traditional wood that you might have in the room, adding a fluid look and graceful charm to the room. In addition, because metal is so strong, getting spindles from Wasatch Steel for your stair railing means you will have a strong and durable staircase that will last for many years to come. A staircase with steel or iron supports is one of the most durable and resilient architectural pieces in your home, so it will meet all your safety needs. Get the rich and elegant look that metal can provide with a decorative and dramatic metal staircase.

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