A balustrade is effectively a barrier, preventing people or objects from moving from one place to another. By preventing movement they can stop people from falling off raised objects. That’s why balustrades are commonly found on stairs and balconies. A well-built balustrade will prevent anyone from falling over the edge and hurting themselves.
In effect, that makes the balustrade one of the most important features in your home.
Why Balustrade Not Barrier
You may be wondering why they are called a balustrade and not similar a barrier. The reason is simple, a balustrade is more than just a barrier. It is a stylish piece of décor that can transform and enhance any staircase.
The key is to choose the right one for your home and your tastes. Of course, it helps to speak to a specialist in balustrade installations. Not only will they help you choose the perfect balustrade, but they can also provide some solutions that you may not have thought of, bespoke options, and they guarantee that the balustrade will be properly secured, protecting anyone who falls against or leans on it.
Types Of Balustrade
Your stairs are generally a key feature of your home. In many cases, they are one of the first things you see when you step inside the door. Your choice of stairs and the surrounding balustrade can make a big difference to the way your house feels and even its value.
There are several options to choose from:
- Glass
Glass is becoming increasingly popular and it’s not just because it’s affordable and easy to look after. Glass balustrades allow light to enter your home and the dark corners in your entrance hall will look much brighter and larger.
As well as emboldening the house, you can create glass balustrades without pillars, effectively an entire sheet of glass. Or, you can add pillars in various different materials, use frosted or embossed glass, or even colour it.
The options are virtually limitless and that makes it an enticing solution.
- Metal
Metal balustrades are traditionally paired with wood to create a stylish feature. However, you can choose to have your balustrade made completely from metal. It is very strong and you can have any pattern you want, it’s easy to customize.
Metal is durable but, over time, it will need more maintenance than glass.
- Wood
The third most popular option is wood. This is easier for the DIYer to use as most people are capable of cutting unique designs. However, considering how central this is to the home, it’s advisable to let the professionals design, cut, and install a wooden balustrade.
They can be left natural, varnished, or painted any colour you wish. The design options are virtually unlimited but this type of balustrade needs the most maintenance, which is possibly why it’s generally the cheapest option.
There is no right or wrong balustrade, just the one that appeals to you the most. If in doubt, look at what friends have done for inspiration and remember, it’s an essential part of your home.
