Balustrade System
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A balustrade is a row of small posts or balusters that repeat and support a railing, such as in the case of railings on staircases and balconies. Balustrades can be made of anything from stone to wood and metal to fiberglass. In some cases, the material may mimic that of the building and in other cases it may be more delicate or bold to provide an eye-catching color contrast.
With the primary purpose of preventing falls from elevated architectural structures like porches, decks, upper hallways, balconies, stairways and more, balustrades can also be quite decorative. The baluster design, like its material, may be chosen to coincide or contrast with the design of the architectural element it protects, a choice most often made with an eye toward providing a focal point for the entire building. For example, balusters may vary in size or ornamental carving or design or repeat without variation. Either choice can create a beautiful effect. Choices of material and height for ground-level balustrades are often purely aesthetic. Decks, for example, from which a fall would be short and far from fatal will benefit from a balustrade of any size. Balustrades that are necessary as well as decorative may be restricted by building codes. Be sure to check with local and state authorities before finalizing a purchase.  |