Choosing stair balusters and railings for your deck

Stair balusters and railings come in a dazzling array of shapes, sizes and styles, from the simple, neat and practical to the magnificently ornate. The stair baluster design you choose will have a large impact on the exterior look of your home and deck, it’s worth taking a little time to investigate your options.

This site is a great resource to look at the different styles available an pick the right one for your deck.

Materials for balusters and railings

You have a choice of a variety of materials for your stair railings and balusters. All provide an excellent degree of safety and stability. The choice you make will depend largely on the architectural style of your home, the look you want to create, and your budget.

Timber balusters come in a range of shapes, including simple square, round or octagonal cross-sections, or more elaborate sculptural designs.

The overall cost of timber stair railings and balusters will depend on the type of timber used and the complexity of the design. Natural timber will need to be restained regularly to keep it in top condition.

Aluminum or stainless steel balusters and railings are generally very inexpensive and require virtually no maintenance. The metals may be left raw, giving a silvery, shiny look, or they may be finished with a coating in a variety of colors.

Copper and brass balusters give a beautifully rustic look to the staircase. Genuine solid copper and brass balusters are a little more expensive, but have a magnificent appearance.

Wrought iron balusters are perfect for staircases in homes with a traditional or historical architectural style. The ornate, twisting shapes of balusters made from wrought iron have a wonderful old-world look and feel.

Newly manufactured balusters and railings which are described as being ‘wrought iron’ are in fact made from a much cheaper, mild steel material which is virtually indistinguishable from real wrought iron. If you’re doing a historical restoration and you need genuine wrought iron balusters for your stairs, contact an antique wrought iron dealer to help you source original balusters.

For more ideas on railings and balusters, please read this article on deck railing design tips.

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