The title of this post might be a little bit of exaggeration, but there’s still no disputing how a decent staircase can benefit a home. More specifically, the balusters can make the main difference and while most people have the standard wooden types fitted, we’re going to take a look at all of the other options that can transform your staircase.
For those who are not aware, the balustrades are the posts that separate the railing from the actual stairs. In some cases, they don’t appear as posts and are installed as panels, but on the most part staircases use balustrades of this form as we’ll find out through the five most popular options.
Wood
Wood is the typical option and fitted in the vast majority of homes around the country. Most prefabricated staircases make use of this material and this is probably the reason it’s so commonly seen, as well as the fact that it is very easy for the DIY homeowner to install. While it might be the industry standard and one of the most economical materials, it doesn’t mean to say that you will be creating a “budget appearance” if you opt for it. Wood can be carved in all sorts of shapes and sizes and with the material also easily painted, it means you can customize it to your heart’s content.
Glass
If you are looking for a modern and contemporary appearance, few materials will beat glass. Glass staircases differ enormously from wooden ones as instead of a series of balustrade posts, it is instead comprised of several panels which don’t provide any gaps. For those looking to enhance the appearance even more, it’s also possible to purchase glass in frosted or tinted form, which can make all the difference in certain homes.
Stainless Steel
If we’re sticking with the modern theme, stainless steel is another material that is right up there. It’s a slightly more expensive option, but some would argue that it’s well worth the initial outlay as it can just ooze class. Furthermore, a lot of stainless steel staircases are completely customized to each home they are fitted in, with companies such as Blake Group offering this type of service.
Aluminium
If you want to try and mimic the effects of steel but on a budget, aluminium could be the way forward. It’s a much cheaper alternative and again provides that contemporary style that is craved in homes up and down the country at the moment. It tends to be used for more basic designs, but the fact it can be purchased in different colours means that it is a popular choice.
Wrought Iron
While most of this article has covered the modern balustrade material options, wrought iron is ideal if you are looking for a traditional appearance. The nature of wrought iron means that it is easy to shape and this means a whole array of decorative features can be carved out. Surprisingly, this material is not overly expensive, even though it is often installed in large, decorated homes.
