Choosing The Right Balustrade for Your Home
The balustrade is an important safety feature for any staircase, whether in your home or a public building.
But, have you ever stopped to consider it could be so much more than a safety feature? The right balustrading can transform the space in your home, making it feel larger and brighter, or even darker and smaller!
Types Of Balustrade
The traditional balustrade is made from wood, usually spindles set at an equal distance from each other. However, you can also use glass, metal, vinyl, or even stone; in fact, virtually any material can be used to create your own balustrade.
However, it is important to remember that no matter how good your balustrade looks it must also work as a safety barrier.
Tips To Choose The Right Balustrade
To make sure you get the perfect balustrade for your home you should consider the following points:
- Space Available
The balustrade needs to fit the space you have available. For example, if your staircase is in the corner of the room you won’t want a balustrade that draws attention to the stairs; this will make the room feel smaller.
It can also change the focus of the room and not in a good way!
- Light
It’s often the case that your stairs are the most common way of getting light into the lower part of your home. If this is something that your property needs or you appreciate then you’re going to need to consider the glass balustrade option.
- Cost
The material and size of your balustrade will have a direct impact on the cost of your balustrade. You need to create a budget for your balustrade and then choose a balustrade that conforms with that budget.
The price of a balustrade can vary considerably; it’s a good idea to set your budget first before you get carried away with the options available.
- Supplier
You should spend some time checking out your chosen supplier. It is possible to look at their website and the comments on social media sites to confirm whether the supplier and their products are as good as you think they are.
- Visually Check Out The Work
It’s also a good idea to inspect some balustrades that have been made by your preferred firm. They should be happy to supply you with customer references and the possibility of seeing the work they have previously done.
- Safety Features
The predominant thought when choosing balustrade is how it looks. However, it is also important to remember that a balustrade is a safety feature.
You should verify that your chosen balustrade complies with all current standards, you’ll appreciate this if you do trip and fall against it.
You can check your local regulations in order to make sure you comply before you commit to purchasing a specific balustrade.
- Maintenance
Glass balustrades will need to be washed very regularly. However, stainless steel will need very little care, potentially making it a better option on a budget.
There are advantages and disadvantages to every type of balustrade, that’s why you need to speak to a professional before committing to one for your home.
