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First introduced by an Italian architecture in the renaissance era, baluster, known collectively as balustrades, are little posts that reinforce the upper portion of a railing. They play a significant role in the designing, and structuring of a house, and beautify its interior.

Balustrades can be made of many different materials, such as wood, wrought iron, cast iron, or glass depending on individual preferences. Care has to be taken to ensure that the material you purchase merges with the rest of the dcor of your house. If you have used wooden furnishings throughout your house, then the best bet would be to go for wooden balustrades. If the balustrades are for use on the roof, or terrace then concrete is used as it can withstand harsh weather and rain.

Balusters made out of polyurethane have also seen an increase in demand. Marble balustrades can embrace elegance, but they are not commonly used, as they are expensive. Balustrades can also be created from brass and bronze, but they need frequent care to ensure their shine is remained intact.

Since the awareness regarding the protection of environment is rising, the demand for wooden balustrades has declined greatly. Besides this, another fact to affect the demand of wooden balustrades is the attribute of the wood not to bear humidity. For a more modernised look, glass is used for balustrades. In the areas of the United Kingdom, mostly toughened glass is used.

You can choose balustrades as per the structure, and architecture of your house, as they are available in a wide range of designs, and shapes. Usually, people prefer using the elongated oval shaped ones. You can also purchase balustrades with simple deigns, carving, or engravings of motifs on them. You can create a great appeal by selecting appropriate and elegant balustrades.

They give an added beauty to staircases, handrails, roofs, terraces and balconies, which would otherwise be monotonous and drab. Staircases are one of the most common areas where balustrades are used. If you have a large staircase in your home, which is at a focal position in the house, then the use of balustrades can give it a very elegant and posh effect.

A certain set of regulations has to be followed in the construction of balustrades. These regulations can be divided into two categories, which are domestic or residential, and public areas. The regulations are concerned with the height of the balustrades and the load that it must be able to withstand along with the handrail. For domestic balustrades, the height is 0.9 metres from the supporting surface to the top of the handrail. The same height is required for balustrades used in staircases in residential homes. For external balustrades like those on the roof or terrace, the height is 1.1 metre.

If you want to give your home a different look than the usual, then you can beautify it by adding balustrades to your staircases, handrails, roofs, terraces, balconies etc. Usually balustrades are used for staircases. Some homes have a huge staircase, which happens to be the main attention point of the house, adding balustrades on it shall give a very classy look.

This site has a range of balustrading and Architectural Ironmongery products.