In recent years, more and more owners of country houses are trying in every possible way to decorate their stairs. The most popular decor are balusters made of wood, metal and other suitable materials. After reading this article, you will learn about the main features of such structures.
What is this?
Surely each of you has heard the words “balusters”, but not everyone understands what this term means. This is the vertical element of the balustrade required to support the railings. It is often used to create terraces, balconies, stairs and even roofs.
Depending on the materials used to produce these elements, there are polyurethane, stone, metal, wood, plaster and traditional reinforced concrete structures. Racks mounted together with the support posts of the railing perform not only a decorative function. They provide additional security while descending or climbing stairs, and also serve as a kind of support for handrails.
Which material is suitable for making these items?
Metal balusters are made from bronze, cast iron, iron, stainless steel and other alloys. Depending on the properties of the material, the final product has its own characteristics and advantages. So, stainless steel elements are easy to manufacture and have a relatively low cost. From this material, not only welded seamless railings are produced, but also prefabricated, consisting of individual parts. High-strength stainless steel has a positive effect on the wear resistance of finished products. The main characteristics inherent in this metal make it possible to create light, thin-walled structures resistant to corrosion from it.
Balusters for metal stairs are also made from iron. In this case, forging technology is used. This is the best option for those who need a fancy-shaped railing. To avoid possible corrosion, the surface of such products is treated with special means. The disadvantage of iron structures is the relatively high cost.
Cast iron balusters are used to create exquisite railings. Universal products made from this material are characterized by increased durability. They harmonize well with wooden, concrete and iron stairs.
Benefits of metal fencing
This is one of the most important decorative elements. Like any other product, metal balusters have a number of undeniable advantages. to the main positivecharacteristics of such fences can be considered:
- Ability to use different types of connections.
- Relatively small mass.
- Fire retardant.
- Reliability.
In addition, products made from this material are characterized by increased strength and durability.
Where are metal balusters used?
Here a lot depends on the manner of execution of the design itself. So, hollow strict models are found in modern interiors. Fancy cast iron and iron elements fit perfectly into the Baroque style. The relative high cost of such structures is offset by reliability, durability and aesthetics. Depending on the design, metal balusters, the photo of which will be presented in this article, can be in harmony with a variety of interior styles.
In the process of installation of these structures, it is important not to neglect building codes. For maximum safety and comfort, they should be installed at a height of 80-100 centimeters.
Combined balusters: wood, metal
In modern interiors, you can often see designs made from several different materials. As a rule, wood and metal are used for these purposes. Products made from them harmoniously look in almost any room. In this case, the decor of the room itself will not look cluttered.
Installation recommendations
As a rule, balusters frommetal is installed through one or two steps. If they are mounted on a straight section, then the distance between the centers of adjacent elements should not exceed twenty centimeters. This requirement is due to child safety measures.
It is necessary to fasten the balusters with self-tapping screws through the bar located under the handrail of the stairs. The vertical method of strengthening such elements is used on balconies and verandas.
Side mounting is used in the process of installing balusters on stair structures. When assembling wooden products, it is important to remember that each element consists of three different parts - the center, base and support. When strengthening metal analogues, the task is greatly simplified, since they are always implemented complete with the parts necessary for connection with any materials. They are equally easy to mount on wooden, concrete or stone stairs. As fasteners, manufacturers provide self-tapping screws, all kinds of bolts, brackets and special hinges.
One of the simplest methods of mounting metal balusters is the use of electric welding. Forged parts are attached in two places - to the base of the stairs and to its railing. As a rule, detailed instructions describing the installation sequence are attached to the factory kit. For comfortable operation of the stairs, the recommended support height should not exceed one meter.
