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Balustrades are the plural form of baluster, which
are small posts that support the upper part of a railing. They are an
important part of the design and architecture of a house and enhance
the interior beauty. They were first introduced in Italian architecture
in the renaissance period. 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 décor 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. Another material
nowadays, popular in the making of balustrades, is polyurethane. Marble
is also an elegant option but since it is very expensive it is not that
widely used. Brass and bronze can also be used but they require
maintenance to keep them shiny and clean. Nowadays, the use of wood in
balustrades is decreasing as people are becoming more and more
environment friendly. Also, wood can be susceptible to damage
especially in places with humid weather. Glass balustrades are another
modern option, and in the Unites Kingdom, toughened glass is the most
used kind for balustrades. Balustrades also come in various
designs and shapes that can be selected based upon the architecture of
your home. The most common type is the elongated oval ones but many
designs are now available. They can be simple, carved or engraved with
motifs. Balustrades are perfect for introducing elegance into your
home. If chosen wisely and with a good taste, they can make any place
of the house come alive. 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. There is a certain set of
regulations that 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 also 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. Before deciding
what kind of balustrade to use, it is important to analyze your
requirements as well as the décor of your house so that your selection
blends in with the architecture of your house. Paul J Colman is an architect. Check out this site for a range of handrailing and general Architectural Ironmongery products at his recommended website at http://www.laidlaw.net
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