Balcony Railings: Wood Handrails And The Glass Railing

The world of balcony railings has really expanded. In the old days we had wooden railings. Then someone discovered how to curve the wood to get a graceful curve for a stairway. Now we have more choices than we can ever imagine. The railings come in a variety of materials.  We have classic steel, solid wood, forged iron, aluminum and a galvanized product.  These are used by themselves or combined for interesting and unique effects. The railings can be completed with balusters, glass panels, metal panels, cables or rods.

Steel is long lasting and self-healing due to the chromium that is added.

Wrought iron comes in many finishes and textures.  Many different woods are used in this manufacturing process.  The aluminum is powder coated and can be purchased in almost any color.  Whatever your budget is, there is a product that will work for you.

The main purpose of a railing is safety.  The railing protects two things. The railing protects a person, an item, or an animal from injuring or killing themselves by a fall. The railing protects whatever is below it from being damaged by something that falls on it.

A sturdy railing allows a person stand on the edge, lean against the railing and look over to enjoy the view. The railing eliminates the fear of a fall.  Children and animals do not have this fear.  Children and animals expect adults to take care of them and keep them protected.  When an adult is by a railing with a child or animal, the adult can relax knowing one more potential danger has been defused.

The railings shout to the world the vision and the style of the person who installed it. The railing opens up a space so it looks larger and feels bigger. The balcony railing and the stairway railing allows light to move freely through the area. Can you imagine a wall there the railing is with a stairway at the end, the feeling of being closed in, with a narrow, dark corridor?

The materials used in developing the railings and the design of the railings create a vision. Wood handrails, for example, give the user a warm, secure feeling. Since the days of our youth, we have used a wooden stick to ward off wild dogs, snakes in the grass, and the bully down the block. When the user feels the warmth of smooth wood under his or her hand, he or she feels safe. The glass in glass railings is tempered and usually 3/8 or 1/2 inch thick. This glass can be clear, tinted, or obscure. If you are an artist you may choose to personalize the glass panels with an etching of your choice and design.

Railings are to keep people safe, keep people feeling safe and allow them to see everything there is to see. These railings show your vision and style to the whole world. What do your balcony railings say about you?