Monday, September 26, 2011

Iron Hand Rails Come In A Wide Selection For Your Home Or Business

All houses come with some type of stairway that leads to your front door, a downstairs room, or a second story. The type of iron hand rails you select can enhance whatever kind of stairs you have included in your home. Handrails are a great addition to bring uniqueness and sophistication into your house only if you have the best type.

Metal railings are a well-known type of handrail in addition to wood and wrought iron. Even though the main benefit for handrails is safety, it does suggest that they cannot appeal to you and your guests. Handrails are a very versatile and alluring product than what was provided many years ago. Nowadays, we have a large selection of iron, steel, and aluminum. You will have so many options and not know which one you should use for your stairs.



When handrails were used a number of years ago, the most general type consisted of pipes that were attached to the walls, ramps, and stairs. Even though they completed their purpose of security, they did not look very enticing. When you select handrails for your house or business, good looks will be your first choice in addition to safety. However, other factors have to be considered like price, style, maintenance, and established codes. There are certain requirements that you must follow according to the Americans with Disabilities Act, especially if you belong to a business. There are specified heights and dimensions that are suggested.

Unlike former days when iron hand rails were plain in design, now you have the choice to select from glass, wood or steel handrails and balustrades. The kind of handrails or balustrades you choose will be based on your preference and come in lightweight materials in contrast to the heavy stone and concrete in the past. Even though there are many selections of handrails, with many out there, you will find that some types work better than others do. Handrails made of stainless steel are well suited for outdoor use since they resist corrosion. For a customized appearance, go for custom glass or wrought iron handrails. Aluminum and metal are used widely as lightweight and long-lasting materials. Even so, metal is still prone to rusting. People use all kinds of protective coats and varnishes that shield hand and metal railings from moisture. Paint will dry over time, which can cause the coating to crack and peel off.

Today there is a wide selection of products that are both safe and beautiful. When you select handrails for residential or commercial purposes, you will have broad range to choose from, which include iron hand rails in addition to rails made of wood and metal is just to name a few. Architects and contractors have a good sense of creativity and knowledge that will help them make some of the most attractive railings to enhance your home.

Three Ways To Deck Out Your Patio In Style

For many, there is no better place to be than on the backyard patio in the waning heat of a summer day.  Grills provide wafts of smoky awesomeness while the kids swim, run or toss a ball.  In the grip of a magical summer moment, it seems like nothing can go wrong until the youngest child or a wayward adult go careening off the deck.   If your patio borders are naked, it might be time to put up railings for safety and design reasons.  When it comes to the perimeter of your deck, there are many styles to choose from.  Custom wood, pre-fabricated vinyl and wrought iron railing are some of the options available.



Custom Wood Railing

The majority of deck railings are created from a standard wood design.  This consists of a pattern of posts measuring 2 inches squared.  Custom railings can include different sizes and shapes of posts and the most elaborate examples sport carvings or post toppers.  While customized borders provide elegance to your deck, the wood work can be quite expensive.

Wrought Iron Railing

There are two types of wrought iron railings that can be purchased.  The first are prefabricated panels, which can be installed onto the deck sides by homeowners or builders.  The second option is wrought iron railing that is made on site for a custom job.  Like customized wood, special-order wrought iron requires expert craftsmanship and can be expensive. When used on wooden decks, wrought iron can provide a sophisticated accent for backyards or pool areas.

Pre-fabricated Vinyl Railing

Another common option for deck railings is a material that many people are starting to use in full deck construction.  Pre-fabricated vinyl, similar to the material used in home siding projects, can be purchased in designs and colors that mimic wood.  Seen from a distance, decks made of this material are indistinguishable from wood.  However, the material will never chip or rot, so decks can last for many more years without requiring upkeep like painting or stain.  Some individuals replace broken or damaged wood railings with matching vinyl parts for this reason.

All of the types of railings above can be installed by a homeowner.  When installing custom wood or wrought iron railings, however, it may be better to have a professional on hand.  Damaging custom materials can result in high replacement costs.  No matter how you get your new railings installed, you will be glad they are in place.  As small children run and play on the deck during warm weather and when you need something to grab if the deck is slick with rain or ice, the work and expense of installing a railing will be worth the peace of mind you gain.