ABOUT BALUSTRADES

A balustrade is made up of a series of upright posts, or balusters, standing on a unifying rail, and topped by a coping. The balusters may be square or circular in section, and may have decorative profiles.

They are usually installed outdoors, as railings to a terrace or balcony; they may also be installed indoors. Balustrades are available in a range of durable materials, including: synthetic stone, cast stone, resin marble composite, polyurethane, fiberglass, and vinyl.

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LEADING USA BALUSTRADE MANUFACTURERS

The following leading balustrade manufacturers have comprehensive websites, with information on all aspects of balustrades, including online catalogs, colours and materials for balustrades, and care and maintenance of balustrades.

Balustrade Systems. Balustrade Systems, part of Arch Net Building Systems, is based in Lincoln, Nebraska. It manufacturers balustrades from fiberglass, plymer, and faux stone, producing balustrades which are lightweight, durable, and resistant to weather and insects. Its website is organized into the following product sections: Balustrade Systems, Balusters, Newel Posts, Newel Caps, Balustrade Railings, Load Bearing Columns, Column Covers, Column Capitals, Mouldings, Flexible Mouldings, Ceiling Domes, Fiber Optic Star Ceiling Domes, Niches, Medallions, and Corbels.

Melton Classics: Balustrades. Melton Classics, based in Lawrenceville, Georgia, is a leading balustrade manufacturer. Its range of balustrades is organized into the following types: Synthetic Stone Balustrades, Cast Stone Balustrades, Vinyl Balustrades, Poly/Marble Composite Balustrades, Polyurethane Balustrades, and Vinyl Railing Systems. Synthetic Stone and Cast Stone balustrades require no painting; very low moisture absorption eliminates spalling caused by severe winters and reduces mildew growth. The Marble/Resin Composite and Polyurethane balustrades have a paint finish.

Pacific Columns: Balustrades. Pacific Columns, based in Brea, California, is a leading supplier of interior and exterior architectural columns and balustrades. It supplies two types of balustrade: Combined Polymer & Marble, and High Density Polyurethane. Balustrades are available in residential 36 inch and commercial 42 inch code heights. Two shorter balustrade heights, of 24 inch and 28 inch, are available for rooftop applications. Baluster configuration complies with the 4 Inch Ball Space Safety Rule, whereby a 4 inch ball is unable to pass through between the balusters at any point.

USEFUL LINKS RELEVANT TO BALUSTRADES

Wikipedia Article on Balusters

Old House Web

This Old House

CONSTRUCTION PRODUCT DIRECTORIES

We recommend the following professional construction directories, which include standard specifications, manufacturers' specs, and CAD details: 4Specs at www.4specs.com, Arcat at www.arcat.com, Arcom at www.arcomnet.com, Reed at www.reedfirstsource.com, Sweets at www.sweets.construction.com.

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Stair Product Guides: Balustrades, Handrails, Spiral Staircases, Staircases, Stair Gates, Stair Lifts, Stair Railings, Stair Rods, Stair Treads.

Other recommended portals: Archbone, Building Design, Homeone Australia, Lighting Directory, Sapling, Stone Network.

Publisher: Abacus Construction Index is a professionally edited directory of recommended construction websites, published by Extonet Ltd. It is financed only by Google advertising; no payment is received from included websites.