|
Wood Banisters
Wooden railings and handrails can be used
on the exterior and interior of buildings
to form banisters that surround balconies,
serve as staircase railings, and make up
balustrades. The railings are sometimes plain
squares, but they are frequently turned on
a lathe to form a wide variety of decorative
designs that give the banisters a distinctive
architectural quality. Specialty manufacturers
make these banisters, which are usually installed
on site according to the length of the railing
required.
If you are thinking of buying
wooden banisters,
consider the following:
- Interior banisters can be made from high
quality pine, especially if they will be
painted. Cheaper synthetic woods are also
available. You may want to consider other
woods if the banister is to be stained or
clearcoated.
- Better quality banisters are made from a
single piece of wood, not from two pieces
joined together with finger joints.
- Wooden banisters produced for interior use
are generally not suitable for exterior locations.
Exterior banisters need to be protected from
the damage caused by rain, the sun’s ultraviolet
light, and temperature changes that will
otherwise cause the wood to deteriorate over
time. Exterior banisters should be made from
rot resistant woods such as cedar, oak, teak,
ipe (Brazilian walnut), mahogany, or pressure
treated lumber. These woods will eventually
weather to produce a pleasing patina, or
they can be painted or sealed for even more
protection.
- Thinner banisters are suitable for colonial
style houses, and these are frequently painted.
Tudor and Victorian style buildings often
have thicker, more elaborate banister turnings
made from woods such as oak, which are stained
with a natural wood finish. Rich looking
mahogany is a popular choice for grand mansions.
Contemporary style structures often have
plain banisters that can be combined with
metal for a robust, natural look.
Manufacturers carry a wide range of banister
styles in stock patterns, but it is also
possible to order custom made designs that
can include special decorative symbols. If
you are restoring an historic building, it
may be necessary to commission custom work
in order to duplicate the banisters that
already exist in the structure. |
|
|
