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Materials You Could Consider For Outdoor Balustrades

29 July 2016 by Audrey Ramos

Balustrades are structures that are made up of top caps, balusters and newel posts. These structures function as protective railings as well as to define specific spaces on your property. Since balustrades can be used both indoors as well as outdoors, they come in a variety of materials to create a wide array of designs and offer different degrees of functionality. Outdoor balustrades are typically used on decking, balconies, patios and more. If you are looking to install outdoor balustrades in your home, here are some of the different materials that you could consider. 

Outdoor balustrades made from timber

Timber is one of the more popular materials that homeowners will gravitate to for balustrading. This is because it comes in a wide assortment of designs as well as styles. If you are looking for something functional and plain, you could choose to have timber spindles that have been capped with a plank of wood. On the other hand, if you would prefer something more grand, you could opt for carved balusters that have been finished off with polished handrails. 

It should be noted, though, that timber used for outdoor balustrades would require high maintenance to ensure they remain in pristine condition. You would have to ensure the timber used is pre-treated so as to prevent pest infestations. Additionally, you would have to seal your outdoor timber balustrades on a consistent basis to prevent premature water damage that would severely compromise the integrity of your timber balustrades. 

Outdoor balustrades made from metal

If you are looking for weather resistant options for your outdoor balustrading, you could consider metal as your choice material. One of the options you could choose is stainless steel balustrades. Although it is an alloy of steel, it is less susceptible to corroding or developing rust when exposed to atmospheric moisture. Additionally, the finish of stainless steel is stain resistant so you would not have to be worried about having to engage in intensive cleaning procedures to keep it aesthetically appealing. 

It should be noted, though, that although stainless steel does not easily succumb to rust, it can corrode when exposed to high salinity conditions such as coastal weather. As such, if you live by the sea, then you may consider powder coating your stainless steel balustrades to protect them from the salt and moisture in the air. Other outdoor balustrades made from metal that you could consider include wrought iron balustrading and aluminium balustrading. 

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