Architectural Balustrade Systems
Architectural Mall manufactures and supplies exterior balustrade systems for porches, balconies, stairways, terraces, decks, rooftops, and custom architectural projects, shipping nationwide to homeowners, contractors, builders, and architects.
Our balustrade systems are offered as complete architectural assemblies in two materials: High-Density Polyurethane (HDP) for lightweight, paint-grade applications, and Polymer Stone composite for prefinished, masonry-appearance installations. Both systems are designed to resist rot, cracking, insect damage, and long-term moisture problems, helping avoid many of the maintenance issues associated with traditional wood railings.
Whether you are replacing aging wood porch railings, planning a new balcony or terrace installation or specifying an exterior balustrade system for a classical or estate-style project, our team can review your drawings, photos, or measurements and help you select the right system for your applications.
Choosing the Right Balustrade Material and System
Architectural balustrade systems are complete railing assemblies made up of top rails, bottom rails, balusters, newel posts, caps, and related components. They differ from standard deck railing or simpler handrail systems, which are usually more contemporary and less detailed in appearance. If your project calls for a classical porch, estate exterior, balcony, terrace, stairway, or restored facade where the railing is a visible architectural feature, a balustrade system is often the better fit.
Selecting the right balustrade system depends on the project location, desired appearance, weight limits, finish requirements, span, and installation conditions. For many exterior residential and commercial projects, Polymer Stone is the preferred option when a prefinished, stone-like appearance and lower long-term maintenance are priorities. High-Density Polyurethane is typically chosen when a lightweight, paint-grade balustrade is needed for straight runs or straight stair applications.
Both materials are designed to avoid many of the problems associated with traditional wood railings, including rot, insect damage, cracking, and ongoing moisture-related maintenance. Polymer Stone offers longer rail spans up to 20 feet in certain styles and a masonry-style finish. High-Density Polyurethane offers easier handling, lighter weight, and field painting flexibility for straight applications up to 12 feet.
If you are looking for a more contemporary railing alternative rather than a classical balustrade system, we also offer aluminum and vinyl/PVC railing systems. Visit our Railing Systems page to explore those options.
Balustrade System Comparison
| Feature | Polymer Stone Composite | High-Density Polyurethane (HDP) |
|---|---|---|
| Best Application | Prefinished, stone-like structural balustrade systems for estate, luxury residential, and commercial projects | Lightweight, paint-grade structural balustrade systems for residential projects, upper-level applications, and custom paint colors |
| Factory Finish | 6 standard integral colors, 3 textures, and custom colors available | Primed white, paint-grade finish; field painting required |
| Maximum System Width | Up to 10 inches | Up to 12 inches |
| Maximum System Height | Up to 51 inches | Up to 51 inches |
| Maximum Rail Span | Up to 20 feet in certain styles | Up to 12 feet |
| Approximate Weight | 20 to 100 lbs per linear foot | 5 to 40 lbs per linear foot |
System width refers to the front-to-back width of the rail/profile. System height refers to the finished height from the walking surface to the top of the rail. Actual dimensions, spans, and weights vary by selected rail, baluster, post, layout, and project configuration.
High-Density Polyurethane (HDP) Balustrades
Our High-Density Polyurethane (HDP) balustrade systems are lightweight, paint-grade architectural railing systems designed to replicate the look of traditional painted wood without many of wood’s common maintenance problems. HDP resists rot, cracking, splitting, insect damage, and moisture-related deterioration.
HDP balustrades are supplied factory-primed and require final field painting after installation, making them a good choice when a custom painted finish or lighter-weight straight balustrade system is preferred. HDP is best suited for straight railing runs and straight stair applications, with rail spans up to 12 feet depending on the selected profile and layout.
Advantages:
- Lightweight, paint-grade balustrade system
- Factory-primed for final field painting
- Replicates the look of painted wood
- Resists rot, cracking, splitting, insect damage, and moisture-related deterioration
- Best suited for straight runs and straight stair applications
- Available in multiple rail sizes and architectural profiles
Available HDP Balustrade Sizes:
American Made 4″ Balustrade System ·
American Made 6″ Balustrade System ·
American Made 7″ Balustrade System ·
American Made 12″ Balustrade System
Polymer Stone Balustrades
Our Polymer Stone balustrade systems are prefinished, stone-like architectural railing systems designed for exterior porches, balconies, terraces, stairways, decks, rooftops, and estate-style projects. Polymer Stone is a synthetic stone composite made with polyester resin and calcium carbonate, creating a masonry-appearance product with integral color options and a lower-maintenance finish than paint-grade materials.
Polymer Stone is often the preferred choice when the project calls for a stone or cast masonry look, longer rail spans, curved or radius layouts, or a more finished exterior balustrade system. In certain styles, Polymer Stone rails can span up to 20 feet, depending on the selected rail profile and project layout, making this material a strong option for larger openings, terraces, commercial projects, and classical architectural designs.
Advantages:
- Prefinished stone-like appearance
- 6 standard colors, 3 textures, and custom colors available
- Lower maintenance than paint-grade railing materials
- Longer rail spans available in certain styles
- Good option for estate, luxury residential, commercial, and restoration-style projects
- Curved and radius applications available after project review
Curved Balustrades & Radius Rails
For curved porches, radius balconies, sweeping stairways, and custom architectural layouts, Polymer Stone balustrades are typically the preferred option. Polymer Stone can often be produced for curved and radius applications, including custom rail profiles that follow the project layout.
Curved balustrades require careful review because the radius, stair angle, rail profile, span, and installation conditions all affect what can be manufactured. In some curved stair applications, rails can be shaped so the profile follows the stair layout more naturally, creating a cleaner finished appearance than a standard straight rail.
High-Density Polyurethane balustrades are generally used for straight runs and straight stair applications. For curved or radius projects, send drawings, photos, measurements, or radius details so our team can review the layout and recommend the best material and system.
Frequently Asked Questions About Balustrades
What is a balustrade system?
A balustrade system is a complete architectural railing assembly made up of balusters or spindles, top and bottom rails, newel posts, caps, and related components. Balustrades provide fall protection while adding architectural detail to porches, balconies, stairways, terraces, decks, rooftops, and exterior spaces.
What is the difference between a railing and a balustrade?
A railing is a broad term for many types of guardrail or handrail systems. A balustrade is a more specific architectural railing system made with repeating balusters, rails, posts, and decorative components. Balustrades are often used when the railing is meant to be a visible design feature, not just a basic safety barrier.
What are your balustrades made from?
Architectural Mall’s balustrade systems are offered in High-Density Polyurethane (HDP) and Polymer Stone composite. HDP is a lightweight, paint-grade material designed to replicate painted wood. Polymer Stone is a synthetic stone composite made with polyester resin and calcium carbonate, creating a prefinished masonry-style appearance with integral color options.
Which balustrade material is better: Polymer Stone or HDP?
It depends on the project. Polymer Stone is often preferred for a prefinished stone-like appearance, lower long-term maintenance, longer rail spans, and curved or radius layouts. High-Density Polyurethane is usually the better fit when a lightweight, paint-grade system is needed for straight railing runs or straight stair applications.
Can your balustrades be curved?
Polymer Stone balustrades can often be produced for curved and radius applications after project review. High-Density Polyurethane balustrades are generally used for straight runs and straight stair applications. For curved projects, send drawings, photos, measurements, or radius details so our team can confirm the best material and layout.
Are balustrades structural or decorative?
Balustrade systems can provide both fall protection and architectural detailing when properly specified and installed. Requirements vary by project, layout, height, spacing, installation method, and local building code, so final code compliance should be confirmed with the project contractor, architect, engineer, or local building department.
Do balustrades require maintenance?
Maintenance depends on the selected material and installation conditions. Polymer Stone systems are prefinished with integral color options and typically require less finish maintenance than paint-grade systems. High-Density Polyurethane systems are supplied primed and require final field painting, with future repainting similar to other exterior painted surfaces.
Can you match an existing balustrade style or replicate a historic profile?
Yes. Architectural Mall regularly works on custom profiles, historic replications, and architect-designed details. If you have an existing baluster, rail profile, photos, measurements, or architectural drawings, our team can review them and help determine the best way to reproduce the style in the appropriate material.
Can I use both Polymer Stone and HDP on the same project?
Yes. In many cases, matching or similar rail profiles and baluster styles can be produced across both Polymer Stone and High-Density Polyurethane. A common approach is to use Polymer Stone on ground-level or high-visibility areas and HDP on upper levels, rooftops, balconies, or other areas where lighter weight is a priority.
Do you ship balustrade systems nationwide?
Yes. Architectural Mall ships balustrade systems across the United States and works directly with homeowners, contractors, builders, architects, and lumber yards. Because most projects are job-specific, our team reviews project details and provides custom quotes based on the selected material, layout, size, and application.
What Our Customers Say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I wanted a river deck with balustrade railings and didn’t realize they could be made from durable polymer stone until I found Architectural Mall. I now have a beautiful deck with polymer stone balustrades and a matching pergola. I’ve received many compliments, and the installation crew and support team were excellent. Highly recommend.”
Raphael Yalden II — 2024
Why Work With Architectural Mall?
Architectural Mall has manufactured and supplied architectural columns, balustrades, railings, and custom architectural products since 2001. We work directly with homeowners, contractors, builders and architects across the United States, with nationwide shipping and project-specific quoting.
With showroom locations in Carol Stream, Illinois and Flat Rock, North Carolina, our team can help review materials, profiles, and project requirements before ordering. For custom projects, we can review drawings, photos, measurements, floor plans, or elevations to help lay out balustrade systems and related architectural components.
Custom profiles, historic replications, and architect-designed details are also part of our regular project work.
Ready to Start Your Balustrade Project?
Whether you are planning a porch renovation, balcony installation, deck upgrade, terrace railing, or full architectural restoration, the right balustrade system starts with the correct material, span, height, layout, and installation approach.
Send drawings, photos, measurements, or project details and our team can help review the layout, compare Polymer Stone and HDP options, and guide you toward the appropriate balustrade system for your project.
Email us or call 877-279-9993 to speak with our team.