Railing Systems
Polymer Stone
Balusters and Railings
Thanks to our mixture of limestone dust and polymer resin, our Polymer Stone Balustrade Systems have the texture and feel of stone, without the weight or cost. Available in several textures and colors. Colors are mixed in as our Synthetic Stone pieces are made, meaning that they are through colored and require less maintenance.
American Made!
High Density Polyurethane
Balusters and Railings
Similar to a very hard foam like substance, our High Density Polyurethane Balusters and Railings have the look and feel of wood but avoid the pitfalls. No rot, no swelling, insect-proof, and easy to maintain! Our Polyurethane products are very lightweight, and come with 2 primed layers ready for your choice of paint finish.
American Made!
Vinyl/PVC
Balusters and Railings
Our Vinyl/PVC Baluster and Railing Systems are a wood alternative that will not rot, crack, or seperate due to exposure. Lightweight, and designed to last a lifetime, our systems come from the us ready to assemble and finish.
American Made!
Aluminum
Balusters and Railings
Our Aluminum Railing Systems are custom built to project specs, meaning they require less time and fabrication in the field to install. Available in several styles and finishes, our systems are completely customizable and are virtually maintenance free.
American Made!
Skip to a Section
What are Railing Systems?
Railing Systems is a catch all term that people use to refer to everything from metal stair railings to polymer/synthetic stone balustrade systems. Railing systems often consist of several components that form a barrier. These components range from posts, pedestals, newel posts, balusters, balustrades, rails, and sometimes even metal wires. We offer complete solutions or individual components for every type of railing system you could need. If you want to learn about individual components, please read on. If you want to see complete systems, you can scroll up to see our offerings or visit individual pages by clicking on the image of the material you are interested in above.
Baluster
Balusters are short posts, pillars, or columns usually available in bulbous shapes. It is because of the unique look of these architectural features that the term baluster comes from the Italian word for pomegranate, balaustra. Balusters are most often used as parts of stair rails, to support and accent a banister or rail. Balusters can be made from several different materials such as wood, iron, synthetic stone, vinyl, PVC, polyurethane, and others.
Balustrade
Balustrade revers to several balusters evenly spaced and connected, forming a single decorative railing unit. Most often balustrades are seen on porches, balconies, stairways, parapets, and other architectural features. Available in several different designs and sizes, we have a large collection of balustrade systems to match any aesthetic. Available in several long-lasting materials such as aluminum, synthetic stone, vinyl, PVC, polyurethane, and more.
If you want to learn more about Balusters and Balustrades, we recommend this article as a good resource.
Bottom Rail
Not all railing systems incorporate a bottom rail, instead opting to run the balusters all the way down to the floor. For those that do, the bottom rail is the lower rail component of the system that runs parallel to the floor. It is used to support the balusters, which in turn support the top rail.
Guardrail
Guardrails are synonymous with railing systems, as they are simply meant to protect people from dangerous areas. All guardrails are held to strict safety standards as they must be capable of preventing a person falling from breaking through. Oftentimes they are connected to a handrail to allow for better stability and a safe barrier from hazardous locations. Most often you will see guardrails in buildings, staircases, balconies, even along roads and hiking trails.
Handrail
Handrails are meant to function as structures of physical support and guidance. Most often they are attached and supported by posts, or mounted directly to walls. The most common places for handrails are along stairs or platforms. Handrails are not meant to act as a barrier, so in the cases one is needed they are paired with guardrails.
Hardware
A lot goes into a railing system, from the hinges that allow a gate to swing open, to the attachment screws and brackets that connect the individual pieces of the rail or balustrade system. One of the most important components in a railing system are the anchors that hold the system to whatever surface it is being attached to, whether it be concrete or a wood substrate. Without anchors the system would have no solid mounting system to allow it to have the strength required to safely enclose an area.
Lattice
Latticework is a design pattern composed of intertwined strips of material such as wood, vinyl, or metal. Lattice is most often used for its aesthetic appeal or for supporting plant life. Latticework is rather unique in the design opportunities it presents for a railing system, but is not a necessary or common element in most systems.
Newel Post
Newel Posts are large vertical posts, typically found at the end of a section of a system or at the top and bottom of a flight of stairs. These posts provide essential support for several other systems, while breaking up the monotony of a balustrade/railing system with a unique design element. Often times referred to as simply “posts”, newel posts are paired with post caps and decorative ornaments to really bring flair to a system.
Post
Posts are vertical pieces that are used to support railing systems. Posts are essential in creating a safe and stable railing system, and are secured to the ground using and anchor to further strengthen and support the system. Often times used interchangeably with Newel Posts.
Post Cap
The function of the Post Cap in a railing system is to seal the top of a post, preventing rain and other debris from entering the system. Usually offered with some decorative elements to further complement the look of the system, post caps are offered in several shapes, designs, and sizes. Post caps also have the ability to accept decorative ornaments on top.
Rail or Railing
Railing, often shortened to just rail, refers to a system formed of several components to form a safe barrier. This can refer to a simple handrail on a flight of stairs to a complete system composed of balusters, top and bottom rails, and posts.
Spindle
Another word for baluster. Read More About Balusters Here
Top Rail
The top component of a system, usually a bar or flat piece running horizontally and supported by posts. The top rail sits on top of balustrades, and runs parallel to the floor. Often times also referred to as a handrail.