Iron doesn't only belong outside. Since it can be shaped into an unlimited number of designs, iron balusters can add fluidity and grace to the plainest stairways. And its strength and resilience satisfies themost stringent safety needs. Although we're just beginning to see iron used indoors, this trend was also popular in 16th and 17th century France and Italy . When combined with sweeping stairways and ornate ceilings, iron balusters and banisters have a rich and elegant appeal. If made of iron, balusters (the vertical elements that preventusers from slipping through the stairs) are an ideal place for alittle self-expression in decorating. They are available in innumerable shapes and many colors, and can even be custom made. If you can draw it, there's an artisan who can make it. You can create a look to work with any decorating scheme.
Combined with a wooden handrail, iron balusters can still be affordable. Wood/iron combinations keep the price down, yet still provide the beauty and elegance of iron. Iron rods with twists, scrolling rods with lacy "baskets," filigree designs, and shapesfrom the botanical world are just a few of the options when you're considering iron. Special attention can be given to the newel posts--the sturdy structural posts at the top and bottom of stairways. A more elaborate design at these junctures is both beautiful andstructurally sound. Should you choose wrought iron balusters; these are some advantages. The term "wrought iron" refers to iron that has been heated, then hammered, twisted, bent, forged, or otherwise worked, most frequently for ornamental purposes, by a blacksmith or expertmetal worker. Wrought iron is commercially pure iron with a very small carbon content, but usually containing some slag. It is tough, malleable, ductile and can be easily welded. However, it is not as strong as steel, which has a higher carbon content. The rarity of true wrought iron is due to its production being extremely costly and labor intensive. Wrought iron is rarely completely pure. It is a fibrous material with many strands of slagare mixed into the metal. These slag inclusions give it a distinct look when etched. Also due to the slag, it has a fibrous look when broken or bent past its failure point. Ornamental ironwork today is often referred to as wrought iron, even though it is more likely to be made from mild steel.