Although we specialise in bespoke timber handrails here at Handrail Creations, we are also adept at designing and manufacturing entire bespoke balustrades for both commercial and residential projects. We will design, make and pre-finish the entire balustrade using our state-of-the-art 3D modelling and 5-axis CNC machining technologies, including all balustrade components needed to create a complete, stylish, safe and structurally sound balustrade.
What is a balustrade?
Commonly known as a bannister, a balustrade consists of a staircase’s handrail, spindles/balusters, newel posts, newel caps, stair brackets, and all other structural and decorative elements along the sides of the staircase. In addition to providing an essential level of safety for your staircase, the balustrade offers so many opportunities for customisation. For example, traditional timber balustrades can be constructed for elegantly classic spaces – with additional decorative features such as hand-carved or machine-carved embellishments – or modern welded designs can also be crafted to complement more experimental architectural styles.
Our range of balustrade components
A balustrade is a collective name for multiple components, which can all be designed and manufactured right here at Handrail Creations. Our range of balustrade components includes:
Spindles or balusters
These are the posts connecting the handrail and base rail all the way up the staircase. Spindles are designed to support the handrail and ensure safety by preventing people from falling off the edge of the stairs.
In addition to providing much-needed safety and structural support, they also enhance the aesthetic appeal of the balustrade. For instance, they can be constructed from a wide range of materials to complement the overall architectural style of your project, such as hardwood, softwood, steel, brass and cast iron, and can also be designed with bespoke shapes and embellishments to create something truly unique and eye-catching.
Here at Handrail Creations, we work with you to create realistic 3D drawings and renders of your vision, allowing you to truly customise every balustrade component. We have in-house fabrication and state-of-the-art spraying facilities to fully customise your spindles according to whatever style or finish you desire. In addition to hand carving intricate pieces, we will also laser cut parts for absolute precision and even 3D print components that might otherwise be unattainable, such as components from very old structures that are no longer produced. This allows you to create entirely new, modern and innovative spindle designs as well as spindle designs that perfectly complement existing architectural features.
Newel posts
These are the larger supportive posts at the top and bottom of a staircase. They can also be found at each landing for a multi-floor staircase. In a spiral staircase, the newel post is the central post that the staircase winds around.
Like spindles, newel posts can be made completely bespoke for your project to create a stand-out architectural feature. There are so many types of newel posts to choose from – including fluted posts, square posts, barley twist posts, chamfered posts, and much more – so you can start with whatever basic template you want and then customise it with a unique twist.
We construct newel posts from a wide variety of materials, including timber, steel and cast iron, allowing you to match your newel posts to any staircase and handrail design. Or, you can get creative and mix timber spindles with a metal newel post, or vice versa.
Newel caps
These are used as a finishing touch for your newel post, providing extra stability and support. The newel cap is a decorative piece that sits on top of the newel post, and it can come in a range of materials and styles to suit any handrail design, such as hardwoods or softwoods for traditional styles or metal for contemporary styles.
Handrail brackets
Handrail brackets are common for staircases that are enclosed by walls. Since these staircases don’t require supportive balusters along the sides, the handrail can be installed directly into the wall with these brackets. These components also serve a decorative purpose too, as they can be designed with ornamental features to add finishing touches to your handrail design. We offer in-house finishing on handrail brackets – from antique brass to colour-matched paints.
Other specialist machined parts
If you’re working on a completely unique staircase project, you may need to look beyond typical balustrade components and designs. This is when you need to work with experienced handrail professionals who will be with you from start to finish to work out exactly what’s needed to ensure your staircase is safe, secure, and beautifully designed and installed.
Our innovative design and construction technology enable us to create truly one-of-a-kind pieces for commercial and residential projects of all types and sizes. We will CNC manufacture and hand-carve handrails to any shape, from any hardwood, and then pre-join the parts together for more efficient installation.
For example, using our precision CNC machining technology, we have been able to create curved staircase stringers for our clients. This means that clients are able to design staircases and handrails of all shapes and sizes with us, not just straight staircases or narrow spiral staircases arranged around a central newel post.
Why work with Handrail Creations?
As market leaders in a bespoke industry, we are flexible to your needs. Our unique service offering sets us apart from the competition; our years of experience allow us to provide the following:
- Pioneering use of 3D surveys, product design software and 5-axis CNC machinery for a modern approach to a traditional industry.
- A full digital measuring service – where we come to you.
- Purpose-built 5-axis CNC machining capabilities, able to craft almost any rail shape and size.
- Precision-made components ready for site assembly.
- Unique jointing systems to allow parts to be assembled simply on-site, minimising on-site fitting time.
- A full installation and finishing service.
Our service includes a full supply and installation with our highly skilled in-house teams as well as French polishing for a gorgeous finish. We also service joinery companies and skilled staircase manufacturers who are looking for a supply-only service to support their own offering.
Got a project on the horizon? Whether it’s for a home or business, speak to our expert and friendly team today to kickstart your journey.