Monday, October 3, 2011
Stainless Cable Railings for that Minimalist Look
However, let us talk more about stainless cable railings. What now if it is made of this fine stainless technology? Well, for starters the look is clean and is not extravagant. It is plain and simple. For homes aspiring to have that modern and minimalist feel, plain and simple is the way to go. No need for embellishments that may go out of date over time.
In minimalist design, the closer you are to the barest skeleton of your home, the more you are keeping the integrity of its structure. You can do so with stainless cable railings which would look phenomenal when it forms a line around your home. Not only that, they are a lot easier to work with than wooden railings. With wood, the minimalist look will not be as effective.
Railings look bulky and may only go well with homes that want to feature pronounced furniture and designs to go with the railings. Whereas when you go for steel, chances are you do not have to think about these things. Chances are, you are aiming for a minimalist look. If such is the case, then you will never go wrong with an investment on stainless cable railings.
Less is More with Stainless Cable Railings
Friday, September 30, 2011
Care for Stair Parts
Dust
It’s not just unsightly, it’s also a health risk to have dust on your stair parts (allergens). If your home is usually open most of the time, then it’s understandable that dust will eventually find its way to your stair parts. Bonus stress points if you have stair parts which have moldings and designs that make it difficult to clean. So the solution: clean regularly. Once-a-day dusting is advisable.
Polish
Dust-free stairs are good to look at but you can still improve its looks by polishing it. Polish acts as another level of material protection for your day-to-day stair usage. Just make sure that what you’re using is actual furniture polish (especially for wood balustrades and wood stair treads). Use a microfiber cloth for best results.
Protect
From the very beginning, you must make sure that you protect your staircase. Use tread ends for a safer treading and to protect the corners of your steps. For your balustrade, railings and posts, use a protective stain for steel and varnish for wood.
See, taking care of your stairs is as easy as ABC! All you need to remember is to maintain the regularity of your dusting, polishing and protecting. Cheers for good looking and long lasting stair parts!
Safely Buying Stair Parts Online
Beauty of the Balustrade: Unity
Some people when they go shopping for stair parts tend to overlook the reality that some things look different individually as opposed to when they are put together. They think that picking out one baluster that looks nice individually will actually have the same effect when installed as a balustrade. Do not be one of these people and be more attentive of small details. You are highly encouraged to be more conscientious about your decisions in the home.
You might be surprised that some designs which may seem very simplistic individually may give you a pattern that looks great when you put them all together. It is all about uniting a design and making it work with the other stair parts and the rest of your home. The beauty of a baluster is only appreciated when it serves its ultimate function. It has to give sense to a whole, which in this case comes in the form of a balustrade.
Choosing Between Steel or Wood Stair Treads
Clearly the advantage of getting steel is that it is a lot more durable than wood. Make sure that your stair treads are stainless steel to begin with. But this may not be aesthetically pleasing, if you have a home that uses a lot of wooden elements. So pay attention to this. Moreover, if you use steel with poor quality they are more than likely to rust. This means a lot of maintenance on your part.
Wooden stair treads will also become an issue if you picked out the softer woods. Ask your dealer what wood is the most durable. As stated above, they are very susceptible to deterioration but there are ways to restore it. The great thing about wood is that it goes well with both steel and other wooden elements. So you take your pick. Just keep in mind the overall feel that you want. The material of your stair treads can make all the difference.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Carpeting Your Stair Treads
So what about carpeting your stair treads? This will be such a great compliment to your home. Carpets are classy and cleans up a look. They also give the feel of being somewhere high end. Think of all the hotels you have been to? Remember the carpeted hallways, elevators, and yes, staircases? They give that feel that you are somewhere really pleasant. Same goes for your home when you start carpeting key areas like the stair treads. You surely won't regret this decision if you are willing to maintain it.
Speaking of maintenance, the thing you need to pay attention to when it comes to carpets is the accumulation of lint. So make sure to vacuum it every now and then to free it from dust, soot and other allergens. People are psychologically predisposed to like carpeted areas and with good reason. They are soft and they give a feeling of security. Feature this mood along your stairs and get compliments for it. Carpeting your stair treads is a great idea.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Let Your Imagination Run Wild with Newel Posts
It is a smile that is sincere because their surroundings make them feel good. Some may laugh at this notion saying that it cannot just be the newel posts. There are other reasons why people would smile. Yes, that may be true. But you as the homeowner will have this ammo forever: the fact that you bought the best damn post you could find.
Do not limit yourself, therefore. Get around and look for the shape and pattern that you think is befitting the theme of your home. This may seem like a struggle at first, especially when you are moving in and the home just looks bland at the onset. That is never a problem if you know how to warm up a place. What you should be looking after is the designs you want to work with. What are the designs that inspire your imagination?
With that, you then ask yourself, if these are the designs which inspire you what does it say about me? You are actually running a retrospective in your head. Truly, it can be rewarding to pick the perfect newel posts.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
What is there to Like with Newel Posts?
Monday, September 26, 2011
Harmony in Your Balustrade
In any case, assuming you are a conventional homeowner, we want to keep some harmony in elements within the home. Yes, we all know there is a reason for things. Like the fact that a staircase can do without balusters if you wanted it that way. But why keep the balustrade?
It gives harmony to the staircase and consequently your home. It gives it that air of grandiosity and taste. Each baluster is carved out with the intricate design of your choice. These designs may blend in naturally in to the interior of your home. However, some have that quality which is unforgettable. It really depends on you what your intended effect is for your home's interior and overall character.
Moreover, harmony has also something to do with keeping the stuff that works. This allows that flow of positive energy that you want to come naturally from your home. What does not work is when something gives you that feeling of incompleteness. Having a staircase that is complete with balusters is a harmonizing element in this particular structure.
Have Fun Memories with Newel Posts
Aside from making memories, we build stories about our home. This is where little Johhny slid down the stairs. This is where they put a mistletoe and mom and was caught kissing dad near the stairway. This is where Anne you used to hang out to sit and think about things. There are endless ways to share family stories because of the little features in our home.
Beautiful homes have character because they build history, memory and above all, emotion. It seems farfetched that newel posts could draw such a positive effect on families. Nothing is impossible if you have the right imagination. It pays to make sure that everything is perfect with the stairs design of your choice in order for it to turn out not to be obtrusive but more conducive to family events. This is a creative way to record family events. Pick out the right newel posts and you are sure to have fun memories.
Appreciating the Newel Posts
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Fine Wooden Balusters
You can make your home all the more attractive with wooden balusters. It is interesting how such a small part of the staircase can make all the difference in terms of support and aesthetics. What little we know about architecture also says a lot about what little we know about wooden balusters. They are an important piece of architectural design. Its design value and function combined says a lot about how important it is. As a set, a balustrade can put together the most elegant staircase. There are minimalist and modern designs out there depending on what you feel is most suitable for your home.
The kind of wood that use for your wooden baluster is like picking out the kind of fabric you want to be tailor-fitted to your cloths. In different parts of the globe, the kind of wood used varies. Each wood has a certain smell and character. In western countries, the use of Oak, Cherry, Birch, and Maplewood are predominant. In Asia, wood like Mahogany and Narra are more commonly used.
Whatever you choose for your balusters will also translate to the kind of design you desire. The quality is not only in the type of material you use but also in the design. How it is sculpted and carved out will also communicate the aesthetic you get from your balusters. Your home cannot do without these small details if you want your staircase to be just perfect. After all your staircase won't be a staircase unless you have the perfect wooden balusters.
Newel Posts for Your Home
For a more contemporary version of this experience, you may have a distant memory of holding on to one and remember certain events in your life that are related to your home. All these details will bring out unexpected experiences that make life more enriching.
On top of being a catalyst for such experience, newel posts give your home a subtle touch of elegance. It gives it that unassuming air of beauty. It comes in different shapes and sizes. As a set, they provide a very satisfying fullness to your staircase and may even accentuate different elements in your home. If it is made of wood, naturally, it gives it the classical look that is timeless and memorable. It may even symbolize your heritage depending on the design you pick out.
Do you remember the shapes which remind you of medieval designs or Celtic designs? That can easily be translated through something as simple as the little details. Focusing on detail will make all difference. Start looking through catalogs of only the best newel posts you can find.
Unique Stair Treads
Paint a Rainbow
No, you don’t need to recreate a kindergarten school in your personal space. We’re just suggesting a minimal injection of color into your stair treads. Try experimenting with pastel colors instead of just sticking with the neutral ones. You can use different colors for every step or use a single color as accent and just vary the shades.
Be Literary
Another way to dress up your stair treads is to have some literary etching on every step. It can be lines from a poem, haikus, sayings, or simply names of your ancestors. It could be a fun way of telling a story or representing a legacy.
Go Sleek with Carvings
If you want to be unique but you don’t want to be so loud, you can simply go with customized carvings on your stair treads. This is best if your treads are made of wood. You can design your own pattern or you can have ready made ones copied for your very own staircase.
See? Now you can get over trying to think of a good design for your balustrade. Pay a little attention to your stair treads, and, in the name of art, you might be surprised where they will take you!
Traditional Vs. Modern Stair Railings
There are a lot of homeowners who admittedly face this dilemma when choosing their home decor such as stair railings: traditional or modern? Most of them would go for traditional because the designs can stand the test of time. The others go for the modern ones, as they are the kind who want to be more relevant with the contemporaries.
Now don’t fret, this dilemma may be eased in no time. First you have to determine what’s the use of the entire space. Is it a residential space? Is it an office space? These things cover the basic themes so you’ll have an idea if you’re better off with the traditional styles or the modern ones.
Once you have that done, answer this question: What is the kind of impression that you want to give? It’s not enough that you know whether it is a residential space or an office space. You also have to determine the entire aura of the environment your staircase is at. Is it traditional-looking or is it more modern looking? What are the materials that surround it? What is the room’s “general look”? Your stair railings need to be faithful to the theme of the entire space so that it won’t look like a sore thumb.
Here’s a quick tip: for those who are not fond of changing styles, go with traditional, if you’re not, then go for modern. Just remember that your stair railings have to be made of strong material; something for long term.
Beautify Your Stairs to Beautify Your Home
Did you know that if only you will beautify your stairs, you can also increase the overall value of your home? Read along to find out more of this good news.
There is no denying to the fact that the home is really one of the biggest investments that we will make in our lives. We really take a lot of time to make sure that everything is in its right place. We work with budgets. We deal with different professionals—engineers, architects, designers, laborers, etc.
If your home is a multi-level unit, here’s one investment that you might want to zero on: your staircase.
First and foremost, the staircase is usually put at the part of the home where it’s easily seen as soon as a guest comes through the door. That said, you know that you have an opportunity to either impress or disappoint a guest. Take this chance to wow him and build a really good looking staircase. Remember, when the time comes that you’re going to sell your home, the agent who will appraise it will also face the exact same view.
Another thing, you have to have a really sturdy staircase for so that your home can last longer. The stronger your staircase looks/ is, the better it is. Why of course, if the staircase is weak or is unusable, how can you get to the next floor, right? And the longer your home can last, the higher its value will be. A strong and sturdy staircase is always a classic.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Iron Balusters: Classics
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Basic Guidelines for Staircase Building
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Getting a Staircase
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
The Importance of Stair Maintenance
Ensure that the stair parts are in good condition. The stair tread should not be loose nor should have a rough edge and surface. For the hand railing and balusters, keep it shiny and attractive by polishing it with varnish and other cleaning materials. Always keep your stairs clean and clutter free to avoid any form of accidents.
If you want, you can also add some accessories such as flower decorations to your stair railing to make your stairs look more attractive. If you stair handrail is made of wood, inspect if the paint is already chipping or cracking. If there are any other repairs that need to be done, do not delay it to prevent accidents. Fix it as soon as possible and before the damage gets worst.
Also, if you need to replace stair parts, be sure to only buy high quality ones. It may be a little costly, but your safety and its durability is assured. Whereas if you buy a cheap buy low quality one, you may put your family who are using the stairs at risk. You will not be safe as it will not be as durable as it should be. It may also incur you more cost in the long run as it may only take a while before you need to have it repaired again. So invest with quality stairs from your trusted online stair builders and suppliers.
Getting to Know Your Stair Parts
Well, maybe you don’t need it now. However, if you will be building your own home in the future, it might just help knowing these important parts.
Stairs are often used by everyone who lives in the house. It is used every single day going up and down every level of the house. Therefore, stairs should be maintained regularly. Inspect it every now and then or after a few years of use. Try to observe if all the stair parts are still in good condition. If not, replace them as soon as possible. Replacing your stair parts will be easy especially if you know the technical term of the part you are replacing. It will be easier to tell the sales person in a construction or stair specialty store where you will buy your parts.
So here it is. The horizontal steps of the stairs are called the stair tread. The part that you hold on to while using the stairs is called the stair railing. It can be made from different materials such as wood, iron, stainless steel, metal, or glass. The part that supports the stair handrail is called the baluster. It usually looks like vertical poles all lined up to support the railing. It also serves as a protection or a barrier so that no one will fall out of the stairs especially the children. The two main posts that support the railing are called the newel posts. You can see them at each end of the railing.
See, it is very easy to get familiarized with all these stair parts! So, next time you need to replace your old stair parts, you will know what to ask from your supplier.
Things to Consider on Stair Installation
Other than this, it will also save you more time and hassle for this tedious job. Doing it yourself without the training and expertise to back you up may just lead to delay and possible accidents due to the complex procedures and construction equipments that are dangerous to use.
Also, before starting on your stair installation, be sure that the equipments that will be used are in good condition, and of good quality. This will impact the results of the job especially on the technical aspect. Modern and updated equipments also help complete the job in s shorter period of time.
In addition to that, be sure that the staircase will be properly positioned on the space. It should serve as a focal point of good design and not become as an obstruction. Although you may leave the technical aspect of your stair installation to the professionals, you may still have a say in deciding what stair parts to use for your staircase. You can choose from the classic but elegant wood stair parts or the modern iron stair parts. Choose something that complements the overall design of the area.
How to Keep your Wooden Stairs Looking Brand New Even Through the Years
It is best to buy wooden stairs parts and stairs that are already treated with anti-termite chemicals. This is to ensure that after you build your stairs, you will not be bother by pests in your stairs and give you a headache with its additional cost of repair. It may be a little bit expensive but it is sure worth it. It will also ensure that your stairs will remain durable and safe without termites eating up on it.
To keep your wooden stairs and stair parts looking like brand new all the time even after years of use, you have to clean it at least with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt. For added beauty and protection, you can also coat it with varnish to keep it gleaming and fresh looking. With a simple coat of varnish in your wooden stairs and parts, it would definitely impact the overall appearance of your home making it look clean and beautiful. Varnish is also effective in protecting your stairs from scratch or other corrosion.
You can also further create an impact through your stairs by adding accessories and other types of stair parts to make a modern distinction between two different materials. For example if you have a wooden stairs you can complement it with iron stair parts. The combination is surely appealing.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Attic Stair Parts
With the aging process setting in, the preference of having single storey houses is becoming more attractive. A sad thing with reality is that even the younger generations are now avoiding second level dwellings because of obesity and being overweight. Sedentary lifestyle are making people stick to couches in front of television sets rather than wearing down stair parts and floor tiles with walking around.
Even commercial establishments are havens for overweight people. Escalators, elevators, and travellators make lazy people become much lazier, lessening leg movement when moving about. While having these automated steps aren’t all that bad, people are becoming more complacent with their wellness and the health benefits walking and taking the stairs offer them.
Taking the healthy avenue may require you to renovate your house and install a second level, order stair parts from stairwarehouse.com or have a professional carpenter create one, and actually using it when able. In a few days, you could transform your house into a workout gym minus the frills and expense.
Little steps and little effort add up to substantial work done for the body and improve overall wellness. While the usual thirty minutes of casual walking may seem quite a task for many, but breaking them into three minute intervals throughout the day seem more manageable. A three minute breakdown could translate into a walk up and down the stairs when getting something from the second level, as well as taking out the trash. In other words, taking the flight of staircase when able is one way to start upping one’s health.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Establishing a Good Working Relationship with Your Stair Builder
It is very important to establish a good working relationship with your stair builder. Trust is also a very important factor. However, in order to do this you should first make your own research regarding your stair builder.
Know first if they have a history of delivering premium quality stairs even in the past. Ask your friends or neighbors or search the internet for testimonials of satisfied customers. Or you can ask them directly regarding their previous projects or clients, their experience in stair building, and expertise. From the conversation, you can assess on how broad their knowledge are in terms of stair building.
You can also work together in deciding which stair parts to have. Some options include wood stair parts and iron stair parts. Both of these types are great for use both residential and in commercial areas. You can also ask for the suggestion of your stair builder as they have more knowledgeable in this field. In the end, trust their technical expertise in stair building.
How to Ensure Top Quality Stair Parts
Other than the looks, one significant consideration that should not be taken for granted is ensuring that your stair parts are made from premium quality materials.
This is because high quality means long lasting durability. The question is how can you tell that it is high in quality? Well, it depends on the material that makes up the stair parts.
For wood stair parts, all you have to do is to knock on the wood literally. Observe the sound that it makes. If the sound is hollow, then the material is probably not a very strong one. But if the sound is full like a solid one, then it will tell that the wood stair parts is thick enough which means to say that it is strong.
For iron stair parts, you can determine the quality of the material by inspecting it and observing its surface. A high quality one will have a smooth and even surface. It should also have a good finish and no sharp edges. A low quality one can easily be determined based on the look itself. The edges and the surface may be rough and it does not have a good finish.
Another way to ensure high quality stair parts is by sourcing it out from a reputable supplier who is known to produce top quality stair parts ever since. A company with a good name will never compromise their good name by supplying low quality ones.
Cable Railings – Great for Homes and Industrial Offices
Firstly, cable railings have a simple design with clean lines. It makes the area look neat and organized. Aside from that, its style looks very edgy and strong which is ideal for men. This is great for a bachelor’s home. Every single man out there would surely love having cable railings for their stairs instead of its wooden counterpart which is portrays a bit of a classic look.
Aside from its clean and simple but modern appeal, cable railings are also generally known to be durable and long lasting. That is why it is also the best choice for industrial offices or commercial establishments where a lot of people use the stair railing each and every day.
However, make sure you only buy those that are of high quality to ensure that it is sturdy, strong, and safe to use that can assist well the people going up or down the stairs. Cable railings are also very easy to maintain. It does not corrode easily. You can also add wood stair parts to complement it to give you a modern but classy look all at the same time.
Having a cable railing is a product of a modern but practical lifestyle having something that looks good but durable and high quality at the same time!
Monday, January 31, 2011
What to do Before Stair Installation
Know your stairs
Stair installation involves of course, stairs. Thus you should know your stairs. You should be able the stair parts and the function of each. Observe also how each part is anchored to another part of the stair. At this time, read and review DIY stair installation articles too. You can watch videos too. Doing those will help you install your stairs smoothly.
Prepare your materials and equipment
Previously, you have learned what to do during the actual stair installation. You already know what materials and equipment to use. This time, you will be gathering the said materials. Make a check list of the said materials so that you’ll know whether your materials are already complete or not.
Print out a step by step instruction
When the time comes for your stair installation project, it helps to have a handy copy of a step by step instruction on stair installation. This way, you can glance time and time again to your copy if you are doing things right.
As you do your stair installation, pay attention to detail. Do not rush into the process. Take time to measure the balusters, stair treads, or anything that needs to be measured. Take time to cut your iron balusters so that your result will be simply flawless.
Your Staircase as the Focal Point of Your Home
A staircase is more than just a functional structure in your home. It has a great potential as an art. When made beautifully and placed strategically in your home, it can serve as the focal point of your home. Avante garde staircases are becoming more and more popular these days and architectural breakthroughs have contributed largely to this magnificent evolution of the stairs.
Material
For your staircase to stand out, the material it is made of matters. Common materials for avante garde and unique stairs are stainless steel, iron, and glass. Those three are used to achieve a contemporary look. Wood is also used but with glass, steel, and iron little effort is needed for a more modern, contemporary look.
Design
To truly catch the attention of the people visiting your house, your staircase should be made with a unique design. Hanging stairs and spiral staircases are very in today. Iron staircases with intricate and delicate designs are also quite popular.
Location
For your audience to fully appreciate the beauty of your staircase, it should be placed strategically in your home. The right location means everything. Thus, measurement, colors, and themes in accordance to the house is very critical. One mistake could cost you the beauty of your staircase for no matter how beautiful your staircase is, if it does not fit or complement its location, it wouldn’t shine.
So if you want to make your stairs the focal point of your home, observe the right material, design, and location.
Taking Care of Your Stairs
First, clean your stairs regularly. Cleaning your stairs regularly means you maintain the integrity of your stairs. Dust particles and stones from your footwear often get stuck in the different stair parts. These particles contribute to the destruction of your stairs earlier than normal. So make it a habit to sweep, dust, and vacuum your stairs.
Second, make it a carpeted stairs. When you use carpet on your stairs, it protects your stairs from abrasions. It also cushions your stairs from the regular abuse it takes from our heavy steps. Using a carpet also has another advantage. It provides as additional traction for your feet so that slips and falls are prevented.
Third, apply a regular coat of varnish. If your stairs is made of wood, applying a regular coat of varnish is a priority. Varnish not only gives your stairs shine, it also serves as a protective cover against abrasions.
Taking care of your stairs should be done regularly. Do not take your stairs for granted as they are a very important part of your home. If you take it for granted, you only set up yourself to spending a lot of money for repairs and renovations.