6 Benefits of Installing a Balustrade System On Your Front Porch

Looking to add a little architectural interest to the front of your home? A balustrade system is a perfect way to enhance both the curb appeal and function of any house. Keep reading to learn how installing a balustrade system just might be the most beneficial upgrade you can make to your home's exterior.

A balustrade system is an elegant and unique way to beautify your home. But what is a balustrade system?

The design element features several balusters evenly spaced out, connected and topped by a handrail to create a decorative balcony, terrace or porch. A balustrade system is much more detailed and ornate than your more simpler porch railing. The decorative system is often seen on older plantation, Italian villa or Georgian-style homes.

A balustrade system is not only an effective way to enhance your home's curb appeal, but it also makes for a unique way to improve your home's property value and security. We're delving into some of the top benefits that come with installing a high-quality balustrade system, whether you're a builder, homeowner or remodeler.

Creates Curb Appeal

We all want our homes to look beautiful and welcoming from the sidewalk. But it can be overwhelming to try to tackle the entire house. Instead, install an architecturally interesting balustrade system.

These decorative porch railings add a healthy dose of historic charm and classic elegance to any house. If you're looking to add an element of grandeur onto the front of a home, there's no better way than to add a balustrade system.

Porch with Balustrade System

2. Protects The Property

Did you know that well-crafted balustrade systems can actually protect your home from unwanted critters and animals? A design with closely spaced balusters can prevent coyotes, raccoons and other pests from getting in where they don't belong.

In addition to protecting your property against animals, a balustrade system can also ward off potential thieves. While it may not seem like much, the balusters send a message to potential intruders that you don't take the security of your home lightly.

On particularly windy days, a balustrade system can also help to keep the items on your front porch or deck from flying off. Whether it's furniture, umbrellas, cushions, toys, flowerpots, grills or fire pits, you can keep items on your porch without fear.

3. Increases Overall Safety

In addition to protecting your home itself, decorative porch railings protect those who live in and visit the house as well. Regardless of the materials used, balustrades add an element of protection wherever they're placed. They help prevent people, small children and pets from falling off the porch and can bring an overall feeling of safety to the home.

How Balustrade Systems Keep You And Your Family Safe

The primary purpose of a balustrade system is safety. The following are just a few of the many safety benefits that come with adding balustrade architecture into your home.

  • It creates a necessary barrier between the porch or deck's surface and the sometimes-precarious vertical drop. This prevents falls and offers peace of mind for those with a fear of heights or those suffering from vertigo.
  • Stair balustrading can provide balance and a sense of stability for those going up and down steps. This is important for young children, the elderly and those with disabilities.
  • The decorative railing system can increase safety and overall support during bad weather when steps can become slippery.
  • When carrying items that are heavy or cumbersome, a balustrade system can offer something to grasp onto to make the journey a little less treacherous.
Home with Stair Balustrading

4. Increases The Property Value

Did you know that by installing stone, polyurethane or fiberglass balustrading, you can actually increase your home's property value? While this may seem like a minor element in the grand scheme of things, it's a simple way to subtly boost your home's value and make it look more expensive and higher-end than it is. First impressions matter. And the nicer your home's exterior looks, the easier it will be to sell.

5. Requires Little Maintenance

Some of the most common materials of balustrading include stone, fiberglass and high-density polyurethane. These materials require very little maintenance or upkeep. In addition to this, they're highly durable and resistant to most damage, rust and erosion.

At HB&G, our balustrades are created by molding high-density urethane around strong structural elements. This creates a beautiful, durable and quality balustrading that needs little to no regular maintenance. And when it comes to yard work and maintaining your home, the less you have to worry about, the better.

6. Completely Customizable

One of the best things about a balustrade system is that it can be completely customized to seamlessly match your home's architecture, landscaping and neighborhood aesthetic. Choose from various styles, lengths, heights, decorative elements and more. We offer three rail sizes and several baluster profiles to choose from (even elegant curved designs). All of our systems are available in 10-foot sections.

And you're not limited to your porch when it comes to incorporating a balustrade system into a home. They can be used on balconies, patios and poolsides to enhance both the appearance and functionality of your space.

Experience the Benefits of a Balustrade System with the Help of HB&G

At HB&G, we offer a wide variety of porch and outdoor living products to choose from. Our gorgeous, low-maintenance designs have been creating spaces for friends and families to forge lasting memories since 1880. Reach out today for help finding the perfect baluster railing system to make your home stand out from the rest. And as always, our systems come primed white and ready to install and paint. Discover the quality, innovation and unrivaled craftsmanship of HB&G.

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