The process of doing research for a staircase railing renovation project can leave you daydreaming about the final product. You may very well end up with a clear vision of what you want your staircase to look like at the end, only to be jolted back to reality when it’s time to come up with a plan.

Real life is rarely so clear-cut and neither are home renovations. You may find out that materials cost more than you thought they would or that the timeline you envisioned is unrealistic.

The best balustrade installation product is one that doesn’t break the bank while adhering to a realistic, yet efficient timeline. Here are some things to consider if your project quote is a little bit outside of your range:

Consider other materials

Whether you are using stainless steel, plasterboard, wrought iron, timber, or glass, consider whether there are less expensive alternatives with a similar finish. Cheap does not necessarily mean weak, and you will still find items that work with whatever style you wish.

Something as simple as changing the timber species can save you anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. The cheapest hardwood, Vic Ash, is a perfectly fine material to work with, and you can have it stained to the colour you want. You might also want to combine different types of wood. For instance, you can pair pine, which is a light-coloured wood, with something a little bit sturdier.

Choose other types of accessories

Many people love the idea of having a glass staircase in their home because of the sleek and streamlined look they offer. Glass spigots, in particular, ensure the panels stay in place while still looking beautiful.

If you’re looking to install glass balustrades, keep in mind that some spigots are more costly than others. The most economical solution is to get ones that clamp onto the glass instead of needing holes drilled in. It works similarly to a handrail—you can punch it with holes to fit onto the glass part, or you can clamp it on top instead.

Check for alternatives to procedures

Instead of using solid timber, consider laminated material. With laminated timber, you have the same look of solid wood, but at a reduced price. Aside from this, you could check with your custom staircase manufacturer how to keep your treads simple and cost-effective. One way they could do that is by keeping the treads to a minimum.

Going frameless can also rack up a bill. You’ll have to pay more for frameless glass balustrades since the material needs to be reinforced and compliant with building codes. Frameless types need to be engineered especially for this purpose; you cannot just use any old type of glass. Adding a thin handrail to your balustrade can also help make it stronger.

Be open to creative solutions

Some firms use proprietary designs for their clients’ custom staircases. Others design the staircase around economy, preferring solid stringers instead of floating stairs or exposed treads. Your stringers can be made entirely of timber just like your balusters and handrail, which ensures consistency in design.

Another solution would be to eliminate balusters and handrails altogether; you can have full-sized louvre windows running from the ceiling to the floor where you would have the railing. This breaks an area visually into spaces while keeping it physically open.

Conclusion

Custom handrails and balusters often require a level of expertise you wouldn’t find in all contractors. When choosing someone to do your stairs, choose providers who can offer you solutions for when your vision needs tweaking to accommodate your budget.

Aussie Balustrading is a leading Perth balustrade and railing provider. We sell steel and stainless steel stairs and wireless balustrading for commercial and residential buildings, and we pride ourselves on craftsmanship and communication. Get in touch with us today to learn more!