A wire balustrade is a great way to add some style and class to your home. They are also very easy to install. However, there are many different ways you can install a wire balustrade.
We’ll look at the most popular methods of installing a stainless wire balustrade here, so you know what you’re getting yourself into.
Stainless Steel Wire Balustrades
The simplest way to install a stainless steel wire balustrade is by using an existing railing system. This means that you will need to cut out the area where you want the balustrade to sit, then use the existing pieces to build it up again.
You’ll also need to cut new holes for each new section of wire. The best way to do this is with a hole saw, but if you don’t have one or you prefer to make the cuts manually, you should be able to get away with just about any power tool.
If you have a lot of cutting to do, I’d recommend buying a jigsaw. It’s not as fast as a power drill or a table saw, but it does a much better job than scissors.
The next step is to assemble the sections together. You will need to attach them with screws, nails or other tools. For the most part, it doesn’t matter which method you choose, but it’s always good practice to use a screwdriver, hammer, or nail gun. If you decide to use a hammer, make sure it has a flat face on the end and it won’t dent the wood as easily.
After the balustrade is assembled, you can apply a coat of rust-resistant paint or stain to protect it from moisture and weathering.
This type of installation is generally quick and easy, but it does require some skill in order to ensure that everything fits together properly. If you mess it up, you could ruin your railing system or even damage the structure of your house.
Wooden Wire Balustradas
Another common method of building a wire balustrade is to buy a pre-made wooden railing system. These systems usually consist of multiple sections that fit together like puzzle pieces. There are many different types of railing systems available, such as the classic ladder rail or the contemporary wavy rail. Some systems are designed to go over stairs, while others are meant for balconies.
To install these systems, all you really need is a few basic hand tools, including a circular saw, a router or jig, a miter box, a hammer, and a nail gun (if you don’t have a nail gun, you can use a screwdriver).
Most wooden railings come equipped with screws to hold the parts together, but if they don’t, you will need to drill your own pilot hole before you screw them down.
If you’re going to install a wooden balustrade, you may want to consider painting it first to prevent it from absorbing too much water. Once painted, you can apply several coats of stain or lacquer to protect it from the elements.
When choosing a wooden railing system, you will need to decide whether you want it to match the decor of your house or not. If you plan to paint it, it would be best to select a railing that matches your current color scheme. Otherwise, it’s fine to leave it natural looking.
Metal Clad Balustrades
Many people prefer metal clad balustrades because they look more expensive and durable than other options. While they require a bit more work than the other two methods mentioned above, they offer superior protection against the elements.
Before you start laying down the cladding, you’ll need to prepare the surface. This means that you will need to remove any loose rocks, dirt or debris from around the base of your structure. After this, you can lay down the plastic sheeting. Be sure to stretch it tightly across the entire area where you want the balustrade to go. Next, you will need to level the ground with a trowel or leveling block. When leveling the ground, try to keep the center of the piece level and make sure the edges are straight.
Once the ground is leveled, you will need to make a template for the balustrade. You can use anything to make a template, but I recommend using cardboard or plywood. You can find these materials at a local hardware store. Now you can begin measuring the height you want your balustrade to be. Make sure that when the top panel of the balustrade meets, it creates a 90 degree angle. Then, cut the template to size. Finally, you can start laying down the metal panels.
To finish off the process, you can cover the cladding with a final layer of plastic sheeting. Once you’ve done this, you can let the cladding dry completely and then sand it down to smooth out any rough spots. You can also use a high-powered buffer to get rid of any dents or scratches. Once the cladding is finished, you can apply a coat of primer to protect it and stop it from rusting.
Ladder Rail Balustrades
Ladder rails are the easiest and most popular method of creating a wire balustrade. Ladder rails are made of aluminum and steel and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They also vary greatly depending on how far apart they are and how tall they are.
In order to construct a ladder rail balustrade, you will need several things. First, you’ll need to measure the distance between the rungs of your ladder. When making this measurement, make sure to account for the thickness of the rail itself. If you don’t, your ladder rail balustrade might become unstable after time and cause you to fall.
Next, you will need to cut the ladder rail. You can use a circular saw and a jigsaw for this task, but you can also use a table saw or a band saw instead. If you have a table saw, you should use a backsaw attachment to make sure that the cut you create is accurate.
After you’ve cut your ladder rail, you can start putting it together. Start by assembling the sides of the ladder rail. You can either do this by simply bending back the ends until they meet at right angles, or you can use a power driver to connect the parts together. Once the sides are connected, you can secure them with lag screws.
Now that you have the sides of the ladder rail attached, you should be able to connect the legs. Use a power driver to attach the bottom of the rail to the top of the leg. Then, attach the top of the rail to the rung.
Finally, it’s time to put the balustrade together. Most ladder rails come with a number of brackets that allow you to attach the rail to the wall. Just place the rail on the bracket, tighten the bolts, and you’re ready to go!
If you’re trying to figure out what kind of ladder rail balustrade would work best in your situation, be sure to check out our guide on selecting the perfect ladder rails. We’ve included several of our favorite ladder rails in that article, so you can see which ones we think are the best.