First Impression has been in the business of custom ironwork for over 17 years and it's our responsibility to help clients better understand the vocabulary associated with our products. We use terms everyday that are common to us, but realize that our customers may not be as familiar with this terminology so we decided putting together a few definitions might help you better navigate the world of
Wrought Iron Railing or Glass Railing.
First Impression manufactures and installs interior or exterior railing in both
iron or
glass.
Ornamental wrought iron railing is a dramatic and affordable improvement to any home. Not only is it visually stunning, but provides a maintenance free option to wood railing with the added strength of steel for fall protection safety. We also offer
glass railing, once thought to be associated with only resorts or high end home improvements, now an affordable alternative to iron or wood railing. Glass railing is a great combination of strength and beauty, providing a very heavy duty protective barrier with a sophisticated look and feel, allowing for practically unobstructed views. Glass railing is becoming more popular and has been a huge hit with our customers. First Impression glass railing can be custom fabricated and installed over rocks, landscaping, stairs and different types of terrain which is sloped or uneven.
Take a close look at this recent project and notice the bottom of the glass panels built to fit over the top of the landscape boulders. Doesn't it look fantastic?
So what's the difference between
fencing and
railing? "Railing" is typically installed on either the interior OR exterior of a home or business, usually on top of a short wall (pony wall), balcony or stairs for added security, fall protection, and aesthetic appeal. Our customers are often looking to replace standard builder grade wood railing that came with their home with stronger, more decorative wrought iron railing or glass panel railing enhancing the beauty of any patio, balcony or stairs.
"Fencing" is primarily installed on only the exterior of a home or business and installed into the ground to define the perimeter of a property, pet area, or protection from a swimming pool. Fencing is usually taller than railing and is made primarily for security to keep people or pets in or out.
Let's better understand a few terms our Design Consultants use throughout the
in-home estimate process that First Impression provides at no cost to our customers. You will also find these terms on
our website where you can view beautiful pictures of some of our
past railing projects.
Terminology
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Balustrade with Pickets, Baubles and Spears
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"Balustrade" - The vertical bars of iron railing are referred to as "balusters" or "pickets". Typically these are round or square and can be plain in design, twisted, hand bent, or customized in virtually any fashion. Multiple balusters are usually connected together with a horizontal piece at the bottom called a "footing" and a horizontal piece at the top called a "hand rail" or "banister". Multiple balusters connected together in this fashion are referred to as a "balustrade". Handrails are available in a plain or decorative design, and in some applications the pickets extend vertically beyond the handrail and are topped with spears. For a more decorative look, add scrolls, baubles, or baskets to your pickets or rotate every few pickets. Clients often substitute full scrolls in place of the pickets for a stunning, more ornate appearance. All First Impression railing includes installation, warranty, and in-house powder coat finish with your choice of over 60 colors in stock. We can apply a faux finish on top of the powder coating for that extra special look. We are sure to match any aesthetic desires with all of these design and color options offered by First Impression.
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| Railing with Scrolls |
"Scrolls" - Scrolls are curled pickets that can be placed between the handrail and footer on any piece of railing. Some railings are designed with ONLY scrolls and no vertical pickets at all. These scrolls add beauty and elegance to the railing, and can be designed to match other ironwork inside or outside of the home.
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Post with Decorative Post Cap
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"Post" - At the end of each section of railing are "posts" that provide structural support to the railing but can also include a decorative aspect. Decorative "post caps" can be designed to compliment the rest of your railing and sit on top of the posts. These can be designed to match the pickets or constructed of a different material such as wood for iron railing, or iron for wood railing.
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Wooden Handrail Cap
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"Finish" - First Impression stocks more than 60 powder coat colors to choose from. After we custom build your railing, it receives a high pressure phosphate wash prior to baking on the powder coat at 400 degrees to create a durable, beautiful lifetime "finish". We offer both
powder coating and
faux finishes all performed in-house to guarantee the highest level of quality control and satisfaction.
"Handrail Cap" - A decorative "handrail cap" can be mounted to the top of the handrail for additional design options. Instead of a standard flat handrail cap, try a more rounded smooth design for that special look and feel. Wooden handrail caps are another option and can provide a beautiful accent to an iron railing.
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Curved Footing
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"Footing" - The "footing" is the horizontal rail that goes along the bottom ends of the balusters or pickets. Footings can be constructed of either iron or wood and provide both stability and a decorative effect.
"Glass Railing" - First Impression glass railing is a wonderful alternative to iron railing. It preserves visibility, is low maintenance and can be custom built for any situation.
Glass railing has been growing in popularity and we have many options to choose from. Usually our glass railing is installed on the exterior of your home or business, perhaps around a patio, balcony, or along some stairs.
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First Impression Glass Railing
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Belly Bow Balcony Railing
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"Belly Bow" - A belly bow is a type of decorative railing that bows out at the bottom. Some of our customers refer to this as "Romeo and Juliet" railing. Belly bow railing is often installed around a balcony or a window and provides a stylish look in addition to fall protection.
