The railings of your home staircase are responsible for supporting your steps and giving you a safe foundation for going up and down the stairs. You can customize your home's staircase inside or outside your home and give it an updated appeal by putting ornamental railings in place. Here are some designs you can consider to make your staircase look amazing.

Steel

Steel railings are not only durable, but they are also excellent for use inside and outside of the home. Consider a railing with twisted steel or ornate floral patterns interwoven into straight rods. Close-knit railing posts are safer for your home if you have children or pets who can otherwise fall through them or get their heads stuck in between railings. As an added bonus, the closer the railing posts are on an ornamental-style railing, the more solid the staircase appears and the more the decorative appeal is showcased. Since steel is long-lasting, durable, and naturally weather-resistant, it is great for indoor or outdoor use in your home.

Wood

Since wood railing posts can be carved any way you wish, you have a lot of room for a customized design with this classic medium. Consider using gnarled natural woods with exposed knots and grains for a cabin-like effect in your staircase. Or, you can choose solid wood posts in a straight design, saving your customized ornamental appeal for the railing surfaces for a more streamlined approach. Wood railings are more common inside the home, but with the right finish they can be used outside as well.

Glass

If you have a modern or contemporary home and wish to keep the open floor plan in effect, even when you have a staircase, consider glass railings instead of wood or steel styles. Glass panels are inserted along the length of your staircase, and are often reinforced with steel edges for a smooth finish. The glass is usually reinforced with a clear coating and a durable thickness to prevent accidental breakage as people go up and down your stairs. Glass railings are best suited for indoor use to protect the medium from chips and breakage.

Ornamental railings are an excellent way to make your staircase stand out in positive ways. When having new railings installed, explore your many options in materials and styles so you choose the best design for your home. Customized railings can be created for you to have a one-of-a-kind staircase you can love for as long as you own your home. Contact a company like Tampa Bay Hand Railings for more information.