The boring stairway banisters found in newer homes can be replaced with ones evocative of old houses with a bit of research and patience, according to a recent article in Old House Web.
Today’s banisters are simple and prefabricated for several reasons:
They’re inexpensive They can be installed quickly They reliably conform to building codes
Installing old-style wood banisters like those found in old Victorian homes, intricately carved and usually stained, can add value in several ways:
Ambiance. They’re often stained in browns and reds known to be perceived as intimate and inviting. Visibility. Banisters may not be very often used, but they are very often seen. Diligence. A carved banister creates the perception that an owner exercises great care for home construction and overall maintenance.
However, committing to a carved banister and actually finding one are two different things. You could spend a lot of money on designing and constructing a new banister, or you could search for piecemeal parts. Regardless, a bit of time and money can give your home a sense of beauty and devotion with nothing more than a couple of wood planks people grab with their hands. Little remodeling touches like this show you care about maintaining your home.
