Ornamental Post Caps & Balusters FAQ
Product Information
Installation
Care and Cleaning
Product Information
What colors and styles do Ornamental Post Caps and Balusters come in?
32” Ornamental Round Balusters are available in black, stainless, white and bronze. Ornamental Rectangular and Contour Balusters are offered in black and bronze. Ornamental Glass Balusters are clear to provide an unobstructed view of the landscape.
The Ornamental Metal Post Caps available feature a pyramid profile with a Copper or Stainless top. Select from Copper with a Cedar base or Stainless with a Gray, Redwood or Tuscan Walnut base. The glass post caps available are Tiffany-style Grapevine, Tiffany-style Sunflower, Garnet Jewel and Sapphire Jewel.
Will the finish on Ornamental Balusters peel or chip over time?
The finish on Ornamental Balusters is guaranteed not to chip, peel, corrode or crack for a period of 10 years. All of our balusters are coated with a protective powder-coated finish that resists chipping and peeling.
Are Ornamental Balusters strong and safe?
Yes. Ornamental Aluminum Balusters are constructed of extruded aluminum and Glass Balusters are made of 5/16” thick tempered safety glass.
Will my copper post caps remain a shiny copper color?
Our copper post caps come with a thin, clear marine lacquer designed to protect them before and during installation. Once exposed to the elements, the sun’s ultraviolet rays, moisture, and pollution begin to break down this coating, exposing the metal underneath. In its natural state, copper breaks down in the elements and patinas. In general, copper progresses from a natural salmon color to a series of russet browns and grays, and finally to a blue-green or gray-green patina.
Installation
Do I need special tools to install Ornamental Balusters?
A miter saw is needed to angle the Round Aluminum Balusters for stairways. For your safety remember to wear protective clothing and safety glasses.
How many balusters and post caps will I need for my handrail?
All of our baluster kits contain the required quantity of balusters and color coordinated screws to construct one 6-foot on-center railing. The exception is the Glass Baluster Kit which contains 5 balusters for ease of shipment. Purchase 1.5 glass balusters for every lineal foot of railing.
What is the recommended baluster spacing for a typical handrail?
We suggest spacing aluminum balusters 4-1/2” on-center. This leaves 3-3/4” spacing between Round Aluminum Balusters and 3-1/2” between Contour and Rectangular Balusters, which meets most major building code requirements. We recommend spacing Glass Balusters 7-1/2” on-center for 3-1/2” spacing between balusters. Always check with your local building code official to ensure code compliance prior to installation.
How do I properly secure my post caps to each post?
Ornamental Post Caps are easily installed using an exterior adhesive and/or hot-dip galvanized finishing nails.
Care and Cleaning
How do I keep my copper post cap from turning green/patina?
To maintain the shiny look, apply a car wax immediately after purchasing the cap, and reapply every 3 to 6 months.
Can I speed up the patina process on my copper post caps?
To encourage a natural patina, remove the lacquer with mineral spirits and grade 0000 steel wool.
Will my stainless steel post caps rust?
Stainless steel is an alloy of iron that contains more then 10% chromium. Stainless steel has a hard oxide coating which makes it resistant to stains. Corrosion and wear strip away this coating causing the steel to rust. To maintain this coating, clean periodically with a mixture of vinegar and club soda.
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