Balcony Pickets

Balcony pickets are the subtle framework that gives a railing its voice. While they serve a critical safety function, their greatest strength lies in design.

The shape of a picket, which can be straight, curved, hammered, or twisted, can dramatically alter the character of a home’s exterior.

Contemporary homes benefit from streamlined, geometric spindles that add security without cluttering the view. The beauty of these details lies in their ability to bridge both safety and style, enhancing your balcony’s form while ensuring long-lasting strength.

The choice of spindle dictates the balustrade’s personality, whether it speaks with quiet strength, ornate formality, or modern simplicity.

A gently hammered texture, for instance, evokes the rugged honesty of an Arts and Crafts bungalow in Pasadena or a rustic mountain lodge in the Colorado Rockies. The bold geometry of a single or double twisted spindle will work best on a stately Tudor Revival. At the same time, a simple, elegant twist can bring a touch of timeless European charm to a traditional Colonial home.

Shaped metal spindles are especially prized for their versatility. Use a wavy design to echo the rustic character of a Texas Hill Country ranch house, and choose a smooth, belly picket on a Spanish-style overlook.

Continue reading

The picket you choose can transform your balcony tremendously. Choosing a bowed or pot belly picket gives back visual space while providing uncompromised safety. It’s the perfect solution for smaller balconies, where the added dimension creates an illusion of a larger area, or grand verandas with repeating curves establishing a powerful, elegant rhythm.

Balcony pickets can be opportunities to express your home’s story. Forget a flat, one-dimensional railing. Choose a defining feature that adds grace and distinction for years.