Why Limestone Balustrades Are So Popular: Natural Stone Balustrades 101

Limestone is an incredible stone that has stood the test of time and offers a delightfully traditional appeal, especially when used for balustrades. It is no surprise that countless builders in Columbus and Cincinnati feature limestone architectural designs as the central theme of their home constructions.

Thanks to experienced craftsmen offering natural stone carving services, using limestone balustrades in homes is both straightforward and cost-effective. You can easily achieve a "modernized traditional" look and give your house a bit of character in the process. Let's examine why limestone balustrades are so popular and dig into more information about natural stone balustrades.

What Is the Balustrade?

A balustrade is one of the traditional stone architectural features usually found on balconies, staircases, and raised terraces. Balustrades typically consist of a row of solid columns, called balusters, joined together by a top railing to give a defined geometry.

A balustrade serves as a basic support frame on balconies, staircases, and raised terraces and can also be used for partitioning different compartments of a space. Additionally, it can be designed to offer artistic appeal and complement the beauty of a home.

Balustrades can be made from different materials — metal, stone, glass, wood, or limestone. Amongst all these, limestone balustrades and stone balustrades have remained popular across centuries and have maintained their artistic appeal to homeowners.

The Enduring Elegance of Balustrades

Balustrades have adorned architectural masterpieces for centuries. Their origins can be traced back to ancient empires like Assyria, Persia, and Greece. Throughout history, their designs have evolved alongside architectural styles, reflecting the tastes and technologies of each era.

Medieval fortresses and cathedrals often featured stone balustrades with intricate carvings, showcasing the Gothic and Romanesque styles of the time. The Renaissance brought a love of elegance, with elaborate balustrades made from luxurious materials like marble and limestone.

Today, balustrades remain a sought-after architectural element, and limestone balustrades are especially prized for their timeless beauty, incredible durability, and design flexibility.

Famous Historical Buildings that Have Stone Balustrades

Limestone balusters are famous in historical buildings, some of which are still here with us today.

The Juliet Balcony in Verona

Famous for drama, love, and tragedy, but also famous for its classic stone balustrades is the historical Juliet Balcony in Veronica, Italy. It was Shakespeare who first wrote about this balcony, but today, modernized forms of Juliet balconies are now a thing to include in homes, most of them featuring metal or limestone balusters.

The Buckingham Palace

This building is a massive one on its own, still, it features artistically placed natural stone balusters, especially on the northeast front of the palace. Here, the Queen will often stand, speak, and wave.

The Versailles Palace

This timeless building is a lavish display of wealth that features artistically made stone balustrades. Here, the balustrades do not grace balconies alone but are also used to edge the terraces, line staircases, and sectionalize the gardens.

How Natural Stone Balustrades Are Used Today

Not everyone might appreciate the idea of achieving a sixteenth-century look with a building from the twenty-first century. Nevertheless, a limestone balustrade is still a popular choice for building today.

So long as balconies, terraces, and staircases remain a part of building and landscaping, balustrading will never become outdated. Stone balusters can be used to outline terraces, prevent accidents on raised platforms like balconies and staircases, and also divide large, open spaces such as gardens and aisles.

Stone balustrades are now being crafted using modern architectural designs, many of which the homeowners of Columbus and Cincinnati have come to love.

Why Limestone Is a Great Choice for Balustrades

‍Limestone products are appreciated for several reasons, most of which apply to why they are also commonly used for balustrades. Limestone balusters are known to serve well and their distinct glow can never be mistaken for another. Here are the top reasons why homeowners of Columbus and Cincinnati should consider using stone balustrades:

Limestone products are appreciated for several reasons, most of which apply to why they are also commonly used for balustrades. Limestone balusters are known to serve well and their distinct glow can never be mistaken for another. Here are the top reasons why homeowners of Columbus and Cincinnati should consider using stone balustrades:

Limestone Is Visually Appealing

The average homeowner in Columbus and Cincinnati would probably tell you he appreciates limestone balustrades most because of their visual appeal, especially when incorporated into architectural designs.

Moreover, because of how it has been used over the years, limestone buildings are considered the flagship style of royals. Limestone balustrades are never overpowering in color; instead, they give buildings an understated elegance that reflects class and quality.

Make Your Limestone Balustrade Uniquely Yours!

One of the significant advantages of using limestone for your balustrade project is the wide range of customization options available. Limestone can be tailored to suit your specific preferences and requirements in terms of color, texture, and finish.

• Color: Picture your dream balustrade –  creamy white, cool gray, or warm beige? Limestone's natural beauty comes in a range of hues to match your home or provide a striking contrast.
• Texture: Smooth and sleek, or textured with a rustic feel?  The choice is yours! Limestone can be customized to achieve the exact look you want.
• Finish: From a subtle honed finish to a high-gloss polish, the finishing touch protects your balustrade and enhances its unique beauty.

Limestone Balustrades Provide Safety

If there is any reason why limestone and stone buildings have remained over the years, it is mostly due to their durability. Limestone is a very strong building material, not susceptible to rust or quick collapse. This makes it the best fit for balustrades which are mostly used for safety and support.

Limestone Offers a Variety of Design Options

This natural material allows for different designs based on style and use. There are no rigid ways to design limestone balusters; simply tell the stone carver what you want and watch as your stonework vision comes to life.

Benefits of Limestone that Make It Ideal for Balustrades

Limestone’s unique formation process gives it incredible properties that make it ideal for balustrades. It's a natural wonder formed over many years from the accumulation of marine organisms:

• Durability: Limestone is a strong and durable material that can withstand the test of time and exposure to various weather conditions, ensuring the longevity of your balustrade.
• Weather Resistance: Rain, wind, or shine – limestone's natural composition means your balustrade will maintain its beauty for years to come, indoors or outdoors.
• Limitless Design: Whether you dream of intricate classic designs or sleek modern styles, limestone's versatility lets you create a balustrade as unique as your home.
• Timeless Elegance: Limestone's natural variations in color and texture add a touch of timeless elegance that complements any architectural style.
• Insulation: Limestone has excellent thermal insulation properties, helping to regulate the temperature within your home and reduce energy costs.

Maintenance Tips for Limestone Balustrades

Limestone is strong, but a little care will keep it looking its best for years to come. Here's what local experts recommend:

• Regular Cleaning: Gentle soap and water are all you need to remove everyday dirt and grime.
• Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Skip the bleach and abrasive cleaners – they can harm the surface of your limestone.
• Protect with Sealer: Apply a limestone sealer every few years to prevent stains and protect from the elements.
• Preventative Maintenance: Fix any chips or cracks quickly to avoid bigger problems later.

Ready to Design Your Dream Balustrade? Stone Center Can Help!

Limestone is a perfect material to use when you want to create ornate sculpture pieces and beautiful, long-lasting architectural buildings. Stone and limestone balusters are an excellent way to incorporate character, strength, and timeless elegance into your building designs.

Ready to elevate your home with a unique limestone balustrade? Stone Center's experts will design a custom masterpiece that reflects your style and stands the test of time.

Need help to choose the perfect limestone or to design your balustrade? Contact us today!