Frequently Asked Questions about Balusters

Q. Can concrete balusters be used on a wooden deck?
A. Usually no, you need a solid foundation. If you have a wooden deck or a balcony where weight is an issue, select from a large variety of our synthetic polyester balusters

Q. Which type of balusters are less maintenance in a long run, synthetic or concrete?
A. Vytas Ornamental concrete balusters are by far less maintenance than synthetic polyester balusters which will not hold their value over time like the actual cast stone.

Q. Do your balusters have seams on both sides like other concrete and synthetic polyester baluster systems?
A. No, we have developed a completely different kind of system and mold making technology then what is used by competition or sold on line, therefor our balusters have seam only on one side and it is barely visible.

Q. Since synthetic polyester balusters are more expensive, is it because they are better then concrete?
A. No, synthetic polyester balustrades cost more only because of the price of the material: 10 gallons of synthetic polyester or resin costs about $350-$450, but it is easier to manufacture then concrete balusters.

Q. I read on the site selling exclusively synthetic polyester balusters that using their system there is no need for footings and that their balusters can be placed directly on grass
A. Salesmen often make all kinds of claims to sell, much like some builders who just want to get it done and get paid as quick as possible.

Q. How do synthetic polyester balusters age over time in comparison with your concrete balusters?
A. Because synthetic polyester balusters are made hollow inside, they can shrink and expand unexpectedly with weather changes leaving large gaps, are more susceptible to stains, bumps and other damage. Our concrete balusters on the other hand age very nicely and do not lose value over time like synthetic polyester.

Q. We had an expensive synthetic polyester baluster system installed on our concrete patio several years ago that was supposed to last a life time and now it’s shaky, is there any way to stabilize it?
A. Unless you can contact the company from which you bought them and ask directly (and they keep changing) we replaced quite a few of those systems where people after a while decided to just tear it down and do it right with concrete.

Q. Where can I see your actual product installed?
A. Most of our balusters shown here are in New York and New Jersey area, and we can make an appointment for you to visit.

Q. How much does your 7″ type 2 or type 3 baluster with both top and bottom railing weigh per foot?
A. About 115 lbs per foot: our top railing weighs 22.5 lbs per foot, bottom railing 24 lbs per foot, type 1 baluster weights 45 lbs each, type 2 and 3 weigh 64 lbs each.

Q. How much is a standard shipping rate for your concrete balusters and railing?
A. To ship to a customer’s home in New York or New Jersey approximately 50 feet of rail, posts and balusters it costs about $300



COMPARE CONCRETE BALUSTRADE VERSUS LIMESTONE BALUSTRADE

The reason limestone has been the choice to turn stone balusters is because it is a one of the softer stones, therefore easier to work with. With concrete balusters we instead use the strongest stones and cleanest sands available. Companies selling synthetic balusters who claim that their product has limestone or sawdust mixed in either have no clue about masonry or are using this gimmick to sell, because it absolutely makes no sense to do so.

While limestone balusters are beautiful and durable, new advancements in mold making technology allows us not only to match this quality, but to ad creativity and produce concrete balusters that are just as smooth as polished marble or limestone balusters.

Making limestone balusters is a long and complicated process with a lot of material going to waste. With our concrete balusters mold making is the most complicated process, and after that the technology and professional skills do the rest in producing the most competitive and reliable balusters on the market.



COMPARE CONCRETE BALUSTRADE VERSUS SYNTHETIC POLYESTER BALUSTRADE

While a carpenter may find it easier to handle synthetic polyester balustrades during the installation, homeowners and buyers like to see something that is stable and will not lose value over time. Below we list some of the major differences between a concrete balustrade and a synthetic polyester balustrade

Synthetic Polyester: When in several years synthetic polyester balustrade begins to loosen and wiggle to the touch, nothing can be done to return to its original stability
Concrete: Concrete balustrade is like a concrete home: once it is built, it is there to stay.

Synthetic Polyester: Balustrades made of synthetic polyester are expensive because of the cost of the material used
Concrete: Concrete Balustrades are not only more reliable and naturally beautiful, they cost about 1/3 the price of synthetic polyester

Synthetic Polyester: While suitable as a siding material or spray on bedding for pickup trucks, time has proved it can not even compare with concrete balustrades as far as durability goes.
Concrete: The weight of our 7″ balustrade system such as type 2 or 3 is about 124lbs per foot including top and bottom railing – this in combination with steel reinforcement creates stability that will last for generations and create instant impression of a timeless classic look and feel.

Synthetic Polyester: To join the railing sections of the balustrade and the posts you have to use adhesive, which can easily pop off with weather changes, like those sidings you’ve seen inside homes, only more so because balustrade is usually installed outside where extreme weather changes are common.
Concrete: with our concrete balustrade system you join the railings using mortar and re bars if necessary for an unsurpassed strength and durability.

Synthetic polyester: The look of a synthetic balustrade always remains flat and unnatural when seeing up close
Concrete: Just like a historic building, as well cast concrete balustrade ages, the beauty comes out even more over time while stability remains the same, which is not the case with the synthetic polyester balustrade.