Are you redoing the front of your house? Adding a stairway or new porch or patio?

You can make the most of the new addition to your home by adding a wooden balustrade with feature panels. Wooden fretwork feature panels add a whole new dimension to your options for finishing off your new deck.

It’s not uncommon for metal balustrade systems to include a ‘feature panel’ – a section of the balustrade that is designed in scrollwork. It may be worked into a monogram or a motif that represents the owner’s interests.

Wooden balustrades can make use of the same design element by including a wooden feature panel. Balustrades that incorporate fretwork wooden feature panels can give you the same touch of elegance that homes with fine iron balustrades have.

One common variation of wooden dowel balustrades is a design that alternates balustrade panels of spaced wooden dowels with wooden feature panels. Generally, the wooden feature panel balustrade will be similar to those. You might choose to have only one feature panel that is centered between panels of wooden balusters, or to create the entire balustrade from wooden feature panels separated by wooden posts and rails.

Most common in Australian homes is a wooden feature panel balustrade design that incorporates relatively narrow feature panels in a carved and cutout fretwork design. The feature panel takes the place of a solid newel post, adding a decorative accent to an otherwise plain wood balustrade design.

If you decide that you’d like to incorporate wooden feature panels into your balustrade design, discuss the matter with your contractor and builders.

You should also be aware that a balustrade that uses wooden feature panels is likely to require a bit of upkeep. The flatter surfaces of the panel will need periodic washing or cleaning with a mild detergent, as well as weatherproofing and an occasional repainting. The extra work is minimal, though, in comparison to the beauty and charm that a wooden feature panel balustrade will add to your home.