Concrete Balusters versus Synthetic Balusters

Below we will list the differences between concrete balusters and synthetic balusters to better help people decide what baluster they will choose when building or remodeling their project. With advancements in new materials we feel most homeowners do not know what is available to them today. Having balustrade on your home will make a tremendous impact on one of the most important aspects of your project, curb appeal.

Concrete: Concrete balusters are poured into a mold. The mold is removed once the concrete has cured; the baluster is then a finished product. The seam where the mold was put together is transferred to the baluster in two places permanently; it will be 1/8" wide with small pin holes and darker in color.
Synthetic: Our balusters are made in much the same way, but when our balusters are removed from the mold it is not a finished product, we sand the baluster seams to eliminate most of the joint.

Concrete: Concrete balusters are porous, allowing water to soak into the baluster, promoting the growth of mold, and if there is a hairline crack in the baluster, water can get into the baluster and freezing and thawing can crack the entire baluster.
Synthetic: Our baluster will not soak in water, it is water resistant, therefore mold will not grow on the baluster, and we use construction adhesive and caulking on the tops to prevent water from getting into the top of the baluster.

Concrete: When installing concrete balusters on a rear deck, you have to use steel beams and steel columns to support the balustrade due to the weight; this is very costly to the homeowner. A 7" concrete balustrade system weighs approximately 200lbs per foot this mean a 10' section weighs 1 ton.
Synthetic: Because our balustrade is around 1/3 the weight, it can be installed on conventional framing, saving the homeowner that added expense. Our balustrade weighs approximately 80lbs per foot, a 10' section weighs 800lbs.

Concrete: Masons must install concrete balustrade, they have to mortar the tops and bottoms of the baluster, then cut and epoxy steel pins where each joint is. This is a very time consuming and costly process to the homeowner.
Synthetic: We have subcontractors who will travel wherever we sell our product; they can install our balusters in a fraction of the time it takes to install concrete balusters.

Concrete: Once concrete balustrade weathers, nothing can be done to return it to its original beauty. It will continue to weather year after year.
Synthetic: If after several years if our balusters start to appear weathered, local companies that remove paint from old buildings, can spray our product with a portable sandblaster and make it look virtually new again. Sandblasting removes the top layer of grime from the baluster; the color is throughout the product, leaving you with a fresh new layer of material.