Handrails are essential for the safety of any elevated space or staircase. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with an unattractive eye sore in your home or business. With the right design, a handrail can become the most interesting and attractive feature in any space. There are three things you’ll want to take into consideration when choosing or designing your handrail. 1. Material Choosing the right material for your handrail affects both the functionality and look of the space. You can either match existing material or choose a different medium to accentuate it. You’ll want to pick material that is durable and easy to maintain. Generally the choices are wood, stainless steel, aluminum, glass, and cables. 2. Shape The shape of your handrail should be tailored to the needs of the household or business but can also include design elements to achieve the look you desire. All handrails should follow local safety codes but there is room for adjustment for those that may need a bit more gripability. 3. Color and Design This is the fun part. Color and design are largely for aesthetic reasons. There are a host of options available that will look good in any space. Your personal or business tastes should be factored into the process to achieve the look you’re after. More simple, minimalist designs look great in a smaller home or office while custom handrails really elevate any space they’re in. Our talented team at Strother Fabrication is well-versed in custom metal fabrication and handrail design. We’ll work with you to pick the perfect material, shape, color and design for your home, office, or commercial property to enhance both its appearance and safety. Visit https://www.strotherfab.com/handrails to learn more or call us today for a free estimate!

Tips to prepare your deck or patio for the Fall season.

Your deck or patio can be your most used living space during the warmer months. But if your outdoor room is going largely unused, it’s time to make a change. Here are some things you can do to make it more inviting for family members and friends to spend time in. 1. Outdoor Furniture Comfortable seating is a must for any living space. Whether it’s a dining area, an outdoor sectional, or a set of hammock chairs, having a cozy place to relax in can make a world of difference. It’s also another way you can add your own personal style to the space. Outdoor furniture comes in a variety of colors and styles to fit any budget. Or repurpose your old furniture with new cushions and cozy pillows. 2. Accessorize Once you’ve got a comfortable seating area, it’s time to add more personal touches. Cushy decorative pillows add both comfort and a design element. Add a coordinating outdoor rug to enhance the “room” effect and provide cushion for bare feet to walk on. A colorful umbrella can provide both shade and décor if you have the space for it. 3. Plants Plants make any space more inviting. Place colorful potted plants or hanging plants around your deck or patio during the warm seasons for both color and ambiance. 4. Lights Hang lights from your pergola or trellis for an enchanted look that will invite more evening activities in your outdoor space. If you don’t have a pergola or trellis to hang them from, give us a call for a free estimate and we’ll help you design the perfect one to accent your deck or patio. 5. Custom Sunshade or Privacy Screen A privacy screen or custom sunshade can really upgrade your space with a unique design element. With many options to choose from, you can be sure to get a look that will compliment your outdoor living area while keeping you cool and increasing your privacy. If you need help figuring out just what you can do to make the most of your space, or if you’re ready to upgrade to a new deck or patio you’ll love spending time on, give us a call for a free consultation!

1. Plant Trees The right trees can provide your property with years of shade. This solution requires patience as you wait for them to grow tall enough. Another thing to consider is that trees require maintenance for both aesthetic and safety purposes. They can be hazardous if they fall victim to disease or severe weather so it’s imperative to keep them healthy. If you decide to plant trees in your yard, be sure to pick trees that are native to the area and will do well in the location you’ve selected. 2. Patio Umbrellas Patio umbrellas can be a great source of shade for small sitting areas such as table and chair sets. They are available in a variety of colors and sizes which makes them a versatile design element. Be sure to close them up and move them to a safe covered location during high winds and stormy weather as they can cause damage when knocked over. They will also need to be moved indoors for the winter. 3. Privacy Screens Privacy Screens not only keep prying eyes out of your business, but they can provide shade for your deck or patio as well. Placed strategically, they can block out the sunlight during the hours you prefer to spend time outside. At Strother Fabrication, we use Hideaway privacy screens due to their durability and attractive design. Contact us for a free estimate on installation. 4. Add a Pergola or Trellis Pergolas and trellises are a great way to add both shade and ambiance to your backyard space. There are many options to choose from and with the addition of climbing plants or added fabric, they can become the focal point and favorite hangout spot for your deck, patio, or yard. They require very little maintenance as once they’re constructed, they remain in place all year long. At Strother Fabrication, our experienced team will work with you to design the perfect structure for your backyard shade needs. Give us a call today to schedule a free estimate!

With everything going on in the world recently, people are spending more time than ever at home. Why not make the most of your space, by adding a new deck or patio to breathe new life into it? Here are three reasons you should upgrade the outside of your home and take advantage of all that a great outdoor living space has to offer.

Looking to add more privacy to your outdoor space? There's an attractive and easy solution.