Remodeling Guides
Union Jack Balustrades Raise the Flag for Railing Style
Do be cross with your porch and deck railings — this intersecting balustrade design shows admirable attention to detail
In my quest to replace the iron railings on our front porch, I fell head over heels for the Union Jack balustrade. Inspired by the design of the Union Jack flag, this timber-style balustrade emphasizes the flag's diagonal pattern.
The intersecting cross design is typically set within a rectangular frame and is often repeated. With careful mathematical calculations, a skilled craftsperson is able to construct the regimented balustrade, which is often found on porches, decks and widow's walks. The design is also often combined with a stick-style rectangle, which further embellishes the Union Jack design.
The intersecting cross design is typically set within a rectangular frame and is often repeated. With careful mathematical calculations, a skilled craftsperson is able to construct the regimented balustrade, which is often found on porches, decks and widow's walks. The design is also often combined with a stick-style rectangle, which further embellishes the Union Jack design.
It's a balustrade bonanza! This beautifully landcaped Virgina home features diagonal crossed balustrades below, embellished Union Jack balustrades above and square spindles in between.
The balustrades on the upper balcony of this Chicago home beautifully echo the Union Jack design.
Combining decorative post caps, embellished railings and gabled dormers, the back elevation of this Lake Michigan home is a woodworker's dream.
Balustrades are combined with square spindles here to keep the rail system from being too busy and to let the natural beauty of the waterfront environment shine through.
Ground-level porch columns align with upper-balcony newel posts to create a uniform exterior facade here. The Union Jack balustrades help to make the second-story balcony feel very open.
A porte cochere and criss-crossing balustrades add to the vintage charm of this classic American foursquare-style home.
Union Jack balustrades are a perfect fit for this home and its gambrel roofline.
Union Jack railings are repeated on this shingle-style home's ground-level porch, upper-story balconies and widow's walk.