When you step into a home, the staircase is often the first thing that catches your eye. It is the architectural spine of a house, bridging levels and defining the aesthetic of the interior. While the handrail and treads provide the structure, it is the balusters—those vertical spindles that support the railing—that provide the soul. At Artistic Ornamental Iron, the Rains family has spent over two decades transforming standard staircases into works of art. They specialize in creating custom balusters that reflect the unique style of each homeowner.
As a third-generation family business, Artistic Ornamental Iron blends time-honored traditions with modern precision. Keith and Chelsey Rains lead a team that treats every project not just as a construction job, but as a legacy-building opportunity. If you are looking to elevate your Minneapolis home, understanding the meticulous process behind custom balusters is the first step toward a stunning transformation.
Here are the 7 essential steps the Rains family takes to bring your vision to life.
Understanding the importance of custom balusters can greatly enhance the beauty and functionality of your staircase.
1. Personalized Design Consultation
The journey to perfect custom balusters begins with a conversation. Unlike big-box retailers that offer “one-size-fits-all” kits, Artistic Ornamental Iron starts by understanding the specific architecture of your home and your personal style. Regardless of whether you live in a contemporary North Loop loft or a traditional Edina estate, your balusters should express the “personality” of your room.
During the consultation, the Rains family works with you to determine the layout and scale. They listen to your ideas—whether you have a Pinterest board full of inspiration or just a vague concept of “something elegant.” With over 20 years of experience, they can advise on what will work best for your specific staircase dimensions, ensuring the final product is both beautiful and code-compliant.
2. Selecting Your Signature Style
One of the most exciting parts of choosing custom balusters is the sheer variety of styles available. At Artistic Ornamental Iron, “custom” truly means custom. You aren’t limited to a catalog; you are limited only by your imagination. Popular styles include:
- Hand-Forged: Featuring the unique marks of the artisan’s hammer.
- Hammered: For a rustic, old-world texture that adds depth.
- Twisted: Classic and timeless, offering a sense of movement.
- Scrolled: Intricate “S” and “C” shapes that evoke European elegance.
- Basket: Decorative “cages” that add a three-dimensional focal point.
- Modern: Sleek, geometric lines for a minimalist aesthetic.
The Rains family thrives on unique requests. If you want to mix and match scrolls with simple twists, or incorporate a specific floral element, they have the expertise to make it happen.
3. Selecting Premium Materials
Quality ironwork starts with quality iron. Artistic Ornamental Iron uses only the finest materials available to ensure that your custom balusters aren’t just decorative but durable enough to last for generations. While many mass-produced balusters are made from thin, hollow tubes that can dent or rattle, the Rains family prioritizes structural integrity. Depending on the design, they use high-grade solid steel or heavy-duty tubing that provides a solid, premium feel under the hand.
4. The Art of Hand-Forging and Welding
This is where the “Artistic” in Artistic Ornamental Iron truly shines. Once the design is finalized and materials are selected, the Rains family gets to work in the shop. Every piece is handmade. Unlike factory-made parts that are simply glued or snapped together, these custom balusters are fully welded.
Welding ensures a seamless bond between the baluster and the rest of the railing system, preventing the “wobble” often found in cheaper alternatives. After welding, the team performs a “fine grind” of all surfaces. This labor-intensive process removes any burrs or rough spots, leaving the bare metal smooth to the touch and ready for finishing.
5. Multi-Stage Rust Protection
In the Minnesota climate, durability is a top priority. Moisture and humidity can cause damage to interior railings over time. Artistic Ornamental Iron employs a rigorous protection process that goes far beyond a simple coat of spray paint.
First, the iron undergoes an acid wash to remove any oils, debris, or microscopic scale from the fabrication process. Once fully dried, the metal is treated with a galvanized compound zinc coating. This acts as a powerful rust inhibitor, ensuring that the core of your custom balusters remains protected from the inside out.
6. The Perfect Powder-Coated Finish
To achieve that signature “Artistic” look, the Rains family applies three coats of high-quality paint followed by a baked-on powder coat finish. Powder coating is superior to traditional liquid paint because it creates a hard “skin” that is resistant to chipping, scratching, and fading.
The product is baked in a specialized oven, allowing the finish to cure into a beautifully smooth, durable surface. Whether you want a classic matte black, a shimmering oil-rubbed bronze, or a custom color to match your decor, the powder-coating process ensures the color stays vibrant for decades.
7. Professional, Tidy Installation
The final step is the most rewarding: seeing the custom balusters in your home. Artistic Ornamental Iron provides expert installation services to guarantee flawless completion of the job. Their technicians are fully insured and bonded, bringing a level of professionalism that is rare in the industry.
The installation team is known for being fast, efficient, and—most importantly—respectful of your home. They understand that a home is a sanctuary, so they take great care to leave the workspace clean and tidy. If you prefer to handle the installation yourself, they also offer the option to order custom pieces for self-installation, providing the same high-quality ironwork for the DIY-savvy homeowner.
Why Choose the Rains Family?
Choosing custom balusters from Artistic Ornamental Iron means more than just buying a product; it’s an investment in American craftsmanship. Because they are a family-owned and operated business, Keith and Chelsey Rains are personally involved in every stage. There are no hidden fees, no minimum orders, and no corporate red tape. You get honest, affordable pricing and a product that is built to your exact specifications.
When you choose custom work, you are adding significant value to your home. Wrought iron possesses a timeless appeal that is always in style. Whether you are building a new home or renovating an old one, custom balusters serve as the perfect finishing touch that ties the entire design together.
If you are ready to transform your staircase from a functional necessity into a stunning centerpiece, the Rains family is ready to help. Serving Minneapolis and the surrounding suburbs—from Edina to Maple Grove—Artistic Ornamental Iron is the Twin Cities’ premier choice for handmade excellence.
Contact Artistic Ornamental Iron today at (763) 370-2279 for a free estimate and start the journey toward your custom iron masterpiece.
For more information or to request a free estimate, visit their website at artisticornamentaliron.com or give them a call at (763) 370-2279.
As the owner of Artistic Ornamental Iron, I would like to kindly request your support in leaving a review on our Facebook page or Google. We take immense pride in our craftsmanship and personalized service, creating exquisite wrought iron products such as gates, railings, fence, and spiral staircases. Your feedback can help showcase the exceptional work we do and give valuable insights to others who may be considering our services.
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