Bronze and Steel Curved Railing

Bronze is arguably one of the most difficult materials a metal fabricator can work with. Soft and expensive, it’s notoriously unforgiving.

“Creating a smooth curve in a piece of bronze or brass is honestly one of the hardest things to achieve as a metal worker,” comments Modern Metal Solutions owner, Chris Aubrey. “Once you dent or scratch it, there’s no fixing it. That mark is there forever.”

Despite that, when Chris got the request to create a curving, two-story bronze and steel railing for a new home in Brookline, MA, he was thrilled about the opportunity.

“We love a challenge,” Chris smiles. “Just because it’s difficult, doesn’t mean it can’t be done, and my guys definitely have the experience to do a job like this right.”

LDa Architecture & Interiors presented Modern Metal Solutions with an initial concept which the team refined and created detailed drawings from. With the twisting design and multiple metals at play, careful planning was necessary for minimal tolerances to create a seamless final look.

“No one wants to see or feel gaps on their beautiful custom railing,” says Chris. “We make every effort, through every phase of the project, to ensure there are none.”

The fabrication team started by carefully heating and forming the bronze cap rails into multiple smooth curves that would sit atop the black powder-coated steel balusters. Once each piece was crafted, the installation team commenced with the painstaking job of test-fitting the pieces on site.

“A lot of companies don’t take on projects like this because of the number of adjustments and readjustments required to get the fit just right,” explains Chris. “For us, it’s an essential part of the job and an important part of delivering a quality piece of work.”

The team continued through multiple rounds of adjustments, ensuring that the balusters fit to the treads with minimal tolerance and then carefully joining the bronze cap rail to the balusters, joining each piece of bronze with hairline joints for a seamless finish that required no welding.

As a final touch, the bronze cap rail was sealed with lacquer to protect it from scratches and keep it from oxidizing. The final result, a smooth, undulating rail that blended seamlessly into the wood treads of the stairs.