Frequently Asked Questions

It can work exceptionally well. Against the clean lines of a modern Eastside home, a single ornamental piece at the staircase becomes a deliberate focal point. For contemporary settings we typically simplify the design, using fewer elements, more negative space, and a restrained finish rather than a dense traditional pattern.

Most older Kirkland homes work fine. Some 1960s and 70s decks need rim reinforcement before we can mount post hardware properly.

Interior work is unaffected. For terrace and exterior balustrades near the water we specify for the humidity, using aluminum where appropriate or steel finished through a multi-step process, and select exterior grade finishing so hand applied detail stays sound in the lakeside air.

Interior railings are unaffected by the lakeside air. For exterior terrace and deck balustrades we specify for the humidity, using ornamental aluminum where appropriate or steel finished through a multi-step process, with exterior grade finishing over any hand applied detail.

Yes, when specified for it. The lakeside damp is hard on ordinary metal, so we use rust-free aluminum where it fits, finish steel through a multi-step process, and protect the hardware, so the door stays sound and operating for years.

Not if it is built for the conditions. Aluminum cannot rust, which helps under a damp, shaded canopy, and steel is finished through a multi-step powder-coat over a primer. Both are all-metal and hold up well on a wet Redmond lot.

Interior work is unaffected. For porch and exterior railings near Budd Inlet we specify for the moisture, using ornamental aluminum where its corrosion resistance helps or steel finished through a multi-step process, with exterior grade finishing over any hand applied detail.

Interior railings are unaffected. For porch and exterior work close to Commencement Bay we specify for the salt, using ornamental aluminum where its corrosion resistance helps or steel finished through a multi-step process, with exterior grade finishing over any hand applied detail.

Yes, when specified for it. The lakeside damp is hard on ordinary metal, so we use rust-free aluminum where it fits, steel finished through a multi-step process where strength or detail is wanted, and seal the posts at grade. Built this way, a fence or gate handles years on the Medina waterfront without the corrosion a generic system would show.