Bronze is a unique material that has been incorporated into structures dating back to ancient times, most notably Chinese Dynasties from thousands of years BC and the ancient Greco and Roman eras. The material is the namesake of the Bronze Age. Bronze is an alloy consisting primarily of copper, usually with tin as the main additive. Bronze is a beautiful and generally corrosion-resistant material. However, historical pieces were often made using brass (copper and zinc) and bronze interchangeably with different compositions, so today we use the more inclusive term “copper alloy” to describe bronze.
Bronze (copper alloy) is a stunning, durable material with which to work. Whether polished or given a darkened patina, its wide range of finishes is part of bronze’s appeal. Including bronze railings in your building design is a bold choice. But first, you must select a handrailing manufacturer with deep experience working in the material. Livers Bronze is unique in the industry with our long history of fabricating and finishing bronze materials. Our expertise in copper alloy selection, design, fabricating and finishing techniques is unrivaled in the U.S. or abroad.
Designing the handrail system
Manufacturing your custom handrailing system from bronze begins with sketching your vision, including determining the railing’s proposed mounting method and the final finish. It is important to share this information with a fabricator familiar with working with handrailing systems, and copper alloys specifically.
Choosing the right copper alloy material.
Once the design is established, it’s time to select the appropriate materials. Various copper alloys are available in the industry including custom shapes, bars and tube sections. Most providers of bronze materials are only material warehouses– they are not the best resource for completing the entire railing system. Generally, their expertise ends with the material and doesn’t extend to how bronze acts in handrailing applications. Selecting the appropriate copper alloys is critical for four reasons:
- Various alloys must be color matched today and for after years of wear.
- The alloy selection can affect the bronze’s final finish and appearance.
- The alloy’s strength is important for certain design aspects impacting final assembly.
- The alloy can determine fabrication techniques and welding processes that must be used.
Partnering with an experienced bronze handrailing fabricator.
Partnering with an experienced bronze handrailing systems manufacturer is a non-negotiable given the intricacies and knowledge associated with this sensitive metal. Livers Bronze Co. is the first and only choice for architect’s designing railings from bronze. Why?
- Our bronze railing system fabrication facility is second to none in size, scope of finishing processes and installation.
- Our bronze finishing includes: Mechanical finishes such as satin finished, non-directional finishes, polished finishes and antiqued patina finishes on the metal. Generally all bronze materials receive a final coating of lacquer, which protects the metal from further oxidization. But, keep in mind that lacquer coatings also degrade over time and wear.
- Our craftsmen are personally familiar with designing, detailing, fabricating and finishing bronze.
- We have the resources available to find the shapes required to complete your bronze railing design, regardless of the design and style.
- We have been working with bronze alloys since 1946 – and we are the industry leader.
Still Thinking bronze? Great choice!
It’s long lasting, hard wearing and ages to a beautiful finish depending on environmental conditions and ongoing maintenance. To avoid the common issues that have caused other handrailing manufacturers to abandon bronze all together, work with the industry leader. Bronze is in our name after all. Interested in learning more? Check out our list of representatives near you!