definition
strict definition
balustrade
A building summit formed by an ornamental railing of closely spaced molded posts, typically stone but also other materials.
A balustrade is a special kind of ornamental railing which consists of closely spaced molded posts, usually placed at the edge of a roof. Balustrades are typically built of stone but can also be made from concrete or fiberglass.
The closely spaced molded posts give the railing its form. Stone is typical, while concrete and fiberglass are expressly included.
An ornamental rail is normally a decorative metal fence. The balustrade is identified by its molded-post construction, not solely by its position at the roof edge.
