Abstract: A method of making a barrier portion of ornamental staircases, balconies and fences is disclosed including the use of a cutting device to create a design panel from a sheet of material. The panels are cut from materials including steel, bronze, aluminum and other metals, alloys, plastics and wood by using cutting devices such as high energy lasers, water jets and routers guided by computer. The panels are cut to emulate wrought iron panels used in prior art staircase and balcony decorative elements without the problems of requiring a skilled installer to forge the elements and weld them together and then install the elements. The panels are pre-finished in factory and are easily assembled; useable in staircases having open and closed stringers such that they can be installed by the homeowner, meet required codes and have long lasting rust free characteristics at a low cost.