Douglas Lovin

Douglas Lovin

Douglas Lovin owns Cheap Stair Parts and has spent more than 20 years in the stair parts business, helping homeowners and contractors plan everything from a simple baluster swap to a full staircase remodel.

Do Balusters Need to Be Vertical?

Horizontal Bar Stair Remodel

No. In most places, balusters can run horizontally, as long as no opening lets a 4″ ball pass through. Horizontal iron bars and cable railing are both popular. Some cities limit horizontal infill because kids can climb it, so check…

What Can I Use Instead of Spindles?

What can I use instead of spindles?

The most popular alternatives to spindles are horizontal iron bars, stainless steel cable, glass panels and decorative iron panels. All four give stairs a more open, modern look, and all four still have to meet code: no opening a 4″…

Do Iron Balusters Add Value?

Yes. Swapping dated wood spindles for iron balusters is one of the most noticeable updates you can make for the money. The staircase is often the first thing buyers see when they walk in, and an updated railing makes the…

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