Remodeling your stairs? Shop House of Forgings iron balusters and metal stair spindles: exclusive styles you can’t find anywhere else, plus the classic styles used by top builders. Stocked in our 4 U.S. warehouses, orders ship within 1 business day and arrive in 3–6 days anywhere in the continental US. Our powder-coated finishes are lead- and mercury-free.
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Proven styles, in stock and ready to ship. Hollow balusters cost less to ship and are easier to cut and install, which is why they’re quickly becoming the industry standard.
By Douglas Lovin, owner of Cheap Stair Parts, 20+ years in stair parts · Updated 10/19/26
I’ve learned a few things about stairs from 20 years of talking with customers about their stair remodels. Below are the questions I get asked most, with my advice.
Which baluster size do I need?
You mostly shop by design, not by size. I always tell customers to pick the look they love, the one that fits their home. The installation method is the same no matter which size you choose, so just get the style that best fits your home’s decor. The only caveat is when you’re removing existing balusters that leave holes behind. You can usually choose a 1/2″ square baluster and not have to alter your existing holes. Just drop the baluster in and cover the leftover gap with a shoe. If you have existing holes but go with a larger baluster, like the 3/4″ MEGA series, you may need to drill the holes out larger to fit it.
Hollow vs. solid iron balusters
Hollow and solid balusters are both plenty strong for residential stairs when installed correctly, so most people lean toward hollow these days. Hollow balusters cost less to buy and to ship, and they’re easier to handle, cut and install. We still carry solid in some styles for people who want heavy-duty sturdiness, and some hammered styles require a solid baluster to get the look. My advice: shop by style, and choose hollow if that style comes in hollow. See Solid vs. Hollow Iron Balusters.
How many balusters do I need?
Plan on about 3 balusters per foot, spaced 4 inches on center. Most building codes say a 4-inch sphere can’t pass through any opening in the railing, including the openings within the baluster’s design. On stairs, a typical tread gets 3 balusters, though some stairs get 2 per step depending on the size of the tread. The same 4-inch rule applies. Some people space them a little closer than 4 inches so they get an even number of balusters per step. Check your local code before you order. See the baluster spacing diagram.
Do I need base shoes?
Base shoes for iron balusters are mostly decorative. Most people drill round holes when they install their balusters, then use the shoe to cover any leftover gaps and imperfections from the install. Some people even use shoes at the top for the same reason. Choose a shoe that fits your baluster size. See Base Shoes for Iron Balusters.
What about iron baluster finish options?
All of our iron balusters are powder-coated, and some get a faux finish on top of that coating. Oil-rubbed bronze, for example, is a faux finish over a satin black base coat. Powder coating is a durable finish that cleans easily and lasts a long time. All of our coatings are lead- and mercury-free. Learn more about our finishes on our Finish Information page.
Iron Baluster FAQ
What is the difference between balusters, spindles and pickets?
Balusters and spindles are the same part: the vertical bars that fill the railing between the handrail and the stairs. “Baluster” is the trade term and “spindle” is what most homeowners say. “Picket” is also sometimes used but usually means the bars on outdoor or porch railings.
Can I replace wood balusters with iron?
Yes! In fact, this is the most common stair remodel, often called a wood-to-iron baluster swap. The process is usually straightforward: cut out your existing wood balusters, drop your iron balusters into the same spots, and use a shoe to hide any leftover imperfections. Most DIY jobs are done in a single weekend.
Do iron balusters meet building code?
Yes, when they’re installed correctly with the right spacing. Most U.S. codes require that a 4″ sphere can’t pass between balusters (the IRC allows 4-3/8″ on the open side of stairs), so always check your local code. Both our solid and hollow iron balusters are built for residential stair railings. See our baluster spacing diagram.
Which iron baluster finish hides fingerprints best?
Anything other than Satin Black. I strongly recommend Ash Grey if your goal is to avoid fingerprints and oily hand smudges, especially if you have kids.
Can I mix different baluster styles?
Yes, you can. A lot of customers mix styles while staying within the same size. Aalto, Linéa, Harmony and Versatile all mix well together. I would strongly avoid mixing sizes or finishes, and I would never mix brands, since finish and quality vary from brand to brand.
How tall do iron balusters need to be?
Most codes require stair handrails to be 34–38 inches above the front edge of the tread, and balcony railings to be at least 36 inches tall (42 inches in some areas). We sell 44-inch balusters as standard because each baluster’s length depends on where it sits on the step. You cut each one to size on the job site. See more about cutting below.
Do I have to cut my iron balusters to length?
Almost every stair remodel requires cutting the iron balusters to fit your stair. Every staircase is different, and depending on where a baluster sits on a step, it may be a different length than the ones next to it. Balusters are easy to cut with a bandsaw or a chop saw with a metal-cutting blade.
