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What Is a Baluster?
A baluster is one of the vertical posts that runs between the handrail and the stairs. Balusters hold up the handrail and fill the open side of a staircase so nobody can fall through. They sit on the treads of the stairs, or on the floor or a shoe rail along a landing or balcony. People also call them spindles, and the whole railing, balusters and all, is called a balustrade.
Baluster vs. Spindle vs. Banister
| Word | What it means |
|---|---|
| Baluster | One vertical post between the handrail and the stairs or floor |
| Spindle | Another name for a baluster. Technically a turned wood baluster, but people use it for all of them |
| Balustrade | The whole railing: handrail, balusters and newel posts together |
| Banister | Usually the handrail, but many people use it for the whole railing |
| Newel post | The big post at the bottom, landings and corners that anchors the handrail |
See every part labeled in our parts of a stair guide.
What Do Balusters Sit On?
- Stair treads. On stairs, balusters go into holes drilled in the treads, usually 3 per tread.
- The floor. Along a landing or balcony, they go straight into the floor.
- A shoe rail. A shoe rail is a board along the floor or the top of a half wall, with a groove for the balusters. Small strips called fillets fill the gaps between them.
At the top, balusters go into holes in the underside of the handrail. On iron balusters, a base shoe covers the hole at the bottom.
Types of Balusters
- Iron balusters (also called metal spindles): steel bars in plain, twist, basket, knuckle and hammered styles. The most popular choice today. Shop iron balusters.
- Wood balusters: turned or square, usually painted or stained to match the handrail. Shop wood balusters.
- Hollow vs. solid iron: see solid vs. hollow balusters.
Baluster Rules to Know
- Spacing: no gap can let a 4″ ball pass through. That works out to about 4″ on center. See the baluster spacing guide.
- Size: most iron balusters are 1/2″ square. See baluster sizes.
- Height: they fill the space under a handrail set 34″ to 38″ high on stairs. See how tall balusters should be.
Baluster FAQ
What is a baluster on stairs?
One of the vertical posts between the handrail and the stair treads. Balusters support the handrail and keep people from falling through the side of the stairs.
Is a baluster the same as a spindle?
Yes, for most people. Spindle technically means a turned wood baluster, but the two words are used for the same part.
What are metal spindles called?
Iron balusters, metal balusters or metal spindles. Most are made from steel even though they’re called wrought iron.
What do balusters sit on?
The stair treads on a staircase, and the floor or a shoe rail on a landing or balcony.
What is a shoe rail?
A board along the floor or the top of a half wall with a groove that holds the bottoms of the balusters.
