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″ ball can pass through. If you want to keep balusters but lose the dated look, sleek modern iron balusters are the simplest swap.

By Douglas Lovin, owner of Cheap Stair Parts, 20+ years in stair parts · Updated 10/21/26

Spindle Alternatives at a Glance

Option	Look	Best for
Horizontal iron bars	Modern, clean lines	Modern and farmhouse stairs, indoors
Stainless steel cable	Light, almost invisible	Open views, indoors or out
Glass panels	Wide open, high-end	Contemporary homes, lofts and overlooks
Decorative iron panels	Custom, statement piece	Grand foyers and curved stairs
Modern iron balusters	Simple and updated	Keeping a classic railing with a fresh look

1. Horizontal Iron Bars

Horizontal bars run parallel to the handrail between newel posts. They’re the go-to look for modern farmhouse stairs. We sell 1/2″ and 5/8″ round horizontal bars. With 5/8″ bars, a stair typically takes 7 to 9 bars and a balcony 9 to 11, depending on how far apart your newel posts are. See the horizontal bar spacing guide for exact counts.

2. Stainless Steel Cable

Thin stainless cables run between posts and almost disappear, so you keep the view. Our AXIA system includes swageless cable that installs without a swaging tool. Cable has to be kept tight to meet the 4″ rule, so it needs solid posts.

3. Glass Panels

Glass gives the most open look of any railing. AXIA works with glass panels using stand-offs or U-channel. It costs more than bars or cable and needs regular cleaning, but nothing else looks quite like it.

4. Decorative Iron Panels

Our Rebecca iron panels replace a run of balusters with one scrolled iron panel, with straight, angled and curved pieces for stairs and balconies. They’re a statement piece for a big foyer.

5. Or Just Update Your Balusters

If you like having balusters but your wood spindles look dated, swapping to iron is the cheapest big change. Clean, simple styles like Linéa or Aalto look modern without changing the whole railing. See what it costs to replace spindles.

Check Your Code First

Whatever you choose, no opening in the railing can let a 4″ ball pass through. Some cities also limit horizontal infill, like bars and cable, because kids can climb it. Check with your local building department before you buy. See our handrail code guide.