Balusters

Vertical baluster railings continue to be favorites for both traditionalists and modern contemporaries alike. From elegant ornamental lathework to eclectic pairing or patterned groupings, the design options for your railing are virtually limitless. Balusters present a choice of materials, profiles, and patterns. Metal balusters are an option and can be viewed on our Metal Spindles page. Here is a catalog of our most popular wooden railing balusters.

Wooden Railing Balusters

Our wooden railing balusters are made by skilled craftsmen right here in our shop. Wood balusters are most commonly 1¾” or 1¼” thick and can be straight, or machined to one of our profiles. Custom baluster profiles are also an option.

1 ¾ Inch Profiles

Wood Railing Balusters

¼ Inch Profiles

Wood Balusters | 1 1/4 inch

How To Choose The Right Balusters

Sometimes having so many options can make the decision harder. We know how you feel. If you are having a hard time narrowing down your options it might help to think about your desired end result, then work your way back towards a conclusion. A staircase is a powerful design element that can help characterize your home. What are the final characteristics that you are hoping to achieve, and how much do you want to come through the staircase design? Remember that your balusters will be framed by the handrail and newel posts. Does the character in the post profile allow you to keep things simple with the balusters. or is there still more to achieve? Our in-house designers can help you answer all of these questions and visually compare the options to make sure you are happy with your final selections.

Balusters & Home Railing Design Trends

Designers and homeowners continue to experiment and innovate with home railing designs that push the boundaries of what we once thought was possible. Ideas like turning the balusters horizontal or replacing them with laser-cut panels have opened doors for entirely new railing systems. Here are some of the trends that are keeping vertical wooden railing balusters top-of-mind for modern homes.

Grouped Patterns

Grouped Baluster Patterns

1. Baluster Grouping

Vertical balusters can be grouped together with tighter spacing for an aesthetically pleasing look that works well with modern home designs. 

Mixed Patterns

Metal & Wood Balusters | Eclectic Pairs

2. Mixing Balusters

You can be as eclectic as you would like and combine balusters of different materials. Wood and metal work well together and can easily be combined into a variety of recurring patterns. Choose balusters that complement or contrast each other.

Common Terminology:

Baluster

Verticle railing spindles.

Base Volutes

Round or rectangular base at the side of the tread.

Carpet Tee

A wood strip installed on the bottom or back of an open riser stair with plywood treads.

Ceiling Plate

A plate where a railing system ties into the ceiling.

Closed Risers

The vertical surface of the stair between steps.

Convex Treads

The front edge of your tread is curved between stringers.

Degree of Turn

The degree in which a curved stair turns.

Designer Foot

A method to add additional support to a stair.

Diminishing Spindles

When spindles gradually change from full height to smaller heights.

Eastern Stringer

Saw Tooth or cutout stringer design in which the spindles sit on the tread of the stair.

Extended Wall Brackets

A Bracket used to attach a wall-mounted railing to the wall. Longer than the standard wall bracket.

Half Newel

A newel cut in half vertically and placed against the wall where the handrail terminates.

Handrail Volute

A custom rail curl at the base of the stair.

Inside Radius

The measurement from the center point to the inner edge of the staircase.

Mould

The material used to provide ornamental variation of outline or contours and to cover any gaps or seams between materials.

Newel

The posts used in railing construction at changes in directions and terminations.

Nosing

The front portion of the tread that overhangs the riser.

Open Risers

look at steps for extra period.

Outside Radius

The measurement from the center point to the outer edge of the staircase.

Recessed Paneling

Moulding used to create a panel effect.

Riser

Vertical dimensions from tread to tread.

Run

Horizontal dimensions from riser to riser.

Shoe

The bottom plate that the balusters/spindles are set on.

Stair Width

Width measurement from edge to edge.

Straight Treads

When the treads are straight across from stringer to stringer.

Tread

The horizontal structure where you step on.

Walk Line

A measurement into the stair that the inspectors use to determine the legal run per tread.

Wall Bracket

A bracket is used to attach a wall-mounted railing to a wall.

Wall Mounted Railing

A handrail supported by brackets that are mounted to the wall.

Wall Plate

A plate where a railing system ties into the wall.

Western Stringer

Closed stringer design in which the spindles terminate directly into.

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