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Artistic Stairs & Railings
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Banisters

Are you wondering what the difference is between railings and banisters? If you already know, then extra points for you! A railing consists of a handrail supported by verticle posts. A banister is a railing along a staircase. This means that all banisters are railings, but not all railings are banisters. In most cases, railings and banisters are part of the same system.

Traditional banisters are supported by newel posts and balusters or iron spindles. New materials and design innovation have brought forward new systems utilizing glass and metal components. We have been installing banisters for over 40 years and have experience with all of these styles

Handrails

Wooden Handrails

Banister Handrails

We mill all of our wooden handrail profiles with the same craftsmanship and care that you will notice in all of our products. Take a look at the standard and upgraded profile options and see how wooden handrails are used in different banister systems.

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Balusters

Wood Balusters

Wood Balusters

Wood balusters come in a variety of profiles to accommodate a large variety of styles. Classic or traditional banisters use turned wood for extra ornamentation. Modern and contemporary banisters use subtle profiles, sometimes grouping balusters together to create a pattern or flow.

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Spindles

Metal Spindle Railing

Metal Spindles

Spindle stair banisters present clean lines and bring additional textures into the mix. We have spindle options for all styles, with featured collections that are well suited to new homes and staircase renovations.

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Glass

Railing Glass

Railing Glass

Glass railings have been used in commercial settings for decades and have quickly risen as one of the most popular choices for home railings and banisters. We have glass panels and structural glass systems, each with several options that can be customized to achieve the perfect aesthetic.

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Cables

Cable Railings

Cable Railings

Cable railings are part of a paradigm shift from verticle to horizontal lines in contemporary railing and banister design. Due to their superior strength, thinner guages can be used for the same level of structural integrity. This allows more light and air to pass through with an open line of sight.

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Designing Your Banister

Our award-winning design team embraces the challenge of designing creative, one-of-a-kind staircases that stand out as true works of art. The railings and banisters play an important role. Take a look at our style gallery to see both traditional and modern banister styles. Let us know which ones you like and we can set up a free consultation to start designing something spectacular for your home.

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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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