Menu Close

Are balusters and spindles the same thing?

Are balusters and spindles the same thing?

A baluster and spindle is actually almost the same thing, but the word spindle is more commonly used because it is easier to remember and say. Balusters usually rest on a footing; this could be a step, floor or deck, whereas, spindles are supported by a horizontal rail at the bottom that is attached to the posts.

What are spindles on a banister?

Architect’s Glossary – balusters, pickets, spindles, newels Unlike many other terms in the Architect’s Glossary, for these it doesn’t matter, they all mean the same thing – the vertical post-like part of a handrail or guardrail on a stair or floor opening.

What are the different parts of a railing called?

Parts of a Railing System

  • Baluster. A baluster is a short and decorative post, pillar, or column in a series that supports the top rail.
  • Balustrade. A balustrade is a railing supported by a series of balusters.
  • Bottom Rail.
  • Guardrail.
  • Hinge.
  • Landing.
  • Lattice.
  • Newel Posts.

What is a spindle on a staircase?

Spindles (also known as balusters) are the vertical posts that connect the base rail and handrail on a staircase. They form part of the balustrade, the collective name for the base rail, handrail, newel posts and spindles.

What is another word for balusters?

What is another word for balusters?

bannisterUK banisterUS
balustrade rail
railing guardrail
handrail baluster
bannistersUK banistersUS

Is there a difference between banister and railing?

So, what is the difference between these two items? A banister is the definition of extended support that runs alongside staircases. Banisters are interchangeable with handrails in a definition sense. Meanwhile, a stair railing is what is there to prevent you from falling off the stairs.

What’s the difference between banister and baluster?

The word “banister” comes from the word baluster, which is really a pomegranate flower! A baluster is really a shape that became an architectural detail. Nowadays, baluster mean any brace between the handrail and footrail (or string) of a railing system. So, the banister is really the spindle.

What is the difference between a banister and a railing?

A handrail is a railing intended to be held by people’s hands to support them while they walk or do something else. A handrail could, for example, be constructed along a bumpy path. A railing that is intended for any other purpose is not a handrail. A banister is a handrail along a staircase.

What is a railing used for?

Handrails are commonly used while ascending or descending stairways and escalators in order to prevent injurious falls. Handrails are typically supported by balusters or attached to walls.

What is the difference between handrail and banister?

As nouns the difference between handrail and banister is that handrail is a rail which can be held, such as on the side of a staircase, ramp or other walkway, and serving as a support or guard while banister is the handrail on the side of a staircase.

Do you need to paint the spindles on the railing?

Posted on October 16, 2018. Painting railing spindles is a painter’s purgatory. Although famously tedious, this is nevertheless a project that many home owners need done in their home. Spindles (or balusters) are often painted white to update and brighten the look of a staircase or loft railing.

How big should spindles be on deck handrails?

Use this simple lay out technique to accurately space the 1 1/2″ spindles on handrails on a deck. The building code states that a 4″ sphere cannot pass through at any point. A common mistake when installing spindles is to use a 2 x 4 block to gauge the space between the spindles at the top and the bottom.

What’s the difference between a baluster and a spindle?

However, you should not mistake a baluster or spindle for a newel post. A newel post is the large supporting post at the beginnings or endings of rail sections, most often found on more traditional stairs.

What’s the best way to space spindles on a deck?

Its simple, just use a 5″ lay out. Once the girt (the board the spindles will nail to) has been established for the top and the bottom, hook a tape measure and pull a 5″ lay out down the length of the board. In other words, mark, 5″, 10″, 15″, 20″, 25″ and so on down the length of the girt on the top.