Wood Balusters: What They Are, How to Choose Them, and Where to Get Them
What is a Baluster?
A baluster is the vertical post that supports the handrail of a staircase, balcony, porch, or deck. It fills the space between the base and the railing and provides both safety and style. Without balusters, staircases and balconies would have large gaps that could be dangerous and look incomplete.
You might also hear some people use the term spindle. In woodworking, “spindle” and “baluster” are used interchangeably. However, “baluster” is more commonly used in architectural design and stair manufacturing. Regardless, wood balusters are a defining feature in the appearance of your stairs or porch.
Turned Wood Balusters for Staircases, Railings, and Custom Installations
A baluster is the vertical post that supports a railing—seen here in custom-turned wood styles.
Balusters vs. Spindles – Is There a Difference?
While some people believe there’s a technical difference between the two terms, in most cases, they refer to the exact same component. “Baluster” is the preferred term in construction specifications and architectural language. “Spindle” is often used in casual conversation or certain regions.
Knowing both terms is useful if you’re searching online, ordering parts, or working with contractors since you’ll encounter both in catalogs and installation guides.
Types of Wooden Balusters We Manufacture
Balusters come in a wide range of profiles. Your choice will influence the look and feel of your project, so it’s important to consider your options carefully. At H.A. Stiles, we produce balusters for everything from historic restorations to modern builds, using CNC and lathe equipment for precision and repeatability.
We manufacture:
How to Choose the Right Baluster
Selecting balusters is more than picking a style you like. It’s also about matching the right design, material, and finish to your project’s needs. Consider whether they’ll be exposed to the elements (for example, during use on a porch), the overall architectural style, and how much maintenance you’re willing to take on.
When making your decision, think about:
Why Builders & Homeowners Choose H.A. Stiles
H.A. Stiles has been producing wooden balusters for over 100 years. Our experience allows us to meet the needs of both homeowners looking for a small order and contractors requiring thousands of identical pieces. We focus on precision machining, consistent quality, and dependable delivery times.
Our customers continue to appreciate and enjoy:
Ordering Custom or Bulk Balusters
Whether you’re replacing a few spindles on a porch or supplying a commercial project, we can produce exactly what you need. We work directly with builders, architects, and homeowners regularly to ensure every baluster matches the project requirements.
If you’re ready to begin discussing the details of your project, or simply want more information before making a decision, feel free to reach out to us today for a free, obligation estimate. We’re here to help!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Wood Balusters
- All
- What is a Baluster? – Definition & Terminology
- What is a Baluster? – Design & Safety
- What is a Baluster? – H.A. Stiles Services
- What is a Baluster? – Manufacturing & Installation
- What is a Baluster? – Materials & Wood Selection
Absolutely. We can replicate an existing profile from a physical sample, photo, or detailed measurements.
Yes! H.A. Stiles specializes in both custom and bulk manufacturing of wooden balusters. We serve homeowners, contractors, large-scale projects, and more.
Most building codes follow the “4-inch rule,” meaning a 4-inch sphere should not be able to pass between balusters. This standard helps ensure safety, especially for children. However, this varies by location, so always conduct proper research before completing an installation!
Replacing outdated or worn balusters can instantly improve the look of a staircase or porch. It can make it more modern or historically accurate, depending on the chosen style and goal.
Yes. DIY installation is possible with proper planning, but it’s also essential to follow local building codes and secure each baluster correctly for safety.
Standard balusters are turned using lathes. More complex or custom designs may be produced on CNC or duplicating lathes for precision and consistency.
Western red cedar is naturally weather-resistant and lightweight. Mahogany provides exceptional durability and rich coloring for outdoor use. There are other species commonly used as well. Contact a pro for more information!
Poplar is cost-effective and smooth to machine. Soft maple offers greater durability (about 40% harder than poplar), making it ideal for interiors that see a lot of use. Contact an expert for more information on the best potential fits for your needs.
They are essentially the same component. “Baluster” is often the preferred term in architectural and manufacturing contexts. “Spindle” is often used in casual conversation or in certain regions.
A baluster is the vertical post that supports the handrail of a staircase, porch, balcony, or deck. It closes the gap between the base and the railing, providing safety and style.