Everything you need to know about metal spindles

December 03, 2024 Simon Giverin

As they look to refresh and upgrade their space, many homeowners are switching out their old wooden balusters in favour of modern metal spindles.

If metal stair spindles are something you’re considering for your flight, but you aren’t fully decided, this helpful blog should help you make an informed decision.

Throughout, we list all the benefits of metal stair components and why they’re worth investing in - you won’t want to miss this!

What are metal stair spindles?

Stair spindles are the supportive columns that are fixed between your handrail and baserail, making up part of the balustrade structure designed to protect stair users from falling down the edge of the staircase.

Spindles can be made from various materials, including wood and metal - metal stair spindles are renowned for their durability and are available in numerous metals including aluminium, chrome or steel.

Steel especially provides a strong performance and a desirable appearance when powder-coated in a black satin finish.

Why should you consider metal spindles for stairs?

The benefits of investing in metal spindles for your home are plenty, and include both performative and aesthetic advantages:

Visual impact

The main reason metal staircase spindles are so alluring to homeowners is due to their impressive decorative benefits and striking aesthetic appeal.

Creating a signature decor feature with metal spindles is simple thanks to the eye-catching black metal colouring and smooth texture, which differs greatly from other stair part materials such as wood.

Not only is the material intriguing, but metal spindles for staircases also come in an impressive array of styles that vary from simple and minimal to quirky and contemporary.

Examples of metal spindle designs include:

Wavy - Create a unique flight that’s fun and vibrant with wavy spindles - this stair part style features edges that gently curve back and forth, perfect for modern and eccentric decor.

Round - Rounded metal spindles exude calmness and tranquillity thanks to their simple curved design, which looks impressive in contemporary homes.

Square bar - Minimal and simple, square bar spindles feature straight edges, ideal for creating an eye-catching feature without being overly bold.

Square - A bold geometric style perfect for contemporary spaces or creating a stunning art deco-inspired decorative feature.

What’s more, another aesthetic avenue you can go down with metal spindles is creating an impressive contrast by pairing them with oak stair parts.

The stark contrast between the two luxurious materials offers a strong visual effect that exudes class, sophistication and extravagance, helping to boost the stylistic appeal of your hallway.

Durability and longevity

Metal stair components are renowned for their strength and robustness, and metal spindles are no exception.

Produced from hard steel, you can rest easy knowing your new spindles won’t warp, bend or break, and will continue to offer an exceptional performance.

So, your new metal staircase spindles won’t falter when it comes to preventing falls at the edges of your stairs and maintaining their appearance.

Cost-effectiveness

Given the high expected life span and robustness of metal spindles, you shouldn’t have to replace them as you would with less hardwearing parts made from pine, for example.

This ultimately saves you money in the long run and makes metal stair spindles an economical and worthwhile choice.

Low-maintenance care

Another significant selling point of metal spindles is how easy they are to look after and keep in great condition.

A simple dusting routine using a microfibre cloth is enough to prevent dust build-ups and gentle cleaning with warm soapy water every so often will help to remove fingerprints and dirt.

Just remember to rinse and dry afterwards with a fresh cloth to prevent rusting.

Are metal spindles a good option for my staircase?

Deciding whether metal spindles are a suitable choice for your home depends on the aesthetic you want to achieve.

If you want to keep your home as traditional as possible, it’s likely best to opt for solid oak spindles instead.

However, if you’re eager to add more character to your space, or want to create a contrast with your existing oak treads, metal spindles could be everything you need.