If you’re planning on upgrading your stairs or are building a new flight from scratch, you’ll need to construct a balustrade. These structures are vital functional and aesthetic additions to staircases and landings, which can help prevent accidents.
So, here’s everything you need to know about balustrades and their importance to your whole staircase design, straight from our experienced team at Stair Crazy.
What is a balustrade on stairs?
Also referred to as bannisters, balustrades are the protective railing structures that run alongside your stairs and landing, enhancing safety and offering aesthetic benefits too! Typically, balustrades are made up of several stair parts, including a base rail, spindles, handrail, newel post and newel cap, which we’ll explore individually in more depth later.
Why is a staircase balustrade important?
Balustrades are a significant part of your staircase design that helps to keep stair users safe and supported while moving up and down the flight. These barriers enclose the staircase, helping to prevent sharp falls down the edge of the treads - they’re also designed to provide stability by providing individuals with something to grip when using the stairs.
Aside from safety, balustrades can really boost the stylistic appeal of your home - together with your treads and risers, this structure helps to form an impressive centrepiece that draws the eye and elevates your decor.
Parts of a balustrade
Here are the main components that make up a balustrade - these parts come in various materials, including timeless oak, stunning black oak, white-primed timber or sleek metal.
Baserail - The baserail is the unsung hero of your stair railing and provides a solid platform for your spindles to attach to. Baserails are typically installed along the edge of your landing and the stair stringer, depending on the layout of your home.
Spindles - Otherwise known as balusters, stair spindles are the vertical columns that fit the space between your base rail and handrail, the latter of which they securely prop up. Spindles are the most decorative features of your balustrade, and come in various styles, such as twist, squared or chamfered. Those with modern tastes can sometimes replace spindles with glass panels, which offer an ultra-sleek and contemporary feel.
Handrail - Your handrail is the long, horizontal stair part that runs across the top of your spindles, providing somewhere for stair users to grip. In some houses, the staircase is enclosed by two walls, so a balustrade isn’t used. In this case, a wall-mounted handrail is installed to give people the support they need to steady themselves.
Newel post(s) - Providing essential structural support and style to the balustrade structure, the newel post is the large pillar at the start of the rail. Your flight may boast more than one newel post depending on the design of your staircase. For example, if you have multiple landings, you’ll usually require more than one.
Newel cap(s) - The perfect finishing touch to any stair rail, newel caps are decorative features that sit above your newel posts. These components add much panache to your hallway or landing areas, and even shield the tops of your expensive newel posts from wear or damage.
Are balustrades a legal requirement in homes?
In domestic properties, according to Approved Document K - Protection from falling, collision and impact, you must have a balustrade by law if there’s more than a 60cm difference between the adjacent floor levels. This is to ensure that falls are prevented and people aren’t injured while using the staircase. For more information about stair safety and regulations, check out our ‘Are handrails required for houses and flats?’ blog.
Speak to the staircase specialists
If you’re in the market for top-quality stair parts to craft your dream balustrade, you’ve come to the right place. At Stair Crazy, we only stock the best oak, white-primed and metal stair components designed to transform any staircase.
Check out our wide collection today to find the products you need! Or, get in touch online if you need assistance from a team member.