Baluster

A baluster (/ˈbæləstər/ ⓘ) is an upright support, often a vertical moulded shaft, square, or lathe-turned form found in stairways, parapets, and other architectural features. In furniture construction it is known as a spindle. Common materials used in its construction are wood, stone, and less frequently metal and ceramic. A group of balusters supporting a guard railing, coping, or ornamental detail is known as a balustrade.[1][2]

The term baluster shaft is used to describe forms such as a candlestick, upright furniture support, and the stem of a brass chandelier.

The term banister (also bannister) refers to a baluster or to the system of balusters and handrail of a stairway.[3] It may be used to include its supporting structures, such as a supporting newel post.[4]

In the UK, there are different height requirements for domestic and commercial balustrades, as outlined in Approved Document K.[5]

  1. ^ One or more of the preceding sentences incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Baluster". Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 3 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 297.
  2. ^ "A row of balusters surmounted by a rail or coping" 1644. OED; "AskOxford". Archived from the original on 2007-09-29. Retrieved 2007-06-26.
  3. ^ "AskOxford". Archived from the original on 2007-09-29. Retrieved 2007-06-26.
  4. ^ "banister". Retrieved 28 April 2018 – via The Free Dictionary.
  5. ^ "Balustrade Regulations UK: Official Rules & Regs Explained". Universal Industrial Services. 9 September 2024. Retrieved 21 January 2025.
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