From balustrades to banisters, all of which come under a category that keeps your spaces safe from falls as well as elevating the aesthetic. Whether you’re a hotel or buying your first house, keeping your area safe is vital, especially for children or vulnerable people. Boost privacy and add a flare of décor to your stairs, balconies, terraces and more with different materials and colours such as stainless steel and timber.
What does a balustrade do?
Balustrades are panels that form a protective barrier which are often used on structures such as balconies, staircases, terraces and hotels. The main objective of a balustrade is to keep an area secure and prevent falling. Balustrades have been around for centuries, as far back at the 17th century B.C. Balustrades have since developed to become more modern with materials such as glass to create elegant and sophisticated panels for a clean glass balustrade, or even become more simplistic with the creation of the frameless balustrade. While beautiful, they are also functional. A balustrade can elevate your space and improve property value on such things as a Juliet balcony, but also prevent people, children and pets from falling. Balustrades don’t only provide protection from falling but also prevent unwanted animals or thieves getting onto spaces from acting as a fence surrounding an area.
Banister vs balustrade – what’s the difference?
Balustrades and banisters are very similar concepts which can confuse people. A balustrade is a row of balusters that support a handrail, acting as an open parapet. These can be along the edge of a balcony, bridge, staircase, terrace or the eaves or a building. A banister is the structure formed by the uprights and handrail on the side of a staircase.
Baluster vs Balusters vs Balustrade
Balusters are vertical posts or legs on a railing that can be crafted from various materials such as stone, plaster, plastic, wood, iron or more. A balustrade consists of several of these balusters spaced out evenly and connected to form an appealing railing. Modern glass balustrades tend to not have vertical supports and can be exchanged with a plate of glass acting as the decorative support. This also goes for more decorative and modern metal balustrades that feature stainless steel balustrade panels in between, however you can also have metal balusters such as wrought iron balusters.
In conclusion, a baluster is a single leg, spindle or post and a set of these is referred to as balusters which contain several posts. A balustrade is all of these points joined together with a railing or banister to create a protective yet decorative wall that can be used indoors and outdoors on staircases, balconies, terraces and more.
Baluster Shapes
Balusters have been developing for centuries since around the 14th century. There have been designs found in Italy resembling flower buds which then evolved into the vasiform baluster. Vasiform balusters look like a vase with a narrow neck and a wider body. Balusters were carved out of wood or stone and have gradually adopted new materials such as iron. Another example of balusters is the symmetrical balusters which have symmetry throughout the top and bottom. These usually feature a shape in the middle of the piece to bring it together. The tops and bottoms are equal in shape and size. Spindles also came into style with balustrades, however spindles and balusters are actually different.
Baluster vs Spindle
Spindles are often confused with balusters and are usually thought of as thinner versions. However, even though they are almost the same thing, they do have a difference. Balusters usually rest on a footing such as a step, floor or deck whereas spindles are supported by a rail at the bottom that is attached to the posts. Both are key components to a safe and secure railing system that is both functional and decorative.
Thinking of implementing balustrades or banisters into your space?
Are you interested in elevating your space with a protective balustrade or banister? Get in touch with our expert team today for a quote or further advice. Our friendly experts are always on hand to guide you through the process and we’re available to deliver excellent service as seen on our TrustPilot reviews. If you’re wanting to get a quick price on balustrades, try out our 3D Balustrade Planner for an estimate on your upcoming projects. Don’t hesitate to start your project today!
