The difference between spindles and balusters

An architect, carpenter or contractor may refer to “balusters” when designing and building an outdoor staircase or deck. The average customer may not know the difference between a spindle, baluster, post or column. Essentially, all of these terms refer to the thin vertical posts of a handrail system.

The balusters are the close support elements used to hold a handrail at waist height, allowing for safe containment of people on a staircase or deck. Practical and decorative, they add style and support to the handrail system. Short and ornamental in shape, balusters can be made of solid wood or metal for support.

The thinner and less ornate, wooden spindles are turned on a lathe. Their design is simpler and more elegant than the heavier, more sophisticated balusters of buildings in Europe.