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What's the Difference Between a Balustrade and Baluster?

Comparing Common Railing Parts

Baluster vs Balusters vs Balustrade

The Spruce / Xiaojie Liu

When building a new staircase, deck, or porch railing, or repairing an existing one, it helps to know the difference between a balustrade and a baluster, especially if it's a DIY project. A railing system has important functional parts, including the balustrade and baluster. For example, a deck needs a rail system around its perimeter and the stairs for safety reasons. Read on to learn more about the differences between balusters, balustrades, their functions, and why you need them.

What Is a Balustrade?

A balustrade is a row of small, evenly spaced vertical columns (balusters) topped by a railing (banister). The balusters connect to form a balustrade that holds up the railing or banister. A balustrade's length varies depending on its use and design. A balustrade is also made up of supporting baluster posts, post caps, and optional decorative finials. Balustrades are used for staircases, porches, terraces, balconies, roofs, and decorative structures.

What Is a Baluster?

Balusters are the vertical posts or legs that hold up the railing. Balusters are essential because they support the handrail, add style to the rail system, and close gaps to prevent accidents.

Balusters can be made of many classic materials, including carved stone, cast stone, plaster, plastics, precast concrete, wood, or wrought iron. A contemporary balustrade can be designed to include metal balusters spaced far apart to support horizontal panels of glass, plastic, or even wood.

Tip

Balusters are also known as spindles or pickets. However, you'll rarely hear the terms baluster and balustrade used to describe the parts of fences. Instead, you'll commonly hear the term pickets used when describing the vertical parts of fences.

Baluster Shapes

A baluster shape is chosen to blend with the architectural style of a house or outdoor building. Shapes range from plain to ornamental. They can be smooth or carved with embellishments and patterns. Balusters offer a wide variety of aesthetic possibilities, including:

  • Rounded
  • Square
  • Flat
  • Rectangular
  • Vase-shaped (Grecian columns)
  • Rolled wood (rustic, Craftsman, traditional, or contemporary)
  • Shaped iron (twisted, scrolled, or decorative motifs)
hardwood newel post staircase classic style interior steps stairway design

jacquesdurocher / Getty Images

Photo showing some modern light oak, straight wooden staircase spindles / balustrades, which are pictured in the hallway of a domestic house, creating a grand entrance. This oak balustrading has just been fitted, complete with matching handrails, baserails and skirting boards, and a pale beige, cream carpet on the steps / stairs.

mtreasure / Getty Images

White balusters, balcony railings. New wooden house interior

eugenesergeev / Getty Images

Nice White Vintage Style Banister over Colorful Sunset Sky Background. Beautiful Architectural Details.

Emilian Pop / 500px / Getty Images

balcony balustrade view sea terrace sky blue

Anna Nestera / Getty Images

Picture of a baluster fence with a top rail.

The Spruce / David Beaulieu

What Does a Balustrade Do?

A balustrade system made of balusters can be more detailed and ornate than a simple porch or deck railing. Beautifully designed balustrades add historic charm, classic elegance, and an element of grandeur like those found on Italian villas or around old-world palace terraces. While stylish, a balustrade has many functions, such as:

  • Preventing accidental falls off the porch, deck, or stairway
  • Improving a home's curb appeal
  • Increasing the security of your home by deterring thieves
  • Stopping wildlife and other pests from trespassing
  • Preventing items on a porch or deck from being blown off by wind and rain

Building Codes for Balustrades

Building codes dictate how a balustrade must be structured. In the United States, the balusters of a balustrade may only be spaced 4 inches apart or less. The distance of 4 inches may seem arbitrary, but it reflects the average diameter of a baby's head. The 4-inch spacing rule for balusters was designed to prevent curious children from slipping through railings or getting their heads lodged and stuck between the supporting balusters. However, balustrades can also be spaced very close together, depending on the desired look.

Fun Facts

Famous balustrades:

  • Palace of Versailles: Landscape architect Andre Le Nôtre, noted for the gardens at the Palace of Versailles, designed architectural-style gardens with open balustrades.
  • The Temple of Athena Nike in Athens: The goddess Athena Nike is depicted on the relief frieze of the balustrade.
  • Shakespeare: The Juliet character of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet stood on a balcony, but the balustrade kept her from falling off. 
FAQ
  • Is a railing the same as a balustrade?

    A railing is held up by a balustrade. A railing is another name for a banister.

  • What is the difference between a balustrade and banister?

    A balustrade is made up of many balusters. A banister tops the entire length of a balustrade.

  • What function does a balustrade have?

    A balustrade can be decorative and functional at the same time. A balustrade provides a measure of safety and holds the rail system together. A balustrade holds up the length of the rail or banister of the staircase system.