A baluster is Wooden balusters

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Baluster is a decorative post that serves as a support under the handrail of the stairs. Almost all modern railings are made using this element. In addition to the aesthetic function, the balusters also perform a purely practical function - they make the movement of stairs safe. They can decorate the railings not only of stairs, but also of the parapets of terraces, verandas, balconies and arbors. Let's talk about what they are and how they are mounted.

Varieties of balusters according to the material of manufacture

The balusters of modern stairs can be made from a variety of materials:

• From stone. This is the most expensive and at the same time durable type of balusters. Such elements look simply chic and are used in rich interiors in combination with stone stairs.
• Metal. In most cases, this is also an expensive type of stair balusters. In this case, they can be made of steel (chrome-plated or painted), bronze, cast iron.
• Wooden baluster is the most common and inexpensive type of enclosing staircase element today. Despite the not too high cost compared to stone and bronze options,differs in unusually esthetic appearance. Wooden balusters are usually made from birch, oak or pine.

Baluster as a security element

Baluster is, first of all, an element of the fence, which ensures the safety of movement on the stairs. Therefore, the installation of these columns should be carried out in accordance with the standards prescribed by SNiP. So, according to the rules, the distance between individual balusters should not exceed 15 cm. It is especially important to follow this recommendation in those houses where children live. With this step, they will never fall down the stairs and will not be able to stick their head between the supports of the handrail.

The height of the railing according to SNiP should not be less than 90 cm. This must be taken into account when choosing the length of elements such as balusters for stairs. If the house is inhabited by tall people, the stair railing may be higher.

The benefits of using wooden balusters

Wood is an environmentally friendly material. Therefore, balusters from it can be used on stairs installed in residential buildings without any restrictions. In addition to environmental cleanliness, wooden fences are characterized by sufficient strength and durability. Of course, like bronze, cast iron or stone, they will not last, however, with proper wood processing, their life can last for decades. The only thing is that handrails and balusters made of wood must be finished with environmentally friendly material. It can bewater-based or oil-based varnishes or various types of waxes and mastics.

In the case of using wooden balusters outdoors (on porches, terraces or verandas), the material must be treated with anti-rotten compounds.

What can be the shape of wooden balusters

Wooden baluster is a very important element of home interior. Sometimes it even happens that the entire design project of the room is built around this element. In most cases, staircase balusters have a complex curly shape. Moreover, they can be cylindrical, rectangular in cross section or flat. In the first two cases, the emphasis is on the shape of the baluster. Separate parts of the support column may have a spherical, volumetric drop-shaped, cone-shaped and other configuration. Flat balusters are often decorated with carvings. In any case, they look very aesthetically pleasing.

Decoration of the supporting railing posts

Today, handrails and balusters for stairs are covered with protective agents that leave the natural texture of wood in sight. Moreover, their shade depends on this particular breed. In this regard, they provide the designer with a wide field for the manifestation of creative abilities. As for the combinations of materials, beautifully wooden balusters are combined only with wooden steps and handrails. If the stairs are made of concrete or metal, the risers and treads in this case are usually sheathed with boards.

However, from any rule there areexceptions. Nowadays, original projects are sometimes developed using a combination of wooden balusters with other materials.

Wood balusters in the exterior of the building

In the exterior of buildings, wooden balusters can look no less impressive than in the interior. Of course, in this case they usually have a simpler form, but still often become a real "highlight" of the design of the building and yard. A terrace, porch or porch, decorated with beautiful balusters, will inevitably attract attention and delight the guests and the owners of the house.

The cost of balusters

How much can a wooden baluster cost? The price of this element of the stairs depends primarily on its design. Support columns of complex shape are more expensive, simple ones are cheaper. In general, the price of wooden balusters can fluctuate on average from 100 to 500 rubles per piece. Bronze, stone, and even cast-iron versions of railing support posts are, of course, much more expensive.

A very simple way to add variety to the interior of the house or its exterior is to use such an element as a beautiful railing. Balusters made of wood, among other things, are also not too expensive. It is definitely worth using such an element in interior design or in the yard.