If your staircase is looking a little worse for wear, but still has lots of life left in it, there are plenty of easy, cost-effective ways you can bring it back up to scratch.
Replacing your old spindles is just one of them, and is a surefire way to give your staircase a brand new look without breaking the bank.
Staircase spindles – sometimes referred to as balusters – form part of the balustrade, the collective name for the base rail, handrail, newel post and spindles, and are the vertical posts that sit between your hand and baserail.
There are many different styles and materials available, so you’re guaranteed to find something that fits right in with your existing staircase design.
But how do you choose the right staircase spindles?
Our staircase design specialists here at Pear Stairs discuss all the different types of spindles available, and everything you should consider when choosing them for your stairs.
Types of staircase spindles
From traditional wooden options, to ultra-modern metal designs, there’s no shortage of spindles available for your staircase.
Some of the most popular styles include:
- Wooden spindles
Wooden spindles are incredibly versatile and come in a range of visually pleasing tones, textures and wood turnings.
Whether you stick with the natural look, or go for a polished or painted finish, they’re guaranteed to look great in both contemporary and traditionally-styled properties.
- Metal spindles
Metal spindles are available in many different forms – from wrought iron and stainless steel, to brushed nickel and chrome – and are perfect for those who want to put a modern twist on their traditional décor.
- Glass panels
If you’re a lover of clean lines and the ‘barely-there’ aesthetic, replacing your old spindles with glass panels is the perfect way to upgrade your staircase, and will make your hallway feel much bigger and brighter in the process.
Choosing the right spindles for your staircase
As the most decorative part of your staircase, it’s important you get your spindles right first time, and there are a few questions you can ask yourself to help you choose the perfect staircase spindles.
1. What style staircase do you have?
Your existing staircase design will determine the best spindles for your staircase.
Closed string staircases, for example, enclose the treads and risers using a baserail positioned off to the side – which is what your spindles will be attached to.
Cut string staircases, on the other hand, leave everything exposed, so your spindles will be fixed to the treads (the horizontal part of the step that you walk on) instead. Building regulations in the UK state that you need to have two spindles attached to each tread, with the one in front measuring 900mm and the one behind 1100mm.
Then, we have diminishing staircases, where the handrail going up hits the ceiling line. As the spindles hit this line, they will begin to shorten in size.
2. What’s the overall style of your property?
Maybe you live in a period property, and want to replicate its features as closely as possible. Or, you might be fed up with your traditional décor, and want to go for something to make it a bit more modern?
Regardless of the style of your property, it plays a big part in determining the best spindles for your stairs.
3. Who lives in your property?
If you have young children and/or pets, you’ll of course want to ensure that your staircase is safe.
Whilst most spindle options are child and pet-friendly, the most popular option for parents and pet owners are wooden spindles – as glass panel alternatives, for example, will show more imperfections, including sticky fingerprints and wet nose marks.
How to install new spindles
Replacing your old staircase spindles is a relatively easy DIY job, and can be completed in a few simple steps.
Before you remove your old spindles to make room for your new ones, you’ll need to familiarise yourself with the anatomy of your staircase, and you can check out our simple guide to staircase parts to do this.
Once you’ve got the terminology down, you can get to work removing your old spindles, but the method you use depends on how your spindles are fixed to your staircase:
- Housed and nailed
First, you’ll need to remove your old spindles, and for this, you’ll need to prise off the moulding covering the treads.
Next, knock the bottom end of the spindle sideways out of its housing and pull it downwards to dislodge it.
- Housed at both ends
Cut through the shoulder line of the joint that sits on the underside of the handrail and pull the spindle out of the lower housing.
- Butt jointed and nailed
Drive the top end of your spindle backwards and the bottom end forward. Once the top is loose, it can be removed easily from its housing.
When you’ve removed all of your spindles, measure the housing where your new spindles are to be installed, and cut them down to size for a snug fit.
Need help choosing the perfect staircase spindles?
Considering the number of options available, choosing new spindles for your staircase can be an overwhelming task.
Not to worry, though. Our staircase design specialists here at Pear Stairs are here to help!
We have decades of experience helping our customer design their dream staircases, and would be more than happy to discuss your options and offer recommendations.
Give us a call today on 01938 553 311 or email us at webenquiries@pearstairs.co.uk and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Alternatively, you can browse our collection of stunning staircase spindles in our online shop for convenient home delivery!
