Your spindles (also known as balusters) are the vertical posts that connect your baserail to your bannister rail, and together they form a vital part of the balustrade.
Often, spindles are the most decorative part of your staircase and provide one of the biggest opportunities to reflect your sense of style within your home.
But, with so many different options to choose from – including multiple hardwood options, various types of metals, and even glass – how can you be sure what's best for your stairs?
Here, our staircase specialists walk you through the different types of staircase spindles on offer and advice on how to choose the best type for your apples and pears.
Choosing the right spindles for your staircase
When shopping around for staircase spindles, there are a few important things you need to consider, including:
- The style of your home
Considering the overall style of your home will help massively when it comes to choosing between the various types of spindles available.
Let's say, for example, you've purchased a period property and you want to retain its traditional charm…wooden staircase spindles may be more in keeping with this old-fashioned feel.
- The type of staircase you have
Think carefully:
Is your staircase closed or cut-string?
This will help you determine how many spindles you need, as well as how long they should be, too.
Whilst closed-string staircases enclose the treads and risers, and the spindles are fixed to the baserail at the bottom and the handrail at the top, cut-string staircases leave the treads and risers exposed, meaning the spindles sit directly on top of the stair treads.
This staircase style requires two spindles per staircase tread and specific sizes - the front spindle should be at least 900mm long and the back at least 1100mm.
- The people living in your home
One of the most important things to ensure is that your staircase is safe for everyone living in your home.
If you have young children, for example, you'll be better off opting for a sturdy hardwood option that can withstand plenty of wear and tear.
By keeping all of these things in mind, you'll be able to narrow down your options and come to an easy decision.
Different types of staircase spindles
As we mentioned earlier, there are several different types of staircase spindles to choose from, including:
Wood
Wooden staircase spindles are incredibly versatile and work great in both traditional and contemporary properties.
Some of the most popular types of wooden staircase spindles include oak, pine, and primed wood, which are all super strong, resistant to wear and tear, and easy to paint if you decide you want to switch things up a little a few years down the line.
Metal
Metal is another versatile material, that works well with a range of other staircase materials in both traditional and contemporary-styled homes.
Available in brushed nickel, stainless steel, chrome, and wrought iron, all varieties of metal staircase spindles are hardwearing, require little maintenance, and are guaranteed to last in your home for decades.
Glass
More recently, homeowners who are aiming for a more luxurious modern feel are opting for glass panels in place of conventional wooden or metal spindles.
Glass panels pair beautifully with both wood and metal (especially oak and stainless steel!) and can brighten up your hallways massively by allowing more natural light to pool in through the windows.
Many people think they'll be compromising their safety when they choose glass panels, but as they are made from toughened glass, they provide a strong and steady barrier and can withstand years of use.
Shop high-quality staircase spindles at Pear Stairs
Here at Pear Stairs, we stock a plethora of the highest-quality spindles that are ideal for your staircase renovation project.
From a range of wooden spindles, to high-quality metal spindles and glass panels, we have it all and you're guaranteed to find just what you're looking for in our online shop .
If you feel too spoilt for choice, our experts would be more than happy to help you choose the perfect staircase spindles for your project. Just give us a call today on 01938 553 311 or email us at webenquiries@pearstairs.co.uk and we 'll get back to you with our top recommendations as soon as possible!
