Stair spindles chrome? (2023)

Can you just replace stair spindles?

Changing your stair balustrade (handrails, base rails, spindles and newel posts) doesn't always need to be difficult; it can be undertaken as a DIY project if you are used to working with wood. Certain systems are easier to fit as a stair DIY project than others depending on the way the pieces are held together.

A baluster and spindle is actually almost the same thing, but the word spindle is more commonly used because it is easier to remember and say. Balusters usually rest on a footing; this could be a step, floor or deck, whereas, spindles are supported by a horizontal rail at the bottom that is attached to the posts.

A baluster is an upright support, often a vertical moulded shaft, square, or lathe-turned form found in stairways, parapets, and other architectural features. In furniture construction it is known as a spindle. Common materials used in its construction are wood, stone, and less frequently metal and ceramic.

A baluster also referred to as a spindle, when multiplied they are called a balustrade. A baluster is a vertical rod that acts between the handrailing and bottom of the staircase.

Both a safety and style feature, your interior railing spindles are vital in connecting your home's overall aesthetic. However, many homeowners have outdated spindles in their space, and could benefit greatly from a new set. The most popular spindle type, wood spindles give a classic, clean feel to any home.

Q. Are all spindles the same size? A. They can vary but 8mm (5/16") square has become a general "standard" for spindles which are European manufactured although 7mm square can also be seen particularly those imported from Australia or New Zealand.

Wooden Balusters are typically more expensive than the average Iron Baluster. They are also more susceptible to damage over a long period of time and may require more maintenance.

One Upside-Down Baluster

While some say that builders purposely installed one baluster to acknowledge that “only God's creations are perfect,” others cite an English superstition saying an upside-down baluster would prevent the devil from climbing the stairs and taking anyone who may be on their deathbed.

Wrought iron, traditional baluster, horizontal wood, and basket spindles are just a few of the options to choose from. If you're wanting a modern design, you'll likely choose a sleek, black iron look with few embellishments.

How much do metal balusters cost?

Be prepared to spend between $3 and $13 per baluster. This is going to entirely depend on how fancy you want. The plain bars are under $3 each and more twists and swirls and baskets go up in price from there.

Solid vs Hollow Summary

Both balusters look virtually the same once installed. Hollow balusters are cheaper to ship, easier to handle and cut and install the same. Hollow balusters are quickly becoming the industry standard for production home building due to the cost savings and ease of installation.

U.S. building codes mandate that balusters have no more than a 4-inch gap between them. This relatively tight amount of spacing still allows for visibility between spindles, but also stands as a safety measure to prevent small children from becoming stuck between spindles or from slipping through the balusters.

Do work at least one riser ahead before installing treads. Installing two risers is one way to ensure proper strength and performance. The important thing is to remember to install riser, tread, riser, tread or install the risers first. Do use both adhesives and fasteners when possible.

What you might think of as a banister is actually composed of two important but distinct parts: A baluster is a vertical piece of aluminum, iron, or other material that positions a banister railing and gives it support so it can be used as a handrail. Most banisters have many balusters, also known as spindles.

When in doubt, one of the best paint colors for staircase spindles is white. White is timeless and goes with practically any wall color. If you're painting stained wood, white paint will brighten up your stairway significantly, even if only the spindles are painted.

Worst case is the hub and wheels leave the vehicle and the spindle hits the ground causing it to bend. In these cases the whole spindle needs to be replaced. If you have more than 1 damaged surface, it means the spindle took some abuse and it would be better to replace the spindle.

Choose a CNC spindle that has the RPM, power, and cooling you need for your material. For Wood and Aluminum, a spindle with 24,000 RPM and 1kW power is good. For Steel, RPM between 15,000-18000 and power of 5.6 kW is good for up to 12mm tool size.

At the very basic there are three types of spindle: top whorl, bottom whorl and supported. The whorl is the disk or ball that provides the weight to keep the spin going. All three types are hand spindles. Top and bottom whorl are both types of drop or hand spindles.

How much does it cost to have stair spindles replaced?

Replacing balusters (also called spindles) typically costs anywhere from $1,200 to $1,600. The average cost to replace a banister is $1,600. Putting in a handrail will likely cost anywhere from $700 to $2,500.

You may be able to modify the look of your wood staircase by simply refinishing the wood, or you can remove wood spindles and install wrought iron spindles. There are three basic methods to replacing wood balusters with wrought iron balusters, I've named these the Up-and-Down Method, the Secure Method and IronPro.

Wooden Balusters are typically more expensive than the average Iron Baluster. They are also more susceptible to damage over a long period of time and may require more maintenance. That being said, they do not lack in style and elegance.

Usually a spindle that has split along the grain line can be repaired in situ. Simply apply PVA glue into the split, squeeze the wood together, and then wipe over the surface with a damp rag. Then to help the glue set, bind your spindle together with waxed string or self-adhesive tape.

The size of the spindle (32mm or 41mm) will determine the size of this groove. Grooved handrails and base rails come with infill (also known as track or filler) which then sits between your spindles. Metal spindles tend to be used with a solid or ungrooved handrail and base rail.

Rule Of Thumb:

Allow 2 spindles per tread and 1 per tread where there is a newel on a landing.

To check the dullness of your spindles, simply compare a new spindle to a dulled one and replace when the spindle is smooth to the touch.

Be prepared to spend between $3 and $13 per baluster. This is going to entirely depend on how fancy you want.

Fortunately, replacing them is fairly easy for anyone who can use a miter saw. It just requires some advance work. First, you have to find new balusters that match your existing ones.

Are wood balusters better than iron?

Wrought iron balustrades are stronger than wooden ones and hold out better over time. Wood tends to be more susceptible to damp and termites and does need regular maintenance to keep it well preserved. Wrought iron balusters are available in far more options because iron is easier to mold and shape than wood.

As the most economical choice, Trex Select railings (shown here) offer a single, clean-looking profile in white with black aluminum balusters (spindles). Two styles of post caps, one flat and one pyramid-topped, are available.

Sanding down - Sanding will remove any old gloss or protective lacquers from the spindles, providing the perfect surface to apply the new paint for a great finish. Use fine sandpaper for this and remember to remove any carpet from the stairs first and place a sheet on the floor below to catch the dust.