What Are The Posts On A Handrail Called?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A newel, also called a central pole or support column

, is the central supporting pillar of a staircase. It can also refer to an upright post that supports and/or terminates the handrail of a stair banister (the “newel post”).

What are railing parts called?


A baluster

is a the vertical post onto which the handrail is affixed. It is usually a part of the guardrail system. These pillars or columns are usually decorative in design and are also referred to as the spindle.

What are the parts of a handrail called?

  • Baluster. A baluster is a short and decorative post, pillar, or column in a series that supports the top rail. …
  • Balustrade. A balustrade is a railing supported by a series of balusters. …
  • Bottom Rail. …
  • Guardrail. …
  • Hinge. …
  • Landing. …
  • Lattice. …
  • Newel Posts.

What are the vertical slats in a railing called?


Balusters

— The vertical boards that attach to the handrails. Sometimes called spindles. Beams — The horizontal boards that are attached to the post to help carry the weight.

What are bannister rails called?


Handrail

—a rail that sits on top of the baluster/spindles.

What is a balcony railing called?


A balustrade

is a name for that railing on a balcony, porch or terrace. It can be indoors or outdoors. The word comes from the French word balustre; from the Italian word balaustro and balaustra, wild pomegranate flower; from Latin balaustium from Greek balaustion; from its shape.

What is a railing used for?

To Help People Balance on Steps and Platforms: When a person loses balance on the stairs or suffers from muscle weakness, they may cling to the railing. Railings

provide stability

, which is especially important for young children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

What exactly is a banister?

The definition of a banister is

the long support that runs along the side of a staircase

. An example of a banister is a wooden rail to the side of a staircase that can be held for support.

What is a stair landing?

Landing, or platform: A landing is

the area of a floor near the top or bottom step of a stair

. An intermediate landing is a small platform that is built as part of the stair between main floor levels and is typically used to allow stairs to change directions, or to allow the user a rest.

What is the wall above the stairs called?


Kneewall

. A framed wall slightly above the noses of the stair treads with its top running parallel with the incline of the stair resulting in a closed stair – also called a pony wall or stub wall.

What is the difference between a banister and a railing?

As nouns the difference between banister and railing

is that

banister is the handrail on the side of a staircase while railing is a fence or barrier consisting of one or more horizontal rails and vertical supports

.

What’s the difference between a banister and a baluster?

The word “banister” comes from the word baluster, which is really a pomegranate flower! … Nowadays, baluster mean any brace between the handrail and footrail (or string) of a railing system. So, the

banister is really the spindle

. In general, the handrail, footrail, and balusters all components of a balustrade.

What is a stair apron?

Apron –

A trim board attached to a vertical surface used to support the projected edge of a window stool or landing nosing

. ( See also Fascia)

What are the 4 main parts of a railing?

Pieces and Parts

A wooden porch railing consists of five basic parts:

posts, top rails, bottom rails, balusters and railing cap

. Other decorative elements may be added, such as post caps, but are not necessary for a basic, sturdy design.

What is the difference between balusters and spindles?

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.

What is a stair skirt?

A skirt board on your stairs is

a long, unbroken piece of trim just for your stairs

. It either stands alone against the wall along the closed-end of your stairs, or you can run your regular baseboard along the top of it to create an unbroken line of trim from floor to floor.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.