Types of balusters, their features, installation of staircase elements

There are several elements in the design of the stairs. Their types and quantities depend on the type of structure. If it is equipped with railings, balusters are used in the design, which perform several functions. These products are made from different materials, differ in shape, size. You need to choose balusters for stairs according to several criteria.

Baluster functions

Sometimes railings for stairs made of stainless steel, other metals are installed without the use of balusters. The basis for them are racks. In structures without handrails, such elements are not needed at all. But if a stationary staircase is equipped in the house, it is worth using all the elements in the design.

Balusters perform decorative and practical functions. Their presence:

• provides the stairs with additional stability, rigidity;
• gives the structure the necessary safety, ease of use;
• makes the design of the building attractive, harmonious.

Various materials are used in the creation of elements. You can use standard products, make an order for production according to exclusive sketches. Properly choosing balusters for stairs made of metal, wood, you can make them the main decoration of the design, the interior of the room.

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Materials in the manufacture of balusters

These elements are installed in street and home structures of various types. When choosing a material for balusters, all the features of the stairs, the specifics of operation are taken into account. They can be made from:

• natural or artificial stone;
• gypsum;
• polymers;
• concrete;
• glass;
• metal;
• tree.

Stone, concrete elements are used in monumental, monolithic structures. Such balusters support massive railings enclosing portals, open areas, porches, balconies, etc. These products have a solid weight and require a reinforced base.

Balusters for stairs located in a private house are most often made of metals and wood. You can use gypsum products if they suit the style of the interior. The choice of material depends on the characteristics of the staircase design, the style in which the room is decorated.

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Types of metal elements

Installation of railings made of stainless steel, other metals is usually performed on balusters made of the same material. This provides the design with a harmonious look, ease of installation. There are several types of metal support elements:

• parts of rolled metal products;
• cast products;
• forged balusters.

In the manufacture of supporting elements, metal-roll of round, square section is used. Aesthetic indicators of such balusters are low. In private homes, they are rarely used, they can complement simple street structures.

Cast products imitate artistic forging. Elements can have any shape, give the stairs a noble, solid look. The disadvantage of such products is the lack of originality. This is a mass production, not distinguished by a special variety.

Forged balusters are a priori unique. Masters of artistic forging create products according to exclusive sketches. They are designed for a specific staircase, exactly match its design and style. These items are quite expensive. But the costs of them are justified by impeccable aesthetic performance, respectability.

Various metals are used in the manufacture of products. A common, inexpensive option is carbon steel. It is used in the creation of balusters and cast iron. This is a durable, extremely durable material. But the large weight of products limits their use. Balusters, stainless steel stair railings are an excellent option for creating a modern interior. This material has excellent technological and aesthetic performance.

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Wooden balusters for stairs

Wooden balusters are very popular. These elements successfully complement classical styles, country, Provence, etc. Various types of wood are used in the manufacture. Items can be purchased from:

• oak,
• beech,
• pines,
• birch,
• larches,
• ash.

Wood has different shades and qualities. When choosing products, financial possibilities will have to be taken into account. Oak, beech balusters will require significant costs. You can purchase inexpensive pine models, imitate valuable species using tinting.

Several technologies are used in the creation of balusters. Elements of a simple form are made on lathes. Milling equipment allows you to get more complex designs with curly cuts. The most expensive technology is hand carving. Now CNC machines are used in woodworking. This equipment performs carving as well as a skilled craftsman, but the cost of such products is lower.

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Other materials in the creation of balusters

Balusters for stairs, outdoor railings must have increased strength, resistance to climatic influences. In the creation of massive structures, stone, concrete supporting elements are often used. They withstand high loads, maintain integrity in any conditions.

In the design of stairs, polymer elements are now often used. Most often, balusters are made of acrylic, polyurethane. These materials are ideally formed, products can be given any desired shape. A significant plus is the ability to give the balusters the desired shade. The advantages of such support elements include:

• resistance to any influences;
• minimum weight;
• worthy aesthetic indicators;
• simple care;
• durability;
• low price.

Gypsum is used in the creation of balusters. It is an environmentally friendly, strong and durable material. Gypsum elements fit perfectly into classical styles, Empire, Provence, etc.

Glass is becoming more and more popular.The appearance of a durable, safe triplex made it possible to design any designs in an original, stylish way. Most often, stainless steel railings are mounted on such supports. These materials are ideally combined, harmoniously fit into modern styles.

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Calculations for the selection, installation of balusters

Home craftsmen who decide to install the stairs themselves need to know the rules for choosing elements, how to fix balusters on a wooden staircase, a metal structure.

The length of the elements depends on the height of the railing. Standard handrails are installed at a distance of 70-100 centimeters from the steps. You can adjust the standard indicators if the residents of the house are tall. The height of the baluster is calculated by subtracting the thickness of the railing from the total height of the railings. For kids, you can equip the stairs with additional railings.

The required number of balusters depends on the length of the stairs. It is not worth saving on the purchase of elements due to the large distance between the supports. The building must be safe first and foremost. It is especially important to carefully observe the size of the gaps if there are small children in the house. The standard distance between balusters is 15 centimeters.

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Principles for choosing balusters for stairs

When choosing balusters for stairs, you need to consider several criteria:

• the material from which the supports, steps, railings are made;
• design style stairs, home interior;
• financial opportunities.

Wooden supports look attractive, especially if they are curly, carved elements. Shades, texture of wood invariably bring comfort and warmth to the atmosphere of the house. Stairs with such balusters in styles look perfect: country, rustic, rustic. You can use this technique to design Provence, Art Nouveau, Eco, Classics.

Balusters for stairs made of metal have a lot of advantages. These products:

• have high strength, long service life;
• not demanding on conditions;
• do not need complex care.

Due to the variety of materials, manufacturing technologies, you can choose such elements for any interior. Metal supports give the structure lightness, they go well with wooden steps, railings. For example, forged, cast balusters are widely used in classic designs, modern, and other styles. Their combination with railings, steps made of wood guarantees a respectable look to the stairs.

In modern interiors, metal stairs are often installed. If stainless steel railings are to be installed, glass can be used as a support. It can be transparent or matte, tinted, corrugated. Decor is often created on glass railings, providing the interior with uniqueness, impeccable harmony.

If you need to give the atmosphere grandeur, luxury, you can use gypsum balusters. Any designs are made from this material. It is possible to make them yourself or order professionals. Gypsum elements can be painted to ensure a harmonious combination with the interior.

Those who wish to design an original interior should pay attention to the balusters made of transparent acrylic. LEDs can be installed in such products. They will become additional sources of light, create comfort, a mysterious, romantic atmosphere.

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Methods for fixing support elements

These structural elements must be firmly fixed.This is one of the main conditions for safe use. You need to know how to fix balusters on a wooden staircase, a metal model.

The 100% wood structure uses balusters, railings and railings to create handrails. Grooves are cut out along the cross section of the supporting elements in the railings. It includes a baluster, which ensures the strength of the connection. The lower part of the support is fixed on a bowstring, step or stringer. Installation of the structure is carried out using:

• self-tapping screws,
• screws,
• metal pins.

Experts do not recommend using construction nails in fixing elements. They will not provide connections of proper strength. During operation, the divergence of elements, loosening, the appearance of a creak, etc., is inevitable.

Finished balusters for metal stairs are usually equipped with hardware for mounting on various bases. It can be:

• brackets,
• self-tapping screws,
• bolts,
• hinges.

In the connection of structural elements, welding can be used, which provides the most reliable fastening.

If it is planned to install the railing on glass supports, special hinges are used in metal structures or nozzles are fixed on their base, into which glass elements are inserted. Before fixing the balusters on a wooden staircase, grooves are created about 3 centimeters deep. Glass slides into them.

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Stages of installation of balusters on the stairs

There are several stages in the installation of balusters. Each of them deserves a responsible approach. Before fixing the balusters on a wooden staircase, a metal structure, it is necessary to mark up. Construction marker, chalk marked:

• points of placement of extreme balusters;
• locations of other supports;
• centers of each element.

The quality of the result, the aesthetic and functional qualities of the structure depend on the accuracy and accuracy of this preparation.

After marking, you can proceed to the direct fixing of the balusters. When all the elements are fully installed, the installation of the railing is carried out.

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Processing, finishing of installed balusters

Most of the supporting elements need processing, finishing. Exceptions are stainless steel balusters and railings for stairs. This material has excellent aesthetic elements, beautiful shine. Humid air, detergents do not have a negative effect. Stainless steel elements will retain their original appearance for many years. Chrome-plated products are not subjected to additional processing.

Structures made of other metal alloys need protection. Paint can provide it. A durable layer will not allow moisture to act on the metal, create a risk of rust. Now powder dyes are very popular. They have maximum strength, the layer retains its integrity for several years. An extensive palette of paint shades allows you to choose the best option for a particular interior.

The tree also needs protection. If you do not carry out proper processing, the balusters may crack, rot may appear on them, the shade will lose its attractiveness. Bark beetle damage is not ruled out. Wooden products are covered with several layers of varnish. It will not only protect the balusters, but also give them an attractive shine. You can profitably adjust the shade with dark varnishes.

If the balusters are correctly selected, installed with high quality, the staircase will perfectly fulfill its functions for several decades, decorating the home interior with dignity.

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Photo gallery - balusters for stairs

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