A railing system has important functional parts, including the balustrade and baluster.
For example, a deck needs a rail system around its perimeter and the stairs for safety reasons.
What Is a Balustrade?
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The balusters connect to form a balustrade that holds up therailing or banister.
A balustrade’s length varies depending on its use and design.
A balustrade is also made up of supporting baluster posts, post caps, and optional decorative finials.
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Balustrades are used forstaircases,porches, terraces,balconies, roofs, and decorative structures.
What Is a Baluster?
Balusters are the vertical posts or legs that hold up the railing.
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Tip
Balusters are also known as spindles or pickets.
However, you’ll rarely hear the terms baluster and balustrade used to describe the parts of fences.
Instead, you’ll commonly hear the term pickets used when describing the vertical parts of fences.
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Shapes range from plain to ornamental.
They can be smooth or carved with embellishments and patterns.
A balustrade system made of balusters can be more detailed and ornate than a simple porch or deck railing.
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In the United States, the balusters of a balustrade may only be spaced 4 inches apart or less.
However, balustrades can also be spaced very close together, depending on the desired look.
Fun Facts
Famous balustrades:
A railing is held up by a balustrade.
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A railing is another name for a banister.
A balustrade is made up of many balusters.
A banister tops the entire length of a balustrade.
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A balustrade can be decorative and functional at the same time.
A balustrade provides a measure of safety and holds the rail system together.
A balustrade holds up the length of the rail or banister of the staircase system.
