(click
to enlarge)The custom cluster style balusters in this photo are made to order.
Balusters
are the vertical components that are
a part of the banister or
balustrade on the inside of a building. Balusters typically range in cost from
about $5 to $20 each. Custom balusters can be as much as $75 each depending on
the style and the material they are made from. Common machine made
balusters supplied by most
manufacturers
are inexpensive and readily available in a variety of turnings, shapes, and
sizes.
(click
to enlarge)
The custom cluster style balusters in this photo are made to order.
Shown in the drawing below are some common balusters used in Northwest architecture today.
Spindle or Picket are acceptable terms used to describe a baluster on the exterior of a building. A spindle most commonly describes a cylindrical shaft of any kind. Therefore a spindle can be a baluster, if it is simply in the shape of a uniform round dowel and used under a rail acting as a baluster on the interior of a building. A Picket most commonly describes a square edged piece of wood on an exterior fence or deck rail to close the space to within the 4 " spacing code. On the inside of a building, the term baluster better describes the purpose and location of the component no matter what shape it is, round, square or ornate turning of any size.
A Banister (accepted) or Balustrade (proper) are the terms used to describe all of the components that make up the railing system or Guardrail. Rail, Balusters, and Newels combined produce the entire balustrade.
