How to install balusters and posts on a staircase. Forged balusters for stairs Advantages of cooperation with the company "Ekolestnitsa"

Balusters are vertical support posts, the main elements of the railing. Whether it’s a staircase railing, a bridge balustrade or a veranda fencing, it doesn’t matter, the structure and purpose are the same everywhere. From this article you will learn what balusters are and how to make them with your own hands.

What is a balustrade? - this is a railing made of figured posts connected at the top by a horizontal beam or handrail;

Fence posts perform several functions:

railing support;
ensuring security;
decorative component.

They can be visually divided into three parts:

handrail support;
central part;
baluster base.

The base of the baluster or pint is that part of the post that is attached to the step or balusters. The central part performs protective and decorative functions. A handrail is installed at the upper end. This part of the post is always made with a small allowance so that the height of the railing can be adjusted.

To make a classic balustrade, both traditional materials are used: wood, metal or concrete, and modern analogues: glass, plastic (PVC), polyurethane.

If you know what balusters are and have seen them many times, then you will agree that wood remains the most popular material for their manufacture. This is due to the ease of processing of the material and the ability to give it any shape.

Wooden balusters for stairs

Wooden balusters are made using three main technologies:

turned balusters- the most common type, which is performed on lathe using special cutters;
milled. On racks of this type there are threads in the form of a screw, braid or other decorative elements;
carved balusters, that is, pillars on which there are carving elements. For manufacturing, multi-axis computer-controlled machines are used.

Stair railings consist of balusters (posts) and posts. Entrance pillars are mounted at the beginning and end of flights of stairs, as well as at the corners of landings. They are made in the same style and differ only in height and cross-section, for example, if square balusters have a side of 45 to 50 mm, then fence posts - from 80 to 100 mm. The height differs by 10-20 cm.

In accordance with GOST 25772-83, it must be taken into account that to ensure the safe operation of the stairs, the distance between the balusters must be:

stairs for the house - no more than 15 centimeters.
combined or screen railings - 30 cm.
stairs in children's institutions - 10 cm.

Flat wooden balusters

As a rule, racks in cross section have the shape of a circle or square. However, along with the models traditional form are used and flat balusters, which are used not only as fencing for staircases, but also for gazebos, verandas, balconies and other structures.

Flat carved balusters can be installed close to each other, forming a single pattern. Thus, it is possible to create complex patterns large sizes, thanks to which wooden balustrades acquire a finished appearance.

To make flat balusters from wood, you need to stock up on blanks the right size. Choose a suitable pattern and make a sketch. Then transfer the drawing to the workpiece and cut along the contour with a jigsaw.

When the ornament is cut out, they proceed to finishing with cutters - all patterns and decorative elements are ground, made smooth and symmetrical.

What type of wood should I choose?

It is very important to choose the right material, because not only the cost of the product, but also its performance characteristics. It is recommended that steps and pillars for stairs be made from the same wood. This will avoid deformation of the structure in the future. Hardwoods are used to produce wooden posts.

Oak

Oak balusters are characterized by high wear resistance and strength, and resistance to decay. The wood has a dark brown or light brown color. An important advantage is that oak balusters are not subject to cracking and do not warp. The dense structure allows you to perform the most small details and even curved elements - all types of balusters and methods of processing the material are available.

Beech

Beech balusters are almost as good in quality and hardness as oak, but they are easy to process and bend. Wood lends itself well to impregnation with various compounds, which contributes to the long service life of varnish and paint coatings.

The disadvantage of this type of wood is that when it dries, it warps and is susceptible to rotting, so it is recommended to use beech balusters only in rooms with low humidity. Beech is used to imitate such valuable species like walnut or mahogany.

Ash

Externally, ash wood resembles oak, but is inferior to it in hardness and strength. The structure is elastic, dense and heavy. His distinctive feature is durability and resistance to rotting. Ash has beautiful texture yellowish in color with dark and light stripes. Ash balusters can withstand significant loads, especially bending loads. The wood warps a little and bends well when steamed.

Birch

This tree is used somewhat less frequently than the species described above. Birch has average density, hardness and strength with good viscosity. The disadvantage of birch is its tendency to crack, significant shrinkage, and susceptibility to rot. But at the same time, birch is easy to process, easy to glue, polish, and paint. Birch, when using appropriate dyes, can easily be given the appearance of valuable wood species: gray maple, mahogany or walnut.

Pine balusters

Pine is a soft species, making it easy to process cutting tools and lends itself well to sanding. Pine balusters are immune to temperature changes and are resistant to fungal attack. The color of the wood varies from light yellow to yellowish-red. Pine has areas with different porosity, so the paint is absorbed unevenly, which reduces the quality of the coating.

Larch

Larch balusters have a red-brown or brown color. This tree is inferior to oak in hardness, but superior to it in strength, and over time, the wood, thanks to the special composition of the resin, only becomes stronger. Larch is not subject to warping, but internal cracks may occur during the drying process. Railings and balusters made of larch are durable and do not rot.

Racks can be made from rarer and more expensive types of wood that cannot be purchased in a store. In this case, you should contact the manufacturer directly or a specialized company that produces custom-made balusters.

Machine for making balusters

Hand router

Milled balusters can be cut into homemade machine which is shown in the photo. This requires a cylindrical workpiece.

A platform is movably mounted on a threaded shaft (1) (2 - in the figure it is in a raised state), on which an electric drive (3) with a wood cutter (4) is in turn attached.

When the handle (5) is applied, the wooden piece (6) begins to rotate. At the same time, the platform moves along the shaft in a horizontal plane. As a result, a spiral line is cut out on the workpiece. The depth and width of the cut are determined by the dimensions of the cutter, and the pitch of the spiral is determined by the dimensions of the gears. Depending on the complexity of the task, making a baluster manual router takes from 15 minutes to several hours.

The production of wooden balusters can be simplified if you use a machine with a copier. In this case, a template is first prepared, as shown in the photo.

The essence of this method is that the depth of the cut is not adjusted manually, but using a thrust guide roller that moves along a template. First, the workpiece is rough processed using a roller of a larger diameter. Then a smaller diameter roller is put on and the final finishing is done. The machine for the production of balusters is shown in the figure.

The movable carriage has a manual milling machine. The cutter can move along a line perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The distance to the center of the workpiece depends on the position of the thrust guide roller moving along the template.

When using this method, balusters and railings are generally more complex and perfect in shape. CNC machines allow you to produce the most beautiful specimens of any level of complexity.

Manufacturing of wooden balusters

Making balusters from wood is a complex process that requires certain skill and equipment that will ensure rotation of the workpiece along the longitudinal axis. The lathe is most often used for these purposes.

The production of balusters consists of several stages.

Design

First of all, it is necessary to take into account the size of the stairs - the number of racks that need to be made will depend on this. The height of the baluster is determined as the difference between the total height of the railing and the thickness of the handrail with the step covering. As a rule, the value ranges from 65 to 100 cm.

Next you need to decide on the design. Samples of balusters can be found on the Internet. After the sketch is selected, you need to transfer it to the drawing, indicating the dimensions. In this case, all sections are numbered and the depth of the cuts is noted. For example, a drawing of a baluster simplest form might look like this:

All marks must be transferred to the workpiece and numbered so that you know which tool to use for this or that part.

Baluster turning

It is very important to fix the workpiece strictly in the center to avoid beating and distortion. If the workpiece has the shape of a square bar, then diagonals are drawn at the ends, and the baluster is fastened strictly at the point of their intersection. In this place it is necessary to make a recess.

To ensure that turned balusters have a rounded shape, they are sharpened using a reir. To simplify the process, professionals recommend grinding off the corners first, turning it into an octagon. To do this, using a cutter of the required width, located perpendicular to the axis of rotation, a straight cut is made to the required depth, and the workpiece takes on the following form:

Attaching wooden balusters to staircase steps - video and photo instructions

Wooden balusters can be installed on stair steps, or on a bowstring or stringer. For fixation, hardware, anchors (dowels) or special brackets are used. In this case, several rules must be observed:

the distance between the balusters should be no more than 150 mm;
height from 90 cm to a meter;
at the beginning and end flight of stairs and entry poles are installed at the corners of the site.

It should be remembered that fastening balusters with nails does not provide the structure with sufficient strength. And subsequently causes squeaks and discrepancies in parts.

Before installing the pillars on the stairs, you need to make holes in the ends, strictly in the center. To do this, you can make a simple device, consisting of a drill mounted on a chipboard board, and wooden block with hole for centering. To prevent the stand from wobbling, a block is used to fix its position.

This device allows you to drill even recesses in the base of balusters, the diameter of which is 2 mm less than the diameter of the fastener.

Installation of balusters made of hard wood is done using metal pins with a cross-section of 6-10 mm and a length of 60-100 mm or wooden dowels with a diameter of 8 to 14 mm and a length of 50-80 mm. Stair posts are secured with larger fasteners.

In the example, we will use metal studs measuring 8x100 mm for the posts and 10x100 mm for the posts.

Before installing balusters on the stairs, you need to mark the steps and determine the points to which the racks will be attached. To do this, we mark the places for the outer pillars, on the first and last steps, and screw the screws into them, but not all the way. You should not place the racks at the very edge of the step; make an indent of 5-10 cm, depending on the depth of the tread.
We stretch a fishing line between the screws, which will serve as a guide for marking the steps. Using a square, we draw center lines and mark the centers of the racks.
We make a small hole under each stand with a thin drill. Then, using a perpendicular drilling device, we drill out these recesses to a diameter of 5 mm.
We put several nuts on the outer end of the stud and screw it in. When everything is ready, remove the nuts. We repeat this for all racks and posts.
We screw the posts into the holes made in the steps. Before final fastening, we check the distance between the balusters and their alignment.

Once the installation of the balusters is complete, you can attach the handrail. To do this, we cut the upper part of the two outer posts at the desired angle, apply a strip to them and mark the place for the cut on the rest. In accordance with the markings, we saw off all the tops.

When working with miter saw, wrap the cut area with tape, this way you can avoid chipping the wood.

We use self-tapping screws to attach the railing to the posts, onto which the handrail is subsequently mounted.

The ends of the handrail are trimmed so that they fit close to the posts. WITH reverse side Niches for fasteners are cut out.

Finally, we fix the handrail to the railing rail with self-tapping screws and cover it with a decorative trim, cut into pieces and glued between the posts.

Metal balusters for stairs

Compared to wooden ones, metal balusters have a number of advantages, the main ones being their durability, ease of maintenance, and the ability to be used both indoors and outdoors. In addition, they look aesthetically pleasing and combine well with other materials. For example, you can see combined balusters, the base of which is made of stainless steel, and the core is made of glass or wood.

Metal railings, due to their variety of shapes, can become a decoration of any architectural ensemble. They are used not only as fencing for flights of stairs, but also for balconies, terraces, etc. Forged balusters for stairs look especially advantageous. Let's see what metals are used:

Stainless steel

Stainless steel balusters are undoubtedly the most popular. Benefits include:

ease of manufacturing racks. Modern methods metalworking allows you to make both seamless railings, made using welding, and modular ones, for assembly of which hardware and brackets are used;
high anti-corrosion performance. Chrome-plated stainless steel balusters are ideal for use in environments with variable temperatures and high humidity. Such products successfully resist corrosion caused by acids, chlorine solutions, alkalis and other aggressive substances;
strength steel allows you to significantly reduce the thickness of the racks and give the entire structure a lightness and feeling of airiness. The material does not lose its properties when low temperatures, which allows the widespread use of stainless steel balusters for external stairs.

Cast iron

Cast iron balusters are reliable and elegant fencing for stairs. This material has its advantages:

durability. Cast iron does not lose its aesthetic and physical properties over a long period of time, remaining beautiful and durable. It is no exaggeration to say that the staircase with cast iron balusters is built to last;
mode of production cast iron railings (casting) allows you to produce a product with the most complex configuration - any shape and filling is available.
functionality. Cast iron balusters are suitable for stairs made of any material, be it wood, metal or reinforced concrete. Based on this, one or another method of attachment to the steps is used:
1. using welding or brackets for metal stairs;
2. step concreting for monolithic structures;
3. threaded connections or installation on a dowel for solid wood steps.

Iron balusters

Iron lends itself well to forging, which makes it possible to make beautiful railings. Often, forged balusters are made to order, which allows you to adjust the balustrade to the existing design of the room, porch or balcony. Iron is susceptible to corrosion, but the use of modern protective coatings ensures resistance to environmental influences.

Forged balusters have only two drawbacks: high price and complexity of manufacture.

Metal processing methods

Metal balusters are made by casting or forging.

Forged balusters

For wrought iron railings, the most suitable are soft grades of iron, steel or copper. There are two processing methods:

cold forging;
hot.

In the first case, a workpiece is cut out of metal, which is stamped or bent to special equipment. Next they weld to it various elements forgings and decorative inserts into balusters. Method cold forging allows you to independently produce simple fencing elements. The advantage of this method is its low cost, but the disadvantage is the high labor intensity of the process.

During hot forging, the workpiece is heated to a high temperature, at which the metal becomes ductile and easily takes on the desired shape. In this case, it is possible to produce a balustrade of a more advanced shape, but this method requires deep knowledge and considerable experience in working with metal.

Cast balusters

The metal heats up to more high temperatures than in forging, in which it is melted and poured into a mold as a liquid. Most often, cast balusters are made of steel or cast iron. There are several types of casting:

in sandy-clayey forms;
by lost wax models;
in the mold;
vacuum casting and others.

The main advantage of this method is its waste-free nature and the ability to make any version of the baluster of the most ideal shape, exactly repeating the workpiece.

How to make it yourself

To make metal stands in " home conditions» The cold forging method is used. For convenience, you can use a homemade bending machine, for example, as in the photo.

Depending on the shape of the circle, metal profile can be given any shape - made different types baluster If the product consists of several elements, they are connected by spot welding.

DIY installation of balusters

During installation metal racks two main methods are used:

stage installation– the most popular method, which uses anchor fastening of balusters;
at the end of the step. More difficult option when the railings are mounted on special brackets and do not reduce the useful width of the steps;

Concrete balusters

Concrete balustrades are functional and aesthetic; they will add aristocracy and grace to your home. Thanks to the qualities of the material, the product is not afraid of dampness or sudden temperature changes. It is strong and durable.

Concrete balusters are made by pouring mortar into a mold. To make a mold, you need a model, which can be a ready-made concrete stand or a blank made of any other material. Such a model can be made from plaster on a simple machine (shown in the figure).

1 – handle for rotating the workpiece;

2 – baluster template;

3 – axis on which the gypsum mixture is applied;

4 – axle fastening.

The principle of operation of the machine is as follows: a gypsum solution is supplied to the rotating axis, the excess of which is cut off by the edges of the template and flows into a tray. Gypsum gradually accumulates, forming a baluster of the desired shape. After the solution has hardened, the blank is rolled several more times, cutting off the top layer. This is necessary because gypsum expands when it dries, and accordingly, the size of the product increases.

The rod is pre-wrapped with paper so that the plaster balusters do not stick and can be easily separated.

The resulting workpiece must be processed so that there are no open pores left. To do this, the surface is puttied and sanded. After which it must be primed and varnished. A model prepared in this way lasts much longer.

From the made blank you can remove plaster, glue or cement piece molds.

Such a machine can be used not only to prepare models necessary for the manufacture of forms, but also directly for the production of concrete racks. How this is done is shown in the video.

First, a disk is cast, the diameter of which is approximately 5 centimeters larger than the cross-section of the plaster model, and glued to its end, serving as a base. Next, places are marked on the disk for the shared pieces, from which the shell of the mold for the balusters will be formed. In these places, holes are drilled on the reverse side - these will be locks, with the help of which you can assemble the form without distortions.

The entire structure is divided in half into two rows. Next, we methodically assemble the first row, as shown in the figure. All parts are lubricated with release agent. The gypsum solution is poured between the model and the formed edge.

Molds for balusters are cast from gypsum, to which lime is added so that the material does not deform, and citric acid so that it does not set so quickly.

After hardening, the structure is disassembled and the edges are cut off. Holes are drilled on the top for pieces of the second row. The parts are coated with varnish and lubricant. The structure is reassembled, the side for the second sector is built, everything is coated and filled with plaster mortar.

The finished sectors are connected to each other. For greater strength, you can also cast the outer casing in the same way as the mold itself was cast, only it is made of two halves. For ease of use, handles are inserted into it during casting. The mold is ready, now you can start making the pillars.

There are now many molds available in stores made of polymers, fiberglass or other materials. Plastic forms are easy to use and durable. With their help, you can make balusters of any configuration with your own hands.

Making balusters from concrete

Our mold can be used for both casting and beating balusters. Both methods are widely used and have their advantages.

Baluster beating

The peculiarity of the process is that the beating of balusters is carried out using an almost dry solution. To do this, sand is mixed with cement and dry aggregate. Then pour in small portions of water evenly and mix thoroughly.

You can understand that the solution is ready and meets the requirements as follows. Take no large number mixture and squeeze in your hand. If, after unclenching the hand, the substance does not disintegrate, it is ready for use.

The prepared solution is poured into the mold in small portions, layers 50 to 100 mm thick, and compacted well, as shown in the video. This way the form is filled to the very top.

Next, carefully remove the casing and pieces of the mold. Be extremely careful, because the broken balusters have not yet had time to completely set. Until the product is completely dry, it should not be subjected to any mechanical stress. And only after two days the rack will be ready for installation.

Casting of racks

To cast concrete balusters, use a mold with a top piece in the form of a lid. Through a small hole (tap) gypsum or concrete mortar, close the neck tightly, and by rotating the mold in a horizontal plane, achieve a more uniform distribution of the solution throughout the vessel. After a couple of hours, the mold is disassembled and the casting is removed. By repeating the procedure, you can do it yourself required quantity racks

Balusters and pillars made using the methods described do not require additional sanding or putty.

Installation of concrete balusters - installation of a concrete balustrade

You need to think in advance about how you will attach the balusters. To do this, metal inserts are installed in the upper and lower parts of the mold - pins 10 cm long for the lower part and 5 cm for the upper. Sometimes they use thin reinforcement that runs through the entire rack.

If a concrete balustrade will be installed on metal staircase, then this bookmark is simply welded to the flight of stairs. If the staircase is concrete, then it is necessary to drill holes in the steps for anchors and, after installing the racks, fill them with mortar. The video perfectly shows how to properly install balusters and posts - to make a balustrade.

Stone balusters - stone balustrades

Balusters from natural stone at the same time they are both the most beautiful and expensive. Railings made from massive pillars are created special charm majesty and monumentality. A stone balustrade will serve as an excellent interior decoration, emphasizing the luxury of the home’s furnishings and personal plot. The following rocks are used for the production of stone balusters:

granite balusters. Granite is a very durable, hard and dense rock. Widely used as construction and facing material. It has high resistance to dirt and frost, as well as low water absorption. That is why granite balusters can be used both indoors and outdoors;
marble balusters. Unlike concrete, natural marble will never become moldy or crack. It is used to make railings for both indoor and outdoor structures. Used to decorate balustrades of balconies, stairs, terraces;
sandstone balusters. A special feature of this breed is the ability to polish the surface to a mirror shine. Sandstone is easy to grind and polish, but very often the stone is left with its natural roughness. The breed has a pronounced characteristic pattern and a wide color palette. Sandstone stone balusters have increased strength and are very durable.

All of the above rocks are natural and therefore expensive. What to do if you don’t have enough funds to buy natural stone. There is a way out. Today, when technology has come very far, widespread received balusters made of artificial stone. Look at the photo below. If you think that these wonderful railings are made from a natural rock, rare and very expensive. You are wrong. This stone balustrade is the result of innovative technology.

Often, unnatural material looks much better. Modern technologies are capable of many things, including simulating naturalness. The palette of colors and shades, patterns and textures will be much wider for balusters made of stone made in the laboratory.

This product has serious advantages over natural material:

wide choice of colors and textures;
imitation of absolutely any natural stone;
excellent performance characteristics;
affordable price.

Artificial stone railings are resistant to aggressive substances, such as household chemicals. Therefore, in the home, such products are preferable to natural ones.

Production process

Artificial stone balusters are produced by casting, similar to concrete ones. First, a wooden blank is turned. A plaster mold is made from it, consisting of several parts. The inside surface is coated with a layer of water-repellent lubricant. Next comes the key manufacturing stage: a special solution is poured into the mold, which, after drying, will become artificial stone. The mold is placed on the centrifuge and rotated quickly in a horizontal plane to evenly distribute the mixture. After the solution has hardened, the mold is disassembled. And the finished pillar undergoes finishing treatment to obtain shine.

Glass balusters

Nowadays, more and more often, various elements of stairs, including railings, are made from non-woven materials. traditional materials, for example, made of glass. Such pillars in combination with glass steps will give special kind stairs, creating a feeling of lightness. Glass harmonizes with all kinds of materials, from metals to plastics, which makes it possible to create combined balusters.

For production, laminated silicate glass is used, the individual layers of which are glued together with a strong polymer film. This type of glass is also called construction triplex. It is almost impossible to break: the material will not withstand a strong blow, but it will not fall into small fragments - cracks will only appear on it.

Glass balusters and pillars are fixed using fasteners made of wood or metal. These can be hinges or special attachments. Flat glass screens are inserted into a pre-cut groove or mounted on brackets.

Stands made of other materials

Polyurethane balusters
Inside the polyurethane shell is metal pipe, which gives rigidity and strength to the entire structure. Polyurethane balusters can withstand loads no less than racks made of traditional materials. But the damaged part can be easily dismantled and replaced with a new one. Their advantages also include ease of manufacture, speed of installation and low cost.

Plastic railings
Executed from polymer plastics, which are devoid of all the disadvantages of natural materials and can imitate almost any of them, for example, wood. As a rule, impact-resistant polystyrene or PVC is used, the structures of which are lightweight and highly durable.

Plaster balusters
Often used as templates and samples for making stands from other materials. They are very similar in appearance to their concrete counterparts and are produced in the same way. The main advantages are:

the ability to implement the most daring design solutions;
environmental cleanliness of raw materials;
resistance to shrinkage and deformation;
light weight and ease of installation.

At the same time, gypsum balusters are durable, and if necessary, such a structure can be easily repaired.

There are other types of balusters from various materials and designs.

Conclusion

Now you know what a baluster is and what a balustrade is and you are able to operate with the information received when purchasing or manufacturing these staircase elements. Don't be afraid to experiment and the result will exceed all your expectations.

Wooden balusters have been known since the mid-19th century. Three-dimensional vertical parts carved from wood were used by ancient craftsmen to decorate porticos and pediments of houses. They not only performed a decorative function, but were used as posts or fencing for balconies.

The platband of the window of the peasant's hut's lighthouse repeats the portico, and eight twisted balusters are equipped with capitals. If stone craftsmen have become famous in other countries, then we have wood carvers.

Nowadays, with the increase in the volume of individual housing construction, the need for wooden, artistically designed balusters is increasing every year.

Wood for balusters

Wooden balusters for stairs for their production require wood that is correctly selected and prepared in equipment special for these purposes. Three types of wood are determined by hardness:

Soft (linden, alder and aspen);
Hard (oak, birch, pear, walnut and maple);
Very hard (yew, hornbeam and boxwood).

Each felled tree of these species must be considered as a source of raw material for obtaining beautiful balusters. If we cut a trunk at different angles, we will get cuts with different unique textures and specific color scheme. Almost balusters can be made from any type of wood.

Linden wood is soft and uniform. There is little water and it does not crack or warp when dried. During processing hand tools The viscosity of linden is used to construct massive pillars on the stairs.

Aspen is from the willow family. Soft, unusually white, clean and uniform wood is used for decorative overhead balusters. Practically not affected by worms. Resistant to impact sunlight. When dried, it almost does not crack.

The hardness of birch wood is average, very durable, quite elastic. It has a relief and reflects in different directions. Products made from Karelian birch are especially valuable.

Carved wooden balusters made from such birch have a unique texture. Used only in heated rooms. In the open air it quickly begins to rot. The high cost of harvesting wood from oak and beech does not allow large-scale use in construction. Staircases made from red wood have a unique look.

Oak wood is hard and not afraid of water. Products made from mahogany wood are considered expensive and almost eternal. TO hard rocks include apple, cherry, walnut, sour cherry and rowan. Usage garden trees in the manufacture of balusters is limited by their size and shape of the trunk.

Flaws and defects divide wood into nine groups. Knots are a defect that reduces strength and complicates processing. A small amount decorate the texture. Mushroom colors are a sign of the beginning of decay.

A defect such as chemical coloring only spoils the appearance of the tree. Oxidation of tannins in wood occurs. This defect appears if logging was carried out by floatation or if the material was rapidly dried.

Tree gnawers and grinders can reduce a tree to a rotten state. Cracks in the trunk appear from swinging by the wind or from severe frosts. There are cracks from excessive shrinkage. Resin and resin pockets are considered harmful defects for the manufacture of balusters.

Making balusters

The production of balusters begins after selecting and sorting the blanks according to the required strength, size and moisture content. The humidity of the workpieces should not exceed 12% -15%.

If finished products has cracks, then the wood has not been dried to the nominal moisture content. The master will determine the moisture content from the chips from the plane. Dry shavings should break easily in your hands. In large-volume industries, an electric moisture meter is used.

According to the type of processing, the production of balusters is divided into types (in the photo of wooden balusters in our gallery you can see the main types and their use in the interior):

Processed only on lathes;
Made on lathes followed by milling;
Carved balusters. CNC machines are used.

A catalog of beautiful balusters is created at each enterprise. The use of balusters is varied, ranging from creating fencing for flights of stairs to decorating facades and canopies of various buildings with decorative posts.

For these purposes, factories are interested in creating a set of wooden balusters of different purposes and shapes. For example, corner, starting, finishing and ordinary for stairs made of different breeds and forms. The shape is designed by artists using the historical heritage of wood carvers.

The sizes of balusters are different. This determines the slope of the flight of stairs (standard 45%). Ideal option For the customer it is considered to order the work to be completed on a turnkey basis. To work with your own hands, the customer will need to do everything himself, from the design to the purchase of tools and machines.

Conclusion

The production of balusters for stairs is a whole industry industrial production. Finished product provides employment to transport, carpentry and retail businesses. Markets have everything you need to make stairs.

Photos of wooden balusters

Balusters are beautiful column-shaped posts that are located between the railings and the base of the product, serving as fencing for balconies, stairs, terraces, etc. Most often, such a base is made of wood and decorated with carved decor.

This product has long been known in construction; it is one of the most ancient creations of man. Even the Romans created such columns with various mythical images on top. There are suggestions that in ancient times they also organized cults of worship of such balusters, although they were not yet called that.

If you decide to make your own stairs in a house under construction, you will have to get acquainted with balusters, their structure, types and types of fastenings. In this article we will talk in detail about the types of balusters, their advantages, and also describe step by step how to make and install them with your own hands.

Varieties of balusters

The appearance and design of balusters depend on what material they are made of. There are a large number of different materials that give even the most demanding consumer a choice. They may be:

wooden;
forged;
metal;
glass;
stone;
plaster.

Wooden strips

Wooden balusters are considered the most popular in individual construction and, moreover, environmentally friendly. They are often made specifically for stairs in private homes. They have a natural and rich appearance and are quite resistant to external influences.
They mainly use solid birch, oak, beech, pine and ash. To make his staircase stand out from thousands of others, the master makes original wood carvings on the balusters.
The size of the columns in the base is basically standard - about 50 by 50 mm, and this is if you purchase the product ready-made. But you can order from the master the size that will fit perfectly into the interior of your staircase.
You can create an unimaginable and exquisite masterpiece from wood; in this craft, a person has acquired highest level skill. From natural material you can make different shapes of balusters: round, square, oval, polygonal, in the form of a spiral and even in the form of branches. It is known from history that an experienced craftsman created flat wide balusters with carved fairy tale characters for Lev Nikolayevich Tolstoy - this is art.
It is clear that if you have chosen a material such as wood for the manufacture of balusters, then the entire staircase should be made of the same material. This approach is necessary due to its specific properties. As is known, the array has the ability to change its shape and size under the influence of changing air humidity, therefore the entire structure can be deformed during operation. Therefore, to avoid such troubles, the entire product should be made from the same breed. After all, the effort and, importantly, the finances spent on your masterpiece may ultimately disappoint you with its appearance and short service life.

Metal strips

Metal balusters are another pinnacle of art. This material is very strong and durable. With its help, you can create any, even the most intricate, shape, give the baluster a tracery, create exquisite branches with clusters, or simply forge graceful twisted spirals.
Such balusters are installed on the metal base of the staircase, and the railings may already be of a different material, but usually to maintain the interior, as in the first case, it is recommended to make the entire product in one key.
Forged balusters for stairs are in no way inferior to the other two representatives. An experienced craftsman can also create any shape from them. A very strong and durable product. Such balusters also look luxurious on durable wooden stairs with subtle patterns and unusual shapes.

Glass stripes

Glass balusters are already art modern technologies. This type of support posts on the stairs will bring lightness and airiness to your design.
You can create a unique ornament, pattern, or even a picture on the glass.
An interesting solution would be to illuminate such glass.
New generation craftsmen apply airbrushing and photo printing to staircase posts, which are made of thick, impact-resistant glass. When hit, this type of material has the same properties as car glass - it does not shatter, but turns into a cobweb, without crumbling.

White stripes made of stone

Stone balusters look powerful and impressive, creating the impression of volume and super strength. Such columns are rarely installed on stairs in private homes. They are mainly found in large, bulky buildings, for example, such as the Opera House, the Verkhovna Rada, where there is space, scope and status for them.

Let's consider individual species stones for making balusters and their features.

Marble strips

This is an expensive and noble material that tolerates temperature changes well, so such balusters can be installed both inside and outside the building.
In addition, it is very beautiful, so it is often found in opera houses and buildings where aristocrats lived in ancient times.

Granite countertops

This is a fairly durable material. Just like the first one, it can be installed both outdoors and indoors. Such support posts are not afraid of fungus and mold. Granite balusters are often used in architecture.

Sandstone strips

The main difference between this material is its color - it has a bright texture and a wide color palette. The material can be installed polished or untreated. Also durable and hardy.

Plaster strips

Balusters made of this material can often be found on the facades of historical buildings. This material is also quite durable, but less durable than marble. The basis for such balusters is necessarily a frame made of reinforcement; it is installed in forms, and then they are filled with plaster or concrete.

Advantages of balusters

Serve as room decoration.
Perform the function of protection and safety.
Made from environmentally friendly materials.
Wooden balusters give the structure additional rigidity, thanks to the built-in metal frame inside the product.

Disadvantages of balusters

When installing wooden balusters on a staircase or other piece of furniture, you must take care of their subsequent careful care. Since wood is a soft species, the support posts may not be sufficiently resistant to damage. Therefore, it is periodically important to open the top surface with varnish and try to keep the air temperature and humidity in the room relatively stable, without sudden changes.

If one of the elements of the product is damaged, then you may encounter difficulties in replacing it, since removing one baluster from the entire structure is not so easy. And it’s even more difficult to get the same color; most likely, you will have to varnish the entire structure after installing a new baluster.

How to install balusters on a staircase with your own hands

Let's start installing wooden balusters on the stairs. In preparation for this stage, you already have a staircase and a sufficient number of balusters, so now you can start installing them yourself. There is no need for many years of experience in this matter; the main thing is to have some skills in working with a classical instrument and strictly follow the instructions. Let's consider step by step steps installation of balusters to a wooden staircase.

First we make markings on the steps of the structure. The distance between them should not exceed 15 cm so that the child cannot stick his head between the columns.
If the staircase has a wall on one side, then measurements should be taken at the free edge.
Otherwise, the balusters should be installed symmetrically on both sides.
If the staircase is located in the center of the room, then supports are installed under it at an equidistant distance.
If the staircase structure is twisted with turns, then markings for the balusters should be done on each side separately.
On each step we make a hole for special fasteners.
In the center of the baluster we make a mark that will serve as the center of the axis.
We screw the baluster fasteners into the prepared fasteners bottom, and screw the base of the column onto the upper component.
For greater strength, balusters of larger diameter are installed at the edges of the stairs, and from the outside the structure looks complete.
We stretch the thread between the outer pillars to see the angle of inclination.
If the balusters do not fit at this level, they are cut down a little to fit the handrails.
Then we gradually fasten each baluster.
Now we lay support strips on the balusters, preferably made of the same material, so the staircase will look more harmonious. We secure the handrails with self-tapping screws.
We attach a railing on top of this plank. This can be done using construction adhesive and secured at the edges with nice bolts.
Then we coat the balusters and railings with varnish in 2–3 layers, so it will last longer.

Installation of balusters on metal stairs

Installation of metal balusters is much easier. The kit already includes a whole set of parts and fasteners that can be attached to any base, be it wood, concrete or stone.

First, we also make markings on the steps of the stairs, as when installing wooden balusters.
Then we fasten the columns using brackets, hinges, screws or bolts.
Then we attach the support to the balusters.
A wooden railing is glued to the top of the support. To prevent rapid rubbing, coat them with a special varnish in 2-3 layers.

Installation of glass balusters

Installation of glass balusters is carried out using fasteners made of wood or metal. Often they are attached to hinges or inserted into already prepared metal places, which in turn are secured to the base with screws. Glass balusters are installed on vertical posts, which are fixed between the railings and the steps of the stairs.

Although glass balusters are made from durable glass, you should still approach their installation and operation with care and thrift.

Installation of stone balusters

This installation must be taken care of at the stage of manufacturing stone balusters, and it is necessary to decide what kind of fastening the structure will be. More often, manufacturers install protruding metal pins at the top by 5 cm, and at the bottom by 10 cm. Then they are welded to the base and railings if the staircase is made of metal. In case concrete structure On the steps of the stairs, special holes are made into which pins are inserted, and then they are filled with concrete.

The height of the fence must be chosen to be optimal to prevent both an adult and a child from falling. Balusters must be reliable protection, therefore their height should not be less than 90 cm from the base of the stairs to the railing.
In order for the design to be accurate and proportional, it is better to use a level with a laser beam.
For structural strength, balusters should be fastened to reliable elements, that is, those that have threads and can be tightened well, even after long use. And the so-called passive fastener, also called a dowel, can become loose over time, and it does not have the ability to screw.
For wooden balusters, the method of twisting the screws at an angle is used, while slightly recessing the cap. This method allows you to fill the places where the screws are screwed in with wood wax after finishing the work. Thus, the attachment points will be invisible and will take on an attractive aesthetic appearance, creating the effect of a solid structure.
The distance between the columns of the stairs should not be more than 15 cm.
Installation should begin with fastening the outer balusters.
To select balusters for stairs, look on the Internet or in specialized magazines for photos of their design options in order to have an accurate idea of the result you want.
If you are planning to save a little, there are also many video tutorials on the Internet on how to install and attach balusters to stairs made of different materials. There are even entire sections on making plaster balusters with your own hands.

The shape of balusters is often one of the determining factors in the design of a room. Take the process of selecting such columns seriously and over time you will understand that the work spent on selecting balusters was not in vain. In principle, it does not have of great importance Whatever baluster material you choose, the most important thing is that it is reliable and safe. Professionals strongly advise against opting for balusters made of aluminum hollow pipes, which are very unstable and unsafe. They are used mainly for staircases of short length and height or in public institutions. Good choice and easy installation.

You can order forged metal balusters from the Technolux company. We are pleased to offer a wide range of sought-after products, which are created by experienced craftsmen.

The presented metal balusters for stairs, railings, gratings and other structures have gained popularity due to their ease of installation, high quality and optimal cost. It is also important that each baluster has a design thought out to the smallest detail. Any product can become a full-fledged decoration entrance group or an entire architectural ensemble.

Relevance of using the presented products

Handmade artistic forging is not accessible to everyone today! That is why the presented steel balusters are deservedly popular. They are inexpensive, but at the same time they are not inferior to those created by hand forging.

The presented metal products are of high quality and can be easily welded. They are fundamentally different from fragile thin-walled models, which can break and be subject to destructive environmental influences.

Product characteristics

Steel balusters are used quite widely. Representing a low rack, it provides support for railings of stairs or balconies.

The main functions of this element:

Fencing.
Decorative.

A steel baluster, as a fencing element, is more reliable than a wooden one.

In addition, the steel baluster looks impeccable.

With its help you can:

Emphasize the style of the object.
Showcase all the interior features.

In addition, balusters allow you to focus attention on certain design elements of a home, office, or other building.

Any baluster can be used not only indoors, but also outdoors. Often the products are used to decorate balconies and small architectural forms.

Baluster always attracts attention. It looks especially good if combined with other metal parts. A correctly selected baluster is the most important element interior and exterior.

Advantages of ordering products from our company

A wide range of balusters for stairs and other structures. You can easily select products that meet all your wishes and financial capabilities. All balusters for home decoration or other objects are liked by our customers.
Optimal cost of balusters. We do not inflate the price of metal products for stairs and other structures. Thanks to this, balusters are available to all customers without exception. Metal products are ordered from us by both designers and architects, as well as individuals.
Help from a specialist when choosing balusters. Our designer is ready to answer all your questions about balusters for various stairs and other structures. He will help you select the right steel products.
Convenient catalogue. Thanks to it, you will quickly find your way around the assortment of balusters for stairs, fencing, other structures and small architectural forms.
The presence of large product balances in the company's warehouses allows us to satisfy the demand of large buyers without forcing them to wait for the next batch of goods. You can receive any balusters in the shortest possible time.
A wide range of related products necessary for the manufacture of metal products. We are ready to provide you not only with a large number of balusters, but also electrodes, metal, mesh, etc.

Dealers and regular customers - discount!!!

Today, the following forms and types of balusters for wooden stairs are distinguished:

Cylindrical - classic, simple support posts, topped with symmetrical threads of various diameters, made either manually, or on a lathe.
Thin and straight, unpretentious in design sharpening rails, having the shape of a narrow ellipse or quadrangle in cross-section.
Curly carved balusters, usually made from expensive wood, by hand. Very stylish and efficient staircase components.

Thus, you can mount a staircase using the dimensions of balusters for wooden stairs required for your designed structure, completely independently, armed with simple carpentry, fastening and other traditional tools.

Please note: for secure installation wooden fencing It is recommended to use only metal fastening hardware with intense impact on the stairs, as they eliminate the possibility of loosening the fastening directly during operation. It is absolutely unacceptable to use inert parts such as nails, wooden dowels, self-tapping screws as fastening elements for fixing wooden balusters, handrails, bowstrings (in areas of high loads).