Choosing Stair Balusters: Wood or Iron? A Buyer’s Guide | Stair Nation - We Sell Iron Balusters, Wooden Stair Parts, More (2024)

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Choosing Stair Balusters: Wood or Iron? A Buyer’s Guide | Stair Nation - We Sell Iron Balusters, Wooden Stair Parts, More? ›

Wrought iron balustrades are stronger than wooden ones and hold out better over time. Wood tends to be more susceptible to damp and termites and does need regular maintenance to keep it well preserved. Wrought iron balusters are available in far more options because iron is easier to mold and shape than wood.

Wrought iron balustrades are stronger than wooden ones and hold out better over time. Wood tends to be more susceptible to damp and termites and does need regular maintenance to keep it well preserved. Wrought iron balusters are available in far more options because iron is easier to mold and shape than wood.

Wooden Balusters are typically more expensive than the average Iron Baluster.

Whether you are getting your home ready to be sold or just want to increase its value through home improvement and renovation projects, installing iron railings is an excellent way to add both style and value to your property.

Steel. Steel is a popular material for both stair handrails and railings for commercial egress stairs and industrial staircases. Steel is also the best material for stair stringers. To prevent rusting, galvanized or stainless steel is often used.

One of the hottest trends of 2023 is going to be strong, contrasting colours; one look at Dulux's predictions for 2023 cements it! Dark navy and black are still extremely popular, meaning wrought iron balusters, and black brackets are unlikely to be going anywhere this year!

Strength: Hollow iron balusters are made from a high-grade steel that is designed to be stronger than solid balusters. They also meet all building code standards, ensuring safety and durability.

CON: Wrought iron will show weather damage over time.

If a wrought iron fence is exposed to the elements for long enough, it will begin to corrode. Unfortunately, wrought iron is especially susceptible to corrosion because of the slag in the metal. Slag is the byproduct produced when an ore is smelted from stone.

Wrought iron is softer and more ductile than cast iron. It is also highly malleable and can be heated, re-heated and worked into various shapes. In fact, it gets stronger the more it is worked. Wrought iron has much more tensile strength than cast iron, making it more suitable for horizontal beams in construction.

Wrought iron is stronger than steel but not as hard as pure iron. Wrought iron is used for work that necessitates a more durable metal, such as fences or gates. Steel is an iron-carbon alloy that is far stronger than wrought iron. Wrought iron resists corrosion and is easy to weld.

Do iron balusters rust? ›

The problem with iron balusters is not that the powder coating peals or chips in exterior weather conditions – nor is rust a factor – but rather the powder coating fades. A satin black baluster, exposed to the sun's UV rays, will, over time, become gray.

Custom Balusters or Spindles

Replacing spindles in a railing falls between $260 and $2,000. Replacing wood balusters with iron requires removing the wood spindles first, which puts the total between $400 and $2,500. Of course, in many instances, the design of your spindles will be settled at the point of installation.

Iron is a fairly durable material. Its main advantage is that it does not bend. By choosing iron balusters, you can be sure that they will retain their shape.

Aluminium is a highly durable material and is highly resistant to harsh weather conditions. Various designs are achieved with the sleek sections of aluminium and can be powder-coated in various colours. Aluminium railings are easy to maintain and only need to be wiped with a damp cloth.

... [A] study by the University of Michigan (Ex. 3-6:43) indicates that 33 inches is the optimum height for handrails, and that a variance from this height of plus-or-minus 3 inches is appropriate.

The square handrail industrial railings are the most economical and easy to set up in the field and as such they are the most commonly-used system. Round fiberglass handrails also work well in high-traffic areas where handrails are needed.

Floating staircases have been popular with architects and designers for quite a while now, but this design still remains one of the top trends for 2023. 'A floating staircase can really create a sense of magic and intriguing visual interest.

Because mild steel is cheaper and easier to mass produce, the raw material wrought iron gradually disappeared, until the last ironworks ceased production in the 1970's. Wrought iron is no longer produced on a commercial scale, but is still made for replication, restoration and conservation of historical ironwork.

How to Measure Steps – Calculate the amount of balusters you need on each step by counting the number of steps and multiplying by 3. You need 3 baluster per step. (Note: some steep staircases might use 2 per step, and sometimes 2 one one step and 3 on the next.

How many inches apart should balusters be? ›

Baluster Calculator

Balusters are the vertical guards that support the handrail. They must be installed close enough that the space between them is less than 4 inches. Most city inspectors carry a 4-inch ball with them to test the spacing.

It can cause side effects such as stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting. Taking iron supplements with food seems to reduce side effects. But food can also reduce how well the body absorbs iron. Doses above the UL should only be used while under medical supervision.

Aluminum Pros:

Much Cheaper Than Wrought Iron. Very Low Maintenance. Available in Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Grades to Match Your Strength and Durability Needs.

Steel is stronger than iron.

Because it's an alloy of iron and carbon, steel is more durable than regular wrought iron, making it more resistant to damage.

Magnetite is the finest iron ore with a very high content of iron up to 70 per cent. It has excellent magnetic qualities, especially valuable in the electrical industry. Hematite ore is the most important industrial iron ore in terms of the quantity used, but has a slightly lower iron content than magnetite.

Wrought iron is widely renowned as a material for building fences and gates due to its longevity and durability. If maintained properly, your wrought iron fences and gates could last upwards of a decade.

Wrought iron is a malleable and durable material used to make outdoor gates, fences, decks, balconies, and more. First, unlike wood or aluminum railings, it is a material that can withstand the elements because it's rust-free.

While wrought iron is stronger, cast iron is harder than its counterpart. It's able to resist deformation under pressure or stress with greater ease than wrought iron. No tags for this post.

There are a few ways metal workers can test to see if a metal is wrought iron or steel. Spark test. Wrought iron will produce long, red sparks, while steel will throw white sparks.

What color is best for iron railing? ›

Black, bronze, or very dark green or grey are the best colors for painting wrought iron; steer clear of lighter colors where rust stains will bleed through and become much more visible than they would in a darker color.

The most effective way to protect your iron from rust is to create a barrier using an epoxy primer. You will find one of these at your local DIY store. Simply apply this liquid with a brush or roller and allow to dry thoroughly before applying a secondary coat. These two layers will form your base protection.

Though it's known for its resistance to wear, it can rust. Wrought iron, on the other hand, contains only trace amounts of carbon. It's nearly pure iron, so rust is likely to form. You can protect iron objects from rust by regularly applying paint and removing rust spots with a wire brush.

Replacing Wood with Wrought Iron Balusters

The most common stair railing remodel is the process of removing wood balusters and replacing them with new wrought iron balusters. This process can take up to 2 days and can be done by many that have some woodworking background and/or DIY (Do It Yourself) experience.

Expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $500 per linear foot for installing a new railing, not including labor. Less expensive materials cost between $10 and $60 per linear foot and highly durable options cost over $100. Additionally, the cost of the balusters runs $3 and $17 per piece before installation costs.

Turns out replacing your stair railing/balusters is TOTALLY DOABLE as a DIY project. It is time-consuming, but it truly is not hard. Even beginner DIYers should be able to complete this project.

The weight of a hollow baluster is almost half of that of solid. The installation technique is the same on both products. The only difference is that hollows are lighter and easier to cut as well as handle. And typically, an experienced installer would charge somewhat less to install hollow iron balusters.

Easy Install

There are no adhesives or shoes involved. After removing the older baluster, homeowners simply slide the plastic insert into the bottom of the hollow trimmed iron baluster. Then, the dowel screw is installed into the tread.

Using a Portaband saw or a chop saw with a metal cutting blades are the best methods to cut your wrought iron balusters. Most balusters can be cut from only the bottom and installed fine, however if you want your pattern to line up at a specific height it is best to cut from top and bottom.

Make sure the fittings are tight. Check them every so often to make sure they haven't become loose. Mount your handrails about 34 inches from the floor.

Does railing increase home value? ›

When it comes to increasing the value of your home, railings may seem like a minor detail, but they can actually have a significant impact. In fact, investing in attractive, high-quality architectural railings throughout the interior and exterior of your home can boost your home's value. Wondering why?

Cable/Steel

Metal railings can be made from steel or iron. It is the most expensive type for outdoor railings, but it is the winner for durability and strength. There are a variety of styles and options.

Any deck that is situated between 24 and 36 inches from grade requires a railing that is at least 36 inches in height. A deck that sits above the 36 inch threshold requires deck railings that are at least 42 inches in height. Deck rails also have other important requirements designed to keep occupants safe.

Most building codes specify that brackets should be between 36 and 48 inches apart, or about 3 or 4 feet. Be sure to check your local building codes for confirmation.

Where should a handrail start and stop? Handrails should ideally be fitted from the pitch line of the stairs, which is on top of the nosing at the edge of the stair treads. They should ideally continue down the length of the stairs.

With metal, steel stair railing is the strongest. If you want an industrial look, this should be your first choice. Iron stair railing is another industrial-look option.

For the front steps, steel railing systems that are rackable, or adjustable, are ideal. This type of system comes with the stair railings already assembled in a panel that is hinged to allow it to adjust to the grade of the steps.

Wooden Balusters are typically more expensive than the average Iron Baluster. They are also more susceptible to damage over a long period of time and may require more maintenance. That being said, they do not lack in style and elegance.

Comparing Aluminum and Wood Railings

Aluminum has an incredible strength-to-weight ratio that makes it a durable choice for nearly any environment. The powder coated finish is highly resilient and will not require any repainting, staining, or sealing. Wood, on the other hand, is susceptible to mold, decay, and rot.

The benefits of wood are that it is inexpensive to install and you can paint or stain it to your color of choice. A disadvantage is its susceptibility to decay over a period of time from the outside elements. As a mostly maintenance free material, vinyl is also affordable and available in a variety of colors.

Are metal railings more expensive than wood? ›

Wood systems may cost less upfront, but they require periodic maintenance that quickly adds up to make them more expensive than Aluminum Railing.

If you choose to use wood for a handrail, there are more reliable options, such as maple or oak. These hardwoods are more expensive than the softer woods, though they are more durable.

Here are the details. Steel is stronger than iron. Because it's an alloy of iron and carbon, steel is more durable than regular wrought iron, making it more resistant to damage. High-quality steel railings won't rust or corrode.

Limitations of Steel Railings

While durable, steel railings are susceptible to damage from saltwater and should be installed at on projects located at least two miles away. If you're on the coast, you will want to consider the distance from the water if installing steel railing.

Wrought iron stair railings are timeless, lending a sophisticated style and welcoming appeal. Along with timeless beauty, wrought iron also offers a great deal of versatility.

Wrought iron has lower corrosion resistance than steel. Steel is generally less expensive than wrought iron because it is easier to produce. Steel is also more versatile than wrought iron in terms of shapes and sizes.