Stairway design - Iron balusters part 4

This is my fourth in a series regarding stairways and stair design. In this article I will focus more on aesthetics, and in particular, the option to use forged iron balusters as opposed to wooden balusters. If you have read my previous article you know that balusters are the vertical members in stair design that connect the handrail to the treads and floor. They should not be confused with newels which are the larger columns at the top and bottom of the stairway which provide the greater support of the stair parts.

I receive about as many inquiries for iron balusters as I do for wooden balusters as of late. I'm not sure if the popularity of iron balusters has always been this high, but there is no doubt about their popularity now. Many homeowners are replacing their existing wooden balusters with iron balusters, in part, I think, because of the ease of installation and the radically different look of the iron balusters.

One of the beauties of incorporating forged iron balusters is using them to contrast with the wooden counterparts (eg newels and handrails). The image to the right is an example of using a wooden handrail (stained darkly) with an iron newel (note the newel is larger than the balusters). Wood and iron, in my opinion, tend to compliment each other. The contrast of the wood and iron seem to accentuate both.

This may be a good time to talk about some of the baluster patterns typical to iron balusters.

One of the more common patterns is the twist. The twist is either a single double or elongated. See image to the right.

Most iron balusters are square (though some are round)and measure 1/2" to 9/16" across. Some larger balusters are available though (aprox. 3/4") these are typicaly hollow in the centers.

Second to the twist is the "basket" design. These typically are available in double baskets as well as single baskets. (I'm not sure why they are called baskets. It seems like "cage" would be a more apt description.

Notice that this "basket" baluster has a twist as well. (So would you call this a basket with a double twist or a double twist with a basket? It sounds like we're describing gymnastics or 3 meter diving).

You have probably already realized that iron balusters are designed to be used in combination. There are quite a few combinations that are possible - twisted balusters with basket balusters with swirls and whatever. I'll display a few different combinations below.

This paticular baluster pattern is called a spoon with knuckle. The knuckle is the node between the spoons. But you knew that already right?

You may notice as well the indulations on the baluster. This is to simulate a hand forged look and feel.

Here is a display of a double spoons and knuckles with painted baskets. Fancy yes?

The "belly" balusters. Yes they are referred to as "belly" balusters. They remind me of when my wife was pregnant but that is altogether another story. These are available in all sorts of configurations with "baskets", and "twists", "swirls" and combinations of all these and more. I'll include a few so that you get the idea.

The belly balusters are more often used on balconies and not as often used for climbing stairs.

This "belly" has a basket. "a basket in the belly" Sounds kind of funny doesn't it?

These balcony balusters have an iron rail top and bottom and, I think, are really fine looking.

This is my last example of a belly with a swirl but believe me there are many other examples of belly balusters out there. Below is an image of a balcony using this particular baluster.