What Are Balusters?

Description

• A baluster is a support used in a railing.These supports are typically used in banisters along balconies or staircases. Balusters are usually evenly spaced along the railing, placed from the floor to the railing. Balusters can also be any kind of symmetrical support, such as furniture legs.

Word Origin

• The word baluster has many different European origins. Balustre actually means "support for a railing" in French. Balaustro means "pillar" in Italian. The most unusual origin of the word baluster comes from the Greek word balausta. This word means "flower of the wild pomegranate." This word was used to describe pillars in a staircase because they traditionally had a double-curved shape that looked like the bottom part of a pomegranate flower.

Construction

• Balusters can be made of many different products. Some balusters are made out of iron, wood, stone or a combination of products. Balusters can be very simple or complex. Balusters are traditionally larger toward the top or bottom than they are in the middle, but they can be perfectly square, straight or the same size over the entire length of the support.

Purpose

• The main purpose of a baluster is not to support a railing. While this is an important aspect of multiple balusters, these supports are actually put in place for safety. Without balusters and a railing, individuals could more easily fall from a staircase or balcony than with them. Balusters, if properly spaced, also protect children from squeezing under a railing and falling.