"Spindles" Frequently Asked Questions
Spindles are often the most decorative part of a staircase and vary in design from traditional wooden stair spindles to contemporary metal designs. When you are selecting you stair spindles, remember to ask yourself these questions:
•Is your staircase closed string or cut string?
•Does your staircase diminish?
•What is the overall style of your property?
•Who lives in your property?
•Is your staircase closed string or cut string?
•Does your staircase diminish?
•What is the overall style of your property?
•Who lives in your property?
At Jackson Woodturners, we offer:
Metal Spindles - The key advantage of metal spindles is that they’re extremely strong, durable and require very little maintenance. They also offer easy installation as some metal spindles have adjustable lengths and come with adjustable brackets. On top of this, you can even mix and match metal spindles. For example, you can alternate between simple straight spindles and ornate ones to create a truly unique balustrade.
Wooden Spindles - Wood spindles are strong, durable and easy to paint if you decide to change the look of your wooden staircase. Some of the most popular options for wooden spindles include; oak, pine and primed wood.
Oak & Chrome, Oak & Nickel, Oak & Black metal plus other combinations - To utilise a mixture of styles, consider combining wood and metal together in your spindle design. Our Forge range fuses traditional timber with a solid modern set of modern fittings. This can enhance the staircase aesthetic and create contemporary elements with its spindles.
Metal Spindles - The key advantage of metal spindles is that they’re extremely strong, durable and require very little maintenance. They also offer easy installation as some metal spindles have adjustable lengths and come with adjustable brackets. On top of this, you can even mix and match metal spindles. For example, you can alternate between simple straight spindles and ornate ones to create a truly unique balustrade.
Wooden Spindles - Wood spindles are strong, durable and easy to paint if you decide to change the look of your wooden staircase. Some of the most popular options for wooden spindles include; oak, pine and primed wood.
Oak & Chrome, Oak & Nickel, Oak & Black metal plus other combinations - To utilise a mixture of styles, consider combining wood and metal together in your spindle design. Our Forge range fuses traditional timber with a solid modern set of modern fittings. This can enhance the staircase aesthetic and create contemporary elements with its spindles.
At Jacksons, we offer:
Square Spindles - These are the simplest type of stair spindle design and are a popular choice for contemporary homes with a minimalist style. The simplicity of square spindles tends to make them cheaper when compared to other designs.
Chamfered Spindles - These stair spindles are square at the top and bottom and have a narrower square decorative middle. They are similar in design and style to square spindles. The best thing about chamfered spindles is that they suit both modern and traditional properties.
Twist Spindles - There are 4 types of twist spindles - barley, rope, single twist and double twist. Barley twist spindles are traditional-style spindles, single twist spindles are wooden square spindles with a simple twist in the middle and double spindles are square spindles with a double twist in the middle. Traditional Spindles - Popular, classic styles, such as this Edwardian-style spindle can add a touch of elegance to your hallway. Available in different styles such as Georgian, Colonial and Victorian these spindles come unfinished so you can add your own personal style by waxing, varnishing or painting.
Square Spindles - These are the simplest type of stair spindle design and are a popular choice for contemporary homes with a minimalist style. The simplicity of square spindles tends to make them cheaper when compared to other designs.
Chamfered Spindles - These stair spindles are square at the top and bottom and have a narrower square decorative middle. They are similar in design and style to square spindles. The best thing about chamfered spindles is that they suit both modern and traditional properties.
Twist Spindles - There are 4 types of twist spindles - barley, rope, single twist and double twist. Barley twist spindles are traditional-style spindles, single twist spindles are wooden square spindles with a simple twist in the middle and double spindles are square spindles with a double twist in the middle. Traditional Spindles - Popular, classic styles, such as this Edwardian-style spindle can add a touch of elegance to your hallway. Available in different styles such as Georgian, Colonial and Victorian these spindles come unfinished so you can add your own personal style by waxing, varnishing or painting.
If stair spindles are spaced out too far, then the stair rail will be significantly weakened. On top of this, the staircase may pose a danger. Building regulations state that a sphere 100mm in diameter should not be able to pass through them.
Revamping a staircase with damaged spindles can make a huge difference to a home for both practical and aesthetic purposes. The different degrees of renovation you’ll need to carry out will depend on the condition of the existing spindles. In replacing any damaged spindles you are improving the look of your decor as well as making it more stable and safe.
If only a few stair spindles are damaged, you can replace them individually. There are numerous popular stair spindle designs ready-made and available to install in place of damaged stair spindles. However, if you need a more bespoke stair spindle design, our expert woodturning service can easily replicate your existing spindles. Get in touch for assistance with this.
Replacing staircase spindles is not necessarily a difficult task, a competent DIY’er with the right tools could accomplish this. It’s best not to rush, and follow a guide. If you’re unsure then a professional joiner may be the best option.
They are essentially the same thing. Balusters are usually set on a flat surface such as a floor or deck, whereas spindles are on a diagonal rail at the bottom with a handrail above.
If you aren’t sure on the style of spindles you would like there is an alternative. Glass panels provide a contemporary look and are well suited in modern homes. They can take more maintenance than regular spindles, especially in a household with children and pets.