Balusters are short columns that are made using thread. Their main purpose is to support the railing of balconies and stairs. In the form of balusters can be different, it all depends on the design decision and interior design. This addition can decorate even the most ordinary-looking staircase.
Overview of the main varieties of wooden balusters by material
Rail-posts for a staircase made of wood are made of different species, quite often they are decorated with dotted figured elements. For balusters, the following varieties are usually used, which determines the types of elements:
Pine balusters are the cheapest, while those made of beech or oak are much more expensive.
Sizes of balusters
Balusters for stairs made of wood should be installed according to certain rules. Among others, the need to provide clearance between the elements, which is usually 140 mm or more, should be highlighted. The most suitable railing height is 950 mm.
The supports should be fixed at two points - at the base of the stairs and in the area of the railing. The area and thickness of the section of balusters play a decisive role in the issue of design safety. This leads to the fact that the issue of choosing the dimensions of the described elements should be approached seriously. After all, they perform a supporting function. Balusters are usually chosen depending on the design of the stairs and the style of the room.
Classification of wooden balusters by grades and their description
Balusters for stairs made of wood can be classified by grades. The highest grade is A, which implies a uniform selection of texture and color. Such material provides a transparent finish with medium or light tint. Therefore, slight differences and slight differences in texture are possible. Such products may have eyes, healthy knots and closed cracks, but their diameter should not exceed 5 mm.
Balusters for stairs made of wood can be made in grade B. In this case, we are talking about products with a partial selection of texture and color. Blanks are tinted in dark shades. Differences can be contrasting, texture differences are possible. In one batch, you can find products that will have eyes and healthy knots.
In grade C, you can find balusters that are not matched by texture and color. Knots can be dark and light, but their size should not be large. On the inner side of the products you can find dead knots. Individual balusters sometimes have fragments of sapwood. Putty of knots and cracks at the manufacturing stage is permissible.
Reviews of balusters in three quality categories
Balusters for stairs made of wood, the description of which will be useful to read before purchasing the goods, are offered for sale in three quality categories. Consumers leave feedback about each of them. Choosing products in the “Economy Plus” category, you become the owner of products that are milled as well as partially machine grinded during processing. According to consumers, such balusters are best purchased for stairs that will be installed in corridors or hallways.
On sale you can find balusters of the Prestige category. They are milled and worked out by hand, as well as polished. Such products are more expensive than previous ones, but, according to consumers, are of higher quality. The most durable and attractive in appearance are VIP rail-posts, they are milled, polished by hand during processing and the parts are finalized separately. All elements are worked out as carefully as possible in the conditions of the plant, therefore, they are most often preferred by consumers.
The cost of wooden balusters
The size of the baluster for stairs made of wood will affect the cost. For example, products with dimensions of 50 x 50 x 900 mm will cost 85 rubles. a piece. In this and subsequent cases, the cost is indicated for the element of pine. With an increase in size to 80 x 80 x 900 mm, the price rises to 300 rubles. a piece. If you need to purchase a baluster with dimensions of 100 x 100 x 900 mm, then one element will cost 360 rubles.
Reviews about the features of fastening balusters made of wood
Rail-posts for a staircase made of wood, the price of which can amount to 400 rubles. apiece, often installed independently. According to customers, the technology is not difficult. The lower fasteners of the elements must be fixed to the steps, braids or bowstrings. To do this, it is necessary to use metal hardware like self-tapping screws, screws or studs.
In order to achieve reliability, it is necessary to use exclusively metal hardware of active action. Fasteners will not be loose if the connection is threaded. It is best not to install any types of balusters for stairs made of wood with nails or wooden dowels. If the fastener has a passive effect, it will become loose over time. The upper part is fixed in the prepared groove, the dimensions of which should correspond to the cross-section of the supports.
A fixing bar is installed between the handrail and the balusters, which is fastened with wood glue and nails with a pin hat. If the staircase will be located between two parallel walls, and its width will be more than 150 cm, then the handrails should be fixed to the walls with special brackets. For safety, balusters should be used, the height of which will be from 80 to 90 cm. The dimensions of the sides in the section should be 3-8 cm.
Conclusion
A wooden baluster usually has three parts: a central node, a base and supports. The base will be fixed to the stairs, so it should be strong enough. But with the help of the baluster support will be fixed to the railing. If there are children in the house, you should pay particular attention to the issue of choosing the distance between the supports. The step should be such that the child could not crawl between the elements. His head should not be stuck.