Definitions.
Balustrade: the complete vertical assembly of balusters, top rail, and bottom rail (when present). The architectural term for the whole structure along a stair or balcony edge.
Baluster: an individual vertical post within a balustrade. The balusters can be wood, metal, glass, or any structural material. Spaced per code (typically 4 inches maximum gap between balusters in US residential).
Handrail: the top rail you grip while climbing or descending stairs. Code-required, with specific shape, grip diameter, and height requirements.
Railing: catch-all modern term for the guard system along an elevated edge. Encompasses balustrade, handrail, and full assembly.
Banister: informal residential term, usually referring to the handrail and balusters along a stair. Mostly retired in formal architectural usage.
Common questions.
- What is the difference between a balustrade and a handrail?
- A balustrade is the complete vertical assembly along a stair or balcony (balusters, top rail, bottom rail). A handrail is specifically the top rail that you grip while climbing stairs. The handrail is part of the balustrade.
- Is a banister the same as a balustrade?
- Informally yes, but formally banister usually refers to the handrail-and-baluster combination along a stair, while balustrade is the more architectural term covering both stair and balcony assemblies.
- What is required by code?
- US residential code requires a handrail on any stair with 4 or more risers, a guard rail on any elevated edge over 30 inches, and balusters spaced no more than 4 inches apart. Local code may add to these federal minimums.
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