A balustrade is essentially a railing system used for both interior and exterior applications. It is comprised of a top rail, balusters or spindles, the hardware necessary to secure the system, and often times a bottom rail, posts, post caps, and decorative balls or finials.

What is a balustrade and what is its use?

Balustrade, low screen formed by railings of stone, wood, metal, glass, or other materials and designed to prevent falls from roofs, balconies, terraces, stairways, and other elevated architectural elements.

What does a balustrade do?

A balustrade is necessary in any situation where one or both sides of a staircase are open, creating the risk of a fall and making it difficult to set a handrail. A balustrade acts to create a barrier to falling, and supports the handrail, making the staircase safe for use.