Planning for a new banister and spindles

Replacing a worn or shabby staircase is a fabulous way to create a focal point in your home. However, planning for a new banister and spindles does need careful consideration.

In our helpful blog, we guide you through every part of the planning process, including building regulations, how to approach the project, and the costs involved.

Planning for new banister and spindles

Whether you’re renovating your home with a chic glass staircase or adding a new storey, you’ll need a new banister and spindles.

You might also be planning for a new banister and spindles due to safety reasons. Or perhaps your hallway is in desperate need of a makeover.

Whatever your reasons, installing a new banister and spindles requires expertise. This sort of work tends to be complex and you’ll also need a thorough understanding of safety regulations.

So unless you have considerable carpentry experience, we recommend hiring a professional tradesperson who can help.

Understanding your staircase

Before you delve into the style and material you want for your new staircase, let’s take a closer look at the different elements.

Banister

Also known as a handrail, this is the length of wood or metal that runs along the top of the spindles. It can be attached to the wall or it can be a standalone fitting. Its main function is to provide stability and support for the user.

Spindles

These are the vertical struts that connect the handrail or banister to the base rail of your staircase. Different styles, colours and materials of spindles can have a huge impact on the overall look.

Base rail

This is the bottom of the staircase structure that ensures your stair spindles are held securely in position.

Newel posts

Newel posts are the structural upright posts that are fitted at the beginning and end of the staircase. They support the handrail and provide structural support.

Newel caps

Situated on top of the newel posts, newel caps add a final style flourish to a staircase. They can be modern and simple or vintage and carved.

How to choose a style

The first step is to visualise how you want your new staircase to look. Do you fancy an ultra modern glass and metal design or a traditional timber banister and spindles?

With so many different styles to choose from, it’s a good idea to consider the age and design of your home. Saying that, sometimes an old and new contrast can create a huge impact.

Why not contact a carpenter near you who can help make your vision a reality? Alternatively, get in touch with a local builder who has lots of experience and knowledge of staircases.

Head to our staircase ideas blog for masses of inspiration and get ready for your exciting new renovation!

Choosing the best materials

Style and material often go hand in hand when planning a new banister and spindles.

Here are some of the most popular materials for your staircase to create a striking statement.

Natural wood

Renovate your staircase with natural timber and create a rustic or modern mood. Go for traditional turned spindles and newel posts for a classic look. Or for a cleaner silhouette, opt for contemporary, squared-off elements.

Painted wood

Reinvigorate dull wooden staircases with a new lick of paint. Choose from fresh white, bold charcoal or even a spectrum of rainbow spindles if you dare!

Metal

Chrome spindles will add a shiny, contemporary upgrade to your staircase. Pair with a plain wood banister for a cool look. For a more characterful, industrial feel, iron or steel spindles can be fitted with stained timbers for a modern rustic style.

Glass

Showcase a minimal style with clear glass panelling (instead of spindles) and brushed steel handrails. Glass is also a great design tool for making a narrow staircase look wider with a modern finish.

Measuring up

Every detail of your new staircase design should be carefully planned out – including its dimensions and layout.

Accurate measurements for your banister and spindles will identify what materials are needed for the job and help cut back on waste.

It is also key that the final design meets the current UK building regulations which include:

• All staircases must be designed, constructed and installed safely
• Spacing between spindles must be less than 4 inches or 100mm apart at their widest point to avoid potential accidents
• Stairs should have a handrail on at least one side if they are less than 1 metre wide, or both sides if they are wider. Stairs do not need a handrail on the bottom two steps
• In all buildings, handrail height should be between 900mm and 1000mm measured from the top of the handrail to the pitch line
• Much like with spindle spacing, a 100mm sphere should not be able to pass through an open riser space in open riser staircases
• Space-saver staircases that break the standard rule of “a maximum pitch of 42 degrees” can be used when space is limited such as loft conversions, but a handrail is required on both sides

Find a professional tradesperson in your area who will be familiar with all of these regulations and ensure a safe installation.

Cost of a new banister and spindles

The cost of a new banisters and spindles will vary depending on the material.

• The cost of a new banister tends to start at around £40 for softwood, £90 for hardwood and £120 for a metal handrail
• If you’re renovating the entire staircase, you’ll also need to factor between £30 per metre and £150 per metre for new spindles
• You may also need to account for the cost of a baserail, which is typically £25-£35 for primed wood and pine and £95 for white oak

Don’t forget, to properly install a new banister, you will need to hire a professional tradesperson with the expertise and awareness of safety compliance.

Carpenters, blacksmiths and general builders will be able to help fit your new banister depending on your requirements.

The average cost for a carpenter in the UK is around £37.50 per hour, but this does not include materials.

For a detailed breakdown, head to our blog where you’ll find prices for the cost of a new banister and spindles.

Can I install a new banister and spindles myself?

You might be tempted to save money and try installing a new banister and spindles yourself.

However, all the elements of a staircase need to be safe and secure and they must meet current UK building regulations. Not only that, you’ll want a professional finish to show off your renovation project to its very best.

Hiring an expert will prevent further costs from catching you out in the future.

For these reasons, we suggest hiring a professional tradesperson who can fit your new banister and spindles correctly. They may also be involved with the design and manufacture of the parts if you’re after something bespoke.

They will certainly be able to advise on style and materials and properly measure up the job so it’s done properly.

Depending on your requirements and budget, you may want to replace the entire staircase. If so, head on over to our new staircase cost guide for average UK prices.

Now you know more about what to expect when planning for a new banister and spindles, it might be time to start the project.

Use our handy search engine to connect with vetted tradespeople near to your home.