7 Key Differences Between Handrail vs Balustrade

By: Jim Pullman

About the Author:

Jim Pulman has extensive knowledge and experience in Home Building, Construction, and Design. He writes articles in his free time and partners with content creators to share his expertise with the online community.

Balustrades and handrails are commonly used terms that many homeowners have heard before. People may think they are the same thing but they’re not. Knowing which is which is one of the best ways to make sure you’re getting exactly what you want when you make the decision to install a balustrade in your home or place of business.

Support

The balustrade is held up by what are known as balusters. This is an old term that has been developed over a long period of time. Balusters can also be known by the term spindles. These are designed to provide a base for the entire balustrade. Balusters can be relatively simple items made of carved wood. They can also be made of other materials. Designers are experimenting with varied types of balusters for the use of the public in any home today. For example, it’s easy to find wire balustrades. These let light in and add a contemporary touch to any home. They are elegant and interesting as well as adding something unexpected to any room.

Against a Surface

In contrast to the balustrade, the handrail must be attached to something. That is wall or a staircase. The handrail needs to have support in order for it to function properly during daily use. That is something that the homeowner must anchor in order for it to work properly in the intended space. This is not true of the balustrade they are going to install in a private home or place of business.

An Entire System

The balustrade is a complete system. People can decide to purchase a balustrade and get many parts. The typical balustrade includes many supporting parts that enable the system to be installed with ease in the designated space. A balustrade will include many parts such as a base rail. This is the part of the rail that is about supporting the rest of the parts of the balustrade. A balustrade may have many parts if it is complicated or it might be a simpler affair that is all about modern style.

A Few Pieces

In contrast to the balustrade, the handrail typically only a few pieces. That includes the part where it meets the wall. It also includes the parts that are used to secure the railing and keep it against this part of the space. A handrail can be a simple stretch of wood that is held in place by a set of screws. It can also be something is far elaborate. For example, it might have lots of carvings designed to show off the user’s personality. But it is only a small part of the overall effect rather than taking up the entire staircase area.

Hard to Install

As the balustrade is typically quite complicated, it is understandable that it is best to have someone else install it for the user. Each part of the balustrade must be installed correctly in order for the entire thing to function well. If any part of it is even just a little off, this can create all kinds of problems. In this case, working with a professional is a must. These are people who understand how the piece must be attached and how to get it done just so.

Doing it Yourself

While a balustrade is best worked on by a professional, a handrail is a simple project. This is one that just about anyone can do on their own. All they really need are a few tools and some time. The handrail can be fitted against the side of the wall. This is a project that will only take an hour or even less once the homeowner starts it. It’s also a project that can be done in any room at any time.

Price

Balustrades are typically a project that can take up a lot of money. That’s because they are beautiful and elegant. Meanwhile, a handrail isn’t as complicated. For many people, the additional cost of the balustrade is more than worth it. They’re getting something that is going to add lots of functionality and style to any home or business interior.