When it comes to staircases, there are lots of technical terms you might not have heard of.
And, even if you have heard of them before, it’s easy to get confused when it comes to deciphering a baserail from a newel post and a tread from a riser.
Spindles are one of these technical elements.
They’re always mentioned when you’re researching staircase parts, but what exactly are they? Are they necessary? And what’s their function?
In this blog, the staircase experts at Wonkee Donkee explain everything you need to know about stair spindles.
What are stair spindles?
Spindles are the vertical pillars that run from the base of your staircase up to your handrail.
They come in a variety of materials, with oak, pine, brass and chrome being common choices.
Although designed to support your staircase and provide an added safety element, the style of your spindle can really influence the design of your entire staircase.
For minimalist, modern staircase designs, blank, squared and even simple twisted spindles are preferred.
For more traditional staircases, or for those that wish to make a statement, more complex, intricate styles are preferred.
Does your staircase need spindles?
The simple answer is yes, your staircase needs spindles, or at least a glass panel alternative.
UK Staircase regulations state that a 100mm sphere should not be able to pass between your spindles.
This usually equates to two spindles per step, but this may vary depending on your staircase.
Can you fit spindles yourself?
Spindles can be fitted as part of a DIY project, however, because the process is quite fiddly and time consuming, many opt to hire a professional.
If you are considering fitting your own spindles, here are the steps to do so:
Step 1
Place your spindle vertically against your baserail and handrail using a spirit level to ensure it’s perfectly straight. You should then use a pencil to mark exactly where this spindle should be fitted.
Repeat this process along your staircase – remember, they shouldn’t be more than 100mm apart.
Step 2
Next, you need to check the length of the spindle against the staircase. If it needs shortening, make sure to do this carefully with a saw. You can use this shortened spindle as a template when cutting the others, ensuring an identical length each time.
Step 3
Now it’s time to place your fillets.
Fillets are pieces of wood that act as spacers between your spindles.
You should cut these to size, making sure they fit snugly between where each spindle will be fitted. Once cut, these can be pinned into place on both your baserail and handrail.
Step 4
When your fillets are in place, you should attach your spindles with an adhesive using the pencil marks you made in step 1 as a guide.
Once these are all in the correct place, you can secure them into place with nails.
How much do spindles cost?
The cost of spindles depends entirely on the material and style you choose.
The higher the quality material you choose, the more you’ll pay.
Likewise, if you choose a more elaborate design – maybe even a handcrafted design – you’ll likely pay more.
Typically, you can expect to pay anywhere from £5 to £40+ per spindle.
If you like a more intricately designed spindle style but want to keep your costs down, you could consider alternating between this and a plain spindle of the same colour and material. This looks especially great with metal spindles.
Ready to switch out your spindles?
So, if you’re looking to revamp your staircase, make sure to consider your spindles. Simply swapping these out for another style or material can make all the difference.
