Balustrade Terminology
4" Sphere Rule
The 4" Sphere Rule gives the maximum center-to-center distance between balusters
and still does not allow a 4" sphere to pass through at any point beteen
the balusters.
Ball Top
Spherical decorative cap for use witha newel post.
Baluster
A spindle or post supporting a stair handrail or forming part of a balustrade.
Balutrade
A spindle or post supporting a stair handrail or forming part of a balustrade.
The entire railing system, with a row of balusters topped by a rail.
Bondo
Bondo is a two-part epoxy that when mixed turns into a putty which then sets
of rock-hard.
Bottom Rail
Horizontal railing at the bottom of a balustrade system that supports the balusters.
Bracket
A small, curved or angular support attached to a wall or the top of a post to
carry a projecting weight.
Cast Stone
A highly refined architectural pre-cast concrete building stone manufactured
from a mixture of portland cement, coarse aggregates and fine aggregates to
simulate natural cut stone.
Cellular PVC
A composite of materials featuring polyvinyl chloride materials. It can be nailed,
sawed, and fabricated like wood.
Crush Block
see rail support block
Curved Railing
Railing on a balustrade system that round and curves as opposed to the typical
straight railing of a balustrade.
Deck Railing
Railing system that usually has the bottom portion of the balusters supported
by the side of the deck in place of using a bottom rail.
Fastening Kit
Set of parts used to keep the balustrade system held together
FRP
A polymer reinforced fiberglass material. Similar to corian countertops.
Newel Post
A large vertical column or post to which the handrail is attached. Newels provide
structural support for the balustrade.
Newel Post Cap
Decorative top used for newel posts.
Porch Post
Post that connects to balustrade and railing systems and spans from the floor
to the roof.
Porch Railing
Railing system that uses the traditional bottom rail to support the balusters.
Post Sleeve
For use as a cover over an structural support
Post Wrap
Pieces snap together to surround an existing structural support
Rail Support Block
Used to provided weight support under bottom rail of a balustrade system.
Railing
Horizontal bars of a balustrade and railing system. Top rail is used as a hand
rail and bottom rail supports the balusters.
Shims
A thin, often tapered piece of material, such as wood, stone, or metal, used
to fill gaps, make something level, or adjust something to fit properly.
Spindle
see baluster
Top Rail
The hand rail used in a balustrade system; provides a gripping surface
for added support.
Trim Collar
Wrap around bottom of newel post for decorative purposes.
Vinyl
Tough, flexible, shiny plastic material used on a wide variety of products including
railing systems.
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