Deck Balusters ~ Spindles ~ Connectors

What Are Deck Balusters?

This is a good question. We often throw around the term “baluster” even though most people don’t use this word in their daily lives. A baluster is a vital component of deck railing. Technically speaking, a ‘balustrade’ is what you often think of as complete deck railing — a horizontal top and bottom rail with vertical bars in between that prevents people from falling off of a platform. The components of a balustrade include the railing (horizontal components) and the balusters (vertical components).

What’s In A Name?

So, why are they called ‘balusters’ and not ‘bars’ or ‘columns’? The word baluster comes from the Italian word balaustra, meaning ‘pomegranate flower.’ This is because traditional balusters swell out significantly in the middle, resembling the shape of a pomegranate fruit. While bars and columns can be found just about anywhere, balusters are always sandwiched between a top and bottom rail.

Types And Styles Of Balusters

Deck balusters can be made out of a number of materials including wood, vinyl, glass, and metal. The material used will greatly impact the amount of maintenance needed, if any.

For example, while wood deck railings look beautiful, they require a lot of maintenance and can rot, crack, warp, and splinter over time, especially if that aforementioned maintenance is not performed regularly. If you do decide to install wood railing, be aware of the maintenance involved, including regular power washing, staining, and sealing. For an easy-to-install wood rail with gorgeous aluminum balusters, check out our cedar railing kit! Otherwise, consider a rail a little less maintenance like a composite rail that has the look of wood with little-to-no maintenance required and multiple baluster options.

Aluminum Balusters

When it comes to style and class that fits within just about any deck budget, aluminum balusters are the best option. At Deck Expressions, we offer aluminum balusters in bulk so you can complete your project without spending an arm and a leg. Our Round Aluminum Balusters 100 Pack from Deckorators is currently our most economical option, with each baluster coming in at less than two bucks a pop — and that includes the limited lifetime warranty! For a more unique and timeless look, we love the 60-pack of Baroque Face Mount Balusters and the round or square Solutions Aluminum Balusters 100 Pack.

Aluminum balusters are generally less expensive than steel balusters, yet have the all of the strength and security that you need from your balusters. They are the perfect alternative if you are looking for a more affordable metal baluster with the look of hand-forged wrought iron.

Many of the aluminum balusters we offer here at Deck Expressions are powder coated for extra strength, durability, and rust- and corrosion-resistance. If you choose a high-quality aluminum baluster for your deck, you can expect it to be practically maintenance-free for decades to come.

Steel Balusters

Steel balusters are incredibly strong and typically come in more intricate designs, like our beautiful steel basket balusters. However, they are also a little more expensive than aluminum balusters. While steel is often susceptible to rust, we don’t want to sell you steel balusters that will look hideous in a few years. Currently, we offer a wide selection of Fortress steel balusters. This deck supply brand’s balusters are 100 percent pre-galvanized and come with multiple powder-coat finish options. Their steel balusters are specially engineered to resist the effects of weathering and extreme temperatures. They are also coated with UV inhibitors to add even more protection and backed by a stellar warranty. If you want the look and feel of steel without worrying about rust and weathering, Fortress balusters are a great option.

Glass Balusters

For those looking for something sleek and modern, or for an unobstructed view, glass balusters are the way to go. While once reserved for only the most high-budget decks, brands like Deckorators and RDI have made it easy for homeowners to install their own glass balusters, eliminating the costs of installation and custom-cut glass.

Glass is also an incredibly versatile baluster with plenty of options for customization. For example, those looking to add a classic spin to a modern baluster will like our frosted glass balusters with frosted designs within each baluster. These can be used around the entire deck or spaced out as accent balusters. To take this look even further, use the glass baluster lighting kit which illuminates the entire baluster. 

Are Glass Balusters Safe?

If you’ve ever accidentally thrown a baseball through a neighbor’s window or dropped a water glass on the kitchen floor, you might be thinking, “Is glass really a smart choice for a deck?” From rambunctious barbecues to kids running around, it seems like decks and glass balusters wouldn’t be a good match. But don’t worry, you’re not the first person to have this thought and overall, you don’t have much to worry about. Almost all glass balusters you’ll find are made of tempered safety glass, just like the windows in your car. This glass is much more difficult to break than ordinary glass and can withstand more dramatic temperature shifts without cracking. If it does break, it is designed to shatter into granular chunks rather than sharp, jagged edges, reducing the risk of injury if broken.

Shop Accessories

Baluster Lights & Accessories

With the help of Deck Expressions, dress up your round or square metal balusters with collars, baskets, and centerpiece options to give your deck a custom-look that is perfect for your home. You can even add a variety of light accessories and options to ensure your deck will be enjoyed late into those warm summer and cool fall nights. These accessories install in a breeze over or right on your existing deck balusters.

Hidden Baluster Connectors

All in-line steel or aluminum deck balusters have a variety of baluster connector options, and many of these options are available right here at Deck Expressions. Hidden connectors for instance allow your square or round balusters to connect to your upper, lower and stair railings with no visible connection. Baluster connectors are available in a variety of colors and designs.

Designer Baluster Connectors

Looking for a little design, try our designer baluster connectors by Deckorators. We offer these baluster connectors for square or round 3/4" balusters. We also cary a stair adaptor for mounting these to stair railings.

Contractor Program

Contractors, if your clients are asking for beautiful decks that don’t cost a fortune, we’d like to partner with you. Deck Expressions offers a rebate and rewards program for professional contractors to help them build long-term success. We offer contractors industry-leading training programs, as well as sales, marketing, and business-building tools. We make it easy for homeowners to find skilled and trustworthy professionals.

When you partner with us, you will automatically receive a 5 percent discount on all of the products we offer, as well as free shipping on all orders, product samples, and marketing materials. Additionally, you will gain access to the RDI Pro Partnership and the Deckorators Certified Pro Program.

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