A balustrade is a railing system made up of vertical supports and horizontal rails, commonly used along stairs, balconies, porches, and rooftops. It serves both a safety function in many (not all) instances and a decorative one.
The word “balustrade” comes from the Italian balaustrata, which refers to the pomegranate flower bud that inspired the shape of traditional balusters. While modern styles vary widely, the function remains the same: a secure, elegant barrier between levels.Components of a balustrade
A typical balustrade includes several working parts that come together as a system:
Balusters are the small vertical posts repeated between the top and bottom rails. They can be plain or ornate and are sometimes referred to as “spindles.”
Top rails span the length of the balustrade and connect the tops of all balusters. This rail acts as the main touchpoint for hands and is essential for stability.
Bottom rails, often called shoe rails, hold the balusters in place at the base and help distribute weight evenly.
Newel posts are larger structural posts found at the ends of runs or at corners. These posts provide extra support and are often more decorative.
Bases or plinths are platforms or support blocks that the entire system may sit on, especially in exterior settings.
Balustrades vs. balusters
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they don’t mean the same thing.
A balustrade refers to the entire railing system, including the top rail, balusters, bottom rail, and posts. A baluster is just one of the individual vertical elements that make up the system.
If you’re pointing to a single decorative post in a staircase railing, you’re talking about a baluster. If you’re describing the whole thing (from post to rail), you’re referring to the balustrade.
Balustrade vs. railing
The word “railing” is a broader term that refers to any kind of barrier or guardrail. That can include modern cable systems, traditional picket or Chippendale styles, metal guardrails, industrial safety rails, and glass panels, many of which don’t include balusters at all.
A balustrade is a specific type of railing that features turned balusters and is more commonly associated with traditional architecture. So while every balustrade is a railing, not every railing is a balustrade.
Where to use balustrades
Balustrades are a timeless feature used in both interior and exterior settings. You’ll commonly see them:
Along staircases, adding elegance and safety
On balconies, decks, and porches for perimeter protection
Around rooftop terraces or mezzanines for fall prevention
As decorative features along parapets or retaining walls
Balustrade material options from Decoro
Decoro’s balustrades stand out for their low-maintenance construction by resisting moisture, insects, and weathering, and are easy to install thanks to prefabrication and hidden mounting systems. We offer a wide array of materials for balustrades, each selected for its aesthetic and performance characteristics:
Cellular PVC
Durable and design-flexible, PVC balustrades can incorporate inlaid aluminum for strength. They’re available in detailed profiles such as Chippendale, radiused, or gooseneck designs and perform well in exterior conditions.
High-density molded polyurethane
Perfect for profiles like turned balusters, polyurethane is lightweight yet rugged. It’s designed for easy installation with support for standard sizes and custom designs.
Polystone
Offers the refined look of cast stone and limestone options, but with reduced weight and cost. Frequently used for balustrade systems on stairs, curved facades, and intricate rail designs.
Looking for low-maintenance balustrades?
Whether you’re restoring a historic property or designing a modern exterior, the right balustrade can enhance your project. If you already have a shape in mind, our Shape Finder tool makes it easy to explore matching profiles across our extensive lineup. And if you’re looking for something more unique, contact us for custom profiles for your next project.