Handrail vs Balustrade: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to renovating and decorating your stairway, there's plenty of new words you'll probably hear getting thrown around that you have no idea the meaning of. Like did you know there's different types of handrails, each with different names? The two popular options are the classic 'handrail', and a term that may be new to some of you, 'balustrade'.

In this blog, we're here to explain the meanings of these two handrail types and explain the difference between them, let's get into it! 

What Is A Handrail?

Let's begin with the term that needs very little explanation. Handrail. A rail for your hand. It goes up the stairs for you to hold onto to provide stability for users and prevents falling. You can get a great selection of handrails on our website, including different finish choices, stair type designs, and bracket options. Handrails can be made from a selection of materials, metal, wood, plastic... even glass!

But you already know this, so let's move on to the other handrail type.

What Is A Balustrade?

A balustrade is very simple to explain. It's a handrail that has rows of small columns under it called balusters that serve as a protective/decorative barrier on the staircase. Basically, it's a handrail with barriers underneath it that stop you from falling underneath the handrail. The top horizontal rail is the handrail aspect that you hold to go up and downstairs, whilst the base rail (the rail at the very bottom near the floor) is what the columns sit on. The balustrade is the entire assembly, whereas the handrail is just the top part.

What Is The Difference?

So, what's the difference between these two types? Let's begin with a general definition. A handrail is the rail you hold for support. A balustrade is the entire build, including protective columns that sit on a base rail. A handrail can be installed directly onto the wall, whereas a balustrade is typically installed onto the floor. Handrails help you get up and down the stairs with ease, and balustrades can protect you from falling through, as these aren't usually installed on a wall.

Hopefully this has cleared things up for you. It's completely normal to not know what these terms mean, but at Handrails Direct, we want to be your helpful guide to all things staircases! Below is a selection of other commonly used staircase terms that you can refer to if you're ever unsure:

• Banister - A handrail and its supporting framework that runs along a staircase.
• Baluster - Upright support that minimises the gap underneath the handrail.
• Cantilever Stairs - Floating stairs, each step looks like it's floating in mid-air.
• Guardrail - Often combined with handrails, typically used for safety and fall protection.
• Newel Post - Main support post and the start/end of the handrail, typically found on staircase handrails.
• Plinth - The structure that the balustrades rest on.
• Spandrel - 'The closet under the stairs'. It's the small, triangle space under the stairs that usually offers a door to use for storage.
• Termination - End of the handrail that can be returned or capped.

Check out our previous blog: How To Style Your Staircase