Wood Balusters vs Iron Balusters

Staircase designs are constantly changing throughout the years, but one thing that will never change is the challenge of deciding over wood and iron balusters. Both complimenting a variety of home styles, these options are often one of the most difficult decisions when creating a traditional staircase. So, how do you decide between the two beautiful options?

Wood Balusters

Wooden Balusters have been the design choice when it comes to traditional staircases for as long as we can remember. Offering a variety of different styles, they can be extremely decorative while still maintaining a small footprint.

With a wide variety of stain options, you can create any color you need to compliment your home while maintaining the classic wooden texture. You can also opt to paint wooden balusters to match your space, which has been the preferred choice in the latest staircase trends.

While wooden staircases are often found in very elegant spaces and there are many pros, there are also a few cons to consider. Wooden Balusters are typically more expensive than the average Iron Baluster. They are also more susceptible to damage over a long period of time and may require more maintenance. That being said, they do not lack in style and elegance.

Within our 48 wood baluster styles, we offer basic, fluted, beaded, twisted, and octagonal designs in square sizes ranging from 1-1/8-in to 1-3/4-in. L.J. Smith Wood balusters are manufactured in 14 standard and custom wood species.

Iron Balusters

Known for their more modern and unique designs, Iron Balusters have been used in an array of homes that desired a more modern and clean look.

Iron Balusters are built with a modern design in mind, as they are known to be sleeker than Wood Balusters. If you are looking for a sleek design with minimal maintenance, Iron Balusters are the way to go.

Where Iron Balusters win in modern design, they lack in color options. While Iron Balusters are offered in many different powder-coated finishes, they can not be painted or stained like wooden balusters can be. Wooden balusters are much easier to tailor to a specific color palette.

Our ornamental iron balusters offer an extensive assortment of popular styles in various square and round sizes ranging from 1/2-in up to 3/4". They are constructed from mild steel, making them very durable and much stronger than wrought iron versions. Each and every baluster is handmade, which means no two are exactly alike; the slight variations in the details add exceptional character to any stairway. Our iron balusters are available in several powder-coated finishes.

Conclusion

Wood Balusters offer a warm and traditional design to any space, and along with the many different styles to choose from come the many different paint and stain options. Comparatively, Iron Balusters offer a sleek and modern design with durability to last a lifetime. Also offered in a wide array of styles, it is easy to find the perfect baluster to match the style you are going for.

When it comes to which balusters would be the best in your space, it ultimately comes down to personal style. Both options offer beautiful and elegant styles to compliment any home design. Explore all of our Wooden Baluster or Iron Baluster options today.


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