If you have a staircase inside your home, there's a likely chance you have a banister. But what is a banister exactly? Our guide covers everything you need to know about banisters, including the difference between a banister vs. a railing. Keep reading to learn more about this part of your staircase.

What Is a Banister & Why Do You Need One?

A banister works as a handrail that you hold onto while going up or down the stairs. The banister is attached atop a series of vertical posts, or balusters, that provide the necessary support for those holding onto the banister.

The combination of the banister and baluster (also known as a balustrade) is designed to prevent people from falling from the sides of an open staircase. Many people refer to the balustrade as the banister even though the banister only makes up one part of this duo. This freestanding design is necessary for staircases that aren't surrounded by walls on both sides.

Not only are banisters functional, they can also add style to your space. The banister and balusters allow you to choose decorative elements like the color, finish, and design so that your staircase design complements the style of your home. You can mix and match the colors of your balustrade for a bit of contrast, match the wood tone of the banister to the stair treads, or pick balusters with carved details to add some extra flair.

Banisters are typically installed at a height between 30" and 38" and are able to support up to 200 lbs. in case someone using the stairs loses their footing. Balusters are typically placed 4" or 5" apart so that small children can't pass through the gap or get stuck between two posts. Because banisters and balusters are designed for safety, it's important to check your local building codes to ensure your stairs are up to code.

Tip!

To learn more about balusters and what purpose they serve, check out our guide What Is a Baluster & How Does It Work? for additional information.

Banister vs. Railing: What's the Difference?

"Banister" and "handrail" are often used interchangeably to describe the same staircase component – the piece you hold onto while going up or down a set of stairs. While the two provide the same functionality, there is a subtle difference when comparing banisters vs. railings. Most often, banisters are placed on top of balusters, while handrails can also be mounted directly to the wall.

Since they have a similar purpose, both banisters and wall-mounted handrails have their place in home design. If there is plenty of open space around the staircase (like in the photo above), you'll need a banister to enclose the stairs and add safety. For a staircase that has a wall on each side of the stairs, a wall-mounted handrail or two makes more sense.

Banisters and railings are also popular for outdoor spaces with stairs, such as porches, decks, and walkways. If there isn't a vertical structure where you can install a wall-mounted handrail, freestanding designs with a banister and built-in baluster are an excellent option for making your outdoor space safer.

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