Best Stair Spindles for Renovations: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Bespoke Staircase Specialist
The staircase is often the first thing people see when they enter a home, yet the spindles (or balusters) are frequently overlooked until they snap or look dated. In many of the properties I work on in York, I see a mix of wobbly, poorly fitted spindles or heavy layers of paint hiding rot.
Choosing the right spindle isn't just about aesthetics; it is a structural decision. The Building Regulations here in the UK are strict about gaps—specifically the '100mm sphere rule'—and the material you choose needs to withstand daily knocks whilst suiting the character of your property.
In this review, I have selected three distinct options available today: a budget-friendly modern metal spindle, a high-quality traditional pine option for staining, and a pre-primed hardwood solution that solves the headache of painting fresh timber.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "The 'Universal Fit' Claim"
"Many products claim to fit any staircase instantly."
In joinery, nothing is truly universal. Older staircases (especially in pre-war York terraces) often have non-standard rake angles or thinner handrail grooves. Always measure your groove width (32mm vs 41mm) before buying.
The Spec: "Primed vs Unfinished"
"Unfinished timber is cheaper and just needs a quick coat of paint."
Painting raw softwood correctly involves knotting, priming, undercoating, and top-coating. Pre-primed spindles cost more upfront but save hours of labour and drying time.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
1118mm Straight Matte Black Stair Spindle – 13mm Mild Steel Baluster
Generic
This mild steel spindle offers a striking modern industrial look for a very low cost. It is an excellent choice for updating a tired staircase without replacing the structural timber, though it requires specific metal-cutting tools to fit.
The Good
- Very affordable price point per unit
- Powder-coated finish is durable and wipe-clean
- Clean, minimalist aesthetic suits modern renovations
The Bad
- Requires angle grinder or hacksaw to cut to length
- Needs specific brackets or shoes (not always included) for secure fixing
Installer Tip:
Because these are hollow metal, they can rattle if not seated perfectly. I recommend using a dab of clear silicone or grip adhesive inside the fixing bracket/shoe before tightening the grub screw to ensure a silent, solid fix.
Priced at £4.55 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonJackson Woodturners Pine Traditional Stair Spindles 41mm x 900mm (4 Pack)
Jackson Woodturners
These are proper 41mm joinery-grade spindles. The turning quality is excellent, capturing that classic Victorian feel and solid weight. Being unfinished pine, they are perfect if you intend to varnish or stain the wood to showcase the grain.
The Good
- Substantial 41mm thickness feels solid and safe
- Beautiful turned profile matches traditional décor
- Good value when bought in multi-packs
The Bad
- Requires full sanding and sealing preparation
- Softwood can dent if hit hard with heavy objects
Installer Tip:
Before you cut these, bring them inside the house for at least 48 hours to acclimatise. Pine shrinks in dry central heating; if you fit them damp from a cold garage, gaps will open up in your joinery within weeks.
Priced at £16.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonJackson Woodturners White Primed Teesdale Stair Spindle – 1100mm x 32mm
Jackson Woodturners
This is a clever product for two reasons: it uses tulipwood (a stable hardwood) for the core, and it comes pre-primed. The 32mm size is also a problem-solver for older, narrower handrail grooves where modern 41mm spindles generally won't fit without replacing the entire rail.
The Good
- Pre-primed finish saves hours of painting time
- Hardwood base (tulipwood) is more stable than pine
- 32mm size fits many older, narrower handrails
The Bad
- More expensive per unit than standard pine
- May still need a light sand before the final top coat
Installer Tip:
Use a high-quality solvent-based satin or gloss for the final coat. Whilst the primer is good, water-based top coats can sometimes raise the grain on timber. A solvent finish will give you that glass-smooth, professional joinery look.
Priced at £9.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What is the rule about spacing stair spindles in the UK?
Can I replace just one broken spindle?
What is the difference between 32mm and 41mm spindles?
Do I need a professional joiner to replace spindles?
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