What Is a Balustrade?
A balustrade would typically refer to rows of repeating balusters, that is, small posts which serve to support the top rail of a railing. You will find that staircases and porches regularly have balustrades. It essentially refers to an assembly of balusters. A baluster is the term given to a moulded shaft, which could be square or circular in shape, in either stone or wood and at times even in metal, which supports the coping of your parapet or your handrail of a staircase. The term has its roots in the French word balustre; coming from the Italian term balaustro; coming from the term balaustra, meaning “pomegranate flower” [since it bears a semblance to the post]. It ultimately comes from the Latin term balaustium; and from Greek term balaustio.
A balustrade is a series of architectural posts called balusters that are held up with top and bottom railings. A baluster is typically fairly small in size and most are formed in a sort of teardrop or vase shape that varies in width. Some balusters are more elongated while others are thicker and more rounded. A balustrade is most often found on stairways, porches or balconies. Although balustrades are usually decorative, their main purpose is to keep people from falling off of interior or exterior building structures. The word, balustrade, is a French word that is derived from the Italian balaustrata. Balaustro is the Italian word for baluster, while balaustrata refers to the balustrade system. Balustrade systems include the top and bottom railings and the newel posts as well as the balusters. Newel posts are the structural columns that support the balustrade. Newel posts are featured at the entrance, or foot, of a staircase and at the corners of a balcony as well as at even intervals
