Shop Balusters

Enhance the safety and beauty of your home with the right balusters for your projects at Arlington Coal and Lumber. When you invest time in understanding balusters, you ensure that your porch or balcony meets local building codes while reflecting your personal taste. Our Pressure Treated Stringers & Balusters can trust its resistance to decay and insects. As your trusted local building supply, we offer durable options that withstand the harsh weather of Greater Boston, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and the surrounding New England region.

 

At Arlcoal.com, we simplify the building process by offering expert advice on everything from classic wood to modern metal infills. We are your best partner in bringing your dream project to life by providing best material estimates with our friendly locations close to you from Arlington Coal and Lumber Company, Burlington Lumber Company, Wilmington Builders Supply, Sudbury Lumber Company, Chelmsford Lumber Company, and Hudson Lumber Company. Explore our diverse range of online product catalog or contact us to visit your favorite local lumberyard and get started. To manage your project efficiently, feel free to sign-up for an account today.

 

Balusters, often called spindles or pickets, are the vertical members that bridge the gap between the top and bottom rails of a railing system. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they serve a vital safety function by preventing accidental falls. In a pressure-treated application, these components are specifically infused with preservatives to resist moisture, rot, and termites - a necessity for the volatile New England climate. Typically available in 2-in by 2-in widths and 36-in or 42-in lengths, balusters are the backbone of any safe deck or staircase installation. Choosing the right style, whether square-top or turned, helps define the architectural character of your home.

 

Buyers Guide: To help you decide on the best materials from our all product categories, here are the answers to the most common questions we receive:

 

• When can I stain or paint balusters? Pressure-treated wood is often "wet" from the treatment process. You should wait until the wood is dry to the touch and a drop of water absorbs into the grain rather than beading off. Typically, this takes 2 to 4 weeks depending on sun exposure.
  
  
• How do I prevent cracking or warping for balusters? To minimize natural movement, apply a high-quality water-repellent sealer or stain as soon as the wood is dry enough to accept it. Consistent maintenance every few years will keep the boards from twisting in the sun.
  
  
• What is the correct spacing for balusters? To meet standard residential building codes, the gap between balusters must be small enough that a 4-in sphere cannot pass through. This is a critical safety measure for children and small pets.
  
  
• What fasteners should I use for balusters? Always use hot-dipped galvanized or stainless steel screws. Standard steel fasteners will react with the copper in pressure-treated wood, leading to rapid corrosion and dark streaks on the lumber.
  
  
• Do I need to treat the cut ends for balusters? Yes. When you cut a treated baluster to length, you expose the untreated interior. Apply a brush-on end-cut wood preservative to the cut surface to maintain protection against rot.
  
  
• What is KDAT wood in balusters? KDAT stands for Kiln Dried After Treatment. These balusters are placed in a kiln after the pressure-treatment process to remove excess moisture. They are more stable, lighter, and can be stained or painted immediately upon installation.
  
  
• Is the baluster wood safe for kids and pets? Modern pressure-treated wood uses chemicals like MCA (Micronized Copper Azole), which are approved for residential use and safe for family environments. However, standard safety practices, such as wearing a mask when cutting, should always be followed.
  
  
• How long will balusters last? When maintained with a sealer or stain every 2 to 3 years, high-quality pressure-treated balusters can last 15 to 30 years depending on their exposure to the elements.
  
  
• Can I mix wood balusters with other materials? Absolutely. Many homeowners use pressure-treated wood balusters for their structural strength while incorporating a composite top rail or metal infills for a customized, high-end look.
  
  

Balusters offer more than just safety; they are a canvas for creativity. For a classic New England aesthetic, white-painted 2-in by 2-in square balusters provide a clean, traditional look that pairs perfectly with colonial-style homes. For a modern twist, alternating wood balusters with black metal spindles can create a sophisticated, high-contrast design. Real-life applications include wrap-around porches, safety railings for tiered decks, and interior-to-exterior transitional stairways. Because pressure-treated balusters are cost-effective and easy to work with, they allow for custom spacing patterns and unique rail heights that can be tailored to any one-stop shop project.

 

We also offer a wide selection of quality Pressure Treated products to support your build. Our Dimensional lumber category includes everything from Treated Decking for your floor boards, Treated Framing for the substructure, and heavy-duty Treated Posts for structural support. For sheeting and privacy, explore our Plywood and Lattice, specifically our durable Treated Plywood. If you are building a new staircase, our Stringers and Balusters section provides all the components you need, including various Balusters and pre-cut Stringers to save you time on the job site.

 

As your one-stop shop, you can also shop with all our building products in-stock from Building Materials, Fasteners, Hardware, Lumber, Composites, and Plywood, to Moulding and Millwork. Explore more products online today to find everything you need for your next build at a home improvement store that cares about your results.