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A Guide to Solid & Hollow Iron Balusters

Jun 29, 2022

If you are renovating your house and wish to install custom metal railings, you’ll have to decide between hollow wrought iron and solid iron balusters. Also known as spindles, balusters provide handrail support and safety in addition to decorative elements. Learn about solid and hollow balusters here to determine what’s best for your home.

Solid

Solid wrought iron balusters typically weigh 3 pounds each. Because they are forged rather than machine-made products, solid balusters have a rough texture likened to Old World styles. Product weight makes these balusters more expensive to ship than hollow versions. Their solid nature also contributes to cutting challenges during installation, which can increase labor costs.


Forging solid balusters allows artisans to create complex designs. Products may feature “S” shapes and other curved styles that add beauty and originality to homes. Solid spindles are also strong, durable products with little to no flex. This makes them a safety-conscious and attractive choice for your home.

Hollow

Hollow balusters use a higher-quality iron but in lower quantities, making them less expensive than solid balusters. They are poured and shaped via mold casting processes, resulting in smooth finishes with rounded corners and a weight of about 1.5 pounds each. The hollow products are lightweight compared to solid balusters and therefore cost less to ship. While they are relatively flexible, that flex does not impact their durability. Hollow balusters are considered just as strong as solid versions, especially when they include high-grade steel. 


These products do not offer as many design possibilities as their forged counterparts because they are made in molds, but their simplistic appearance makes them ideal for any contemporary residence. Installation costs are less, as well, because cutting through the hollow products takes less time. Both hollow and solid balusters meet building code standards to help your home safety efforts.

Inside Stair Custom Railing — Mellman & Perdue CPAs — Oakland, CA

Work with the metal fabricators at Creative Iron Arts for custom wrought iron balusters and railings you’ll enjoy for years. This full-service design and build company serving Oakland, CA, and the surrounding areas creates elegant metal products that improve home aesthetics and safety, working closely with clients to ensure satisfaction. Call (510) 910-2175 today to request a free estimate, or visit their website to view past installations.

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