Buy wooden balusters for stairs: L-117 1000 × 62 mm or round L-118 1000 × 60 mm — which to choose

Comparison of two modern balusters of the same height for a private house, balustrade and stair railing

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Round Wooden Baluster L-018

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L-117 or L-118: short answer

The width difference is only 2 mm, but visually the models work differently. L-117 size 1000 × 62 mm creates a more elongated, calm and vertical line. It suits Scandinavian interiors, light modern stairs and projects where the handrail, glass or metal should remain noticeable. Round L-118 size 1000 × 60 mm has a pronounced central volume and forms a denser, sculptural row. It is chosen for minimalism, round handrails and railings that should be clearly visible from a distance.

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L-117 — light vertical. The elongated turned shape creates a calm repetition and does not overload the modern railing.

L-118 — round central volume. The row looks denser and more expressive, even with almost the same maximum width.

Both models have a height of 1000 mm. The choice is made not by height, but by shape, handrail, installation pitch, and scale of the room.

Beech — for enamel. Suitable for light, white, black, or colored opaque finishes, if specified by the project.

Oak — for tinting. Preserves the natural texture and helps connect the balusters with the oak handrail and posts.

Sanding — "Prestige". Both models are designed for detailed manual surface preparation without the need to choose between two levels of processing.

A buyer who wants to purchase wooden balusters for a staircase often starts with size. In the case of L-117 and L-118, this approach hardly helps. The height of both models is the same — 1000 mm, and the maximum width differs by only 2 mm: 62 vs 60 mm. In the drawing, the difference seems insignificant, but in the finished row, it is less important than the shape of the middle part. L-117 stretches the railing upward and creates a calmer rhythm. L-118 draws attention to the round central volume and makes the row denser.

Both balusters are designed for modern projects. They can be ordered in beech for enamel or in oak for tinting, with "Prestige" sanding quality. Therefore, the buyer chooses not between a "basic" and an "expensive" option, but between two plastic characters. One better supports a light Scandinavian staircase, glass, and metal; the other supports a round handrail, rounded posts, and a minimalist composition where the vertical elements themselves should be noticeable.

You cannot judge a baluster by a single photo. The card shows an individual element, but on the staircase it repeats dozens of times. One calm shape can turn into a very dense row with a frequent step. Conversely, one expressive round detail can look appropriate if there is enough space between balusters. Therefore, the right choice starts with the overall layout of the railing, not with comparing two millimeters.

For a light modern vertical, you can buy a wooden baluster L-117. For a more rounded and sculptural row — buy a round baluster L-118. If no shape matches the handrail, posts, or house style, it is better to open the catalog of beech and oak balusters and compare other round, turned, and carved models.

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What L-117 and L-118 have in common

The similarity of the models helps eliminate secondary factors from the choice. Both balusters have a height of 1000 mm, are offered in beech and oak, are available only with "Prestige" sanding quality, and belong to the modern group. This means the choice can be focused on the shape, row density, handrail, color, and installation location.

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Same height 1000 mm

Height simplifies comparison but does not mean the product is always installed without trimming. The final length depends on the angle of the flight, the handrail bracket, the mounting method, and the landing areas. Before ordering, you need to open the drawing of the specific model and coordinate it with the staircase project.

Beech and oak

Both models can be ordered in two types of wood. Beech is chosen for opaque enamel. Oak is for semi-transparent finishes that preserve the texture. The material must match the handrail and posts or be consciously linked to them through a common finish.

Prestige sanding

For L-117 and L-118, there is no need to choose between Standard and Prestige. The product cards confirm detailed hand sanding. This is especially useful for modern smooth shapes: on a minimalist surface, any trace of processing is more noticeable than on rich carving.

Modern style

L-117 is associated with Scandinavian and calm modern projects. L-118 is associated with minimalism and round geometry. Both models lack rich carved ornamentation, so they work well in interiors where clean form and color are important.

Possibility of combination with other materials

Smooth wooden balusters can be included in compositions with glass and metal if the railing project is designed as a single system. Wood softens cold surfaces, and the absence of carving does not create a stylistic conflict.

Confirmed characteristics of L-117 and L-118

The table shows why comparing only 62 and 60 mm is pointless. The maximum width is almost the same, but the shape distributes the volume differently along the height. In L-117, it is elongated and gradually transitions into thin sections. In L-118, the central part is more pronounced, so the row looks more massive even with a smaller width.

Main difference: how the shape works in a full row

A single baluster does not show the real result. On a flight, one shape repeats many times, and each central volume combines with its neighbors. For L-117, there is more visual space between the extensions. For L-118, the rounded parts form a sequence of large accents, so the row has a stronger impact on the perception of the staircase.

How L-117 reads as a single item

A single L-117 looks simple and restrained. Its shape does not try to replace carved decor and does not compete with the handrail. On a sample, such neutrality may seem like a drawback, but in a row it becomes an advantage: many verticals create a clean system without decorative noise.

How a row of L-117 looks

The repetition of the elongated shape enhances height and helps the staircase look lighter. This is especially noticeable next to a glass insert, metal stringer, or light wall. The balusters do not completely dissolve, but they do not draw attention away from the overall architecture of the flight.

How L-118 reads as a single item

For L-118, the central spherical volume is immediately noticeable. It makes the individual element more expressive and creates a sense of a finished sculptural detail. In a minimalist interior, such plasticity replaces complex ornament: the shape remains smooth but does not look flat.

What does the L-118 row look like

When repeated, the central volumes create a strong rhythm. If the balusters are placed frequently, the railing appears dense. If the step is larger, each form gets more air and is perceived as an independent element. That is why L-118 should only be evaluated in a scaled layout.

Why 2 mm doesn't decide the choice

The width of 62 mm for L-117 and 60 mm for L-118 refers to the maximum dimension. It does not show how much volume falls on the central part, where the constrictions are located, and how light and shadow are distributed. Visual density depends on shape and step, not on a difference of two millimeters.

When to buy L-117

L-117 is suitable for a project where the balusters should create a neat vertical grid but not become the most active element. It is chosen for light modern interiors, Scandinavian homes, stairs next to glass and metal, and for railings where the handrail and posts have a more complex shape.

For a Scandinavian interior

The Scandinavian approach is built on clean geometry, a light background, and clear natural materials. L-117 supports this logic. It is noticeable due to its turned silhouette but does not turn the staircase into a classic balustrade. In white or light enamel, the row looks airy; in natural oak, it is warmer and more expressive.

For such a project you can choose L-117 for a Scandinavian staircase and check the drawing together with the handrail and posts.

For a light staircase

White, milky, or other light enamel emphasizes the shape with soft shadows. On the L-117, the shadows stretch vertically and do not form a large dark center. This effect is useful in a small hallway, where the railing should not visually close off the space.

For combination with glass

Glass sections of the railing require a calm wooden shape. The L-117 can be used on posts, turns, or individual sections next to glass, if the structure is designed as a single unit. Its conciseness helps to connect materials without stylistic conflict.

For combination with metal

On a staircase with a metal stringer or fastening details, an elongated wooden baluster softens the structure. It does not look overly classic and supports the verticals of the metal. The color can be matched to the wall, handrail, or contrastingly, if provided by the project.

When the handrail should be the main element

If a wide or expressive handrail is chosen, calm balusters will not compete with it. The L-117 creates a supporting rhythm, while the horizontal line of the handrail remains noticeable. This is especially important on a long flight, where an overly active vertical could fragment the composition.

For alternating with more complex elements

The L-117 works well as a base model. At a turn, near a post, or in the central part of a section, a more expressive element can be used if the project allows alternation. The calm shape helps the accent baluster not to get lost.

For a small staircase

In a compact opening, a light row usually looks more appropriate. L-117 does not create strong rounded volumes at each step. But the final choice depends on the number of elements: installing any model too frequently makes the railing dense.

When L-117 may look too neutral

In a large double-height space, on a wide flight, or next to massive columns, the shape may seem too calm. In such a case, it is worth comparing L-118 or another model in the category. It is better to make a decision based on a visualization of the complete railing.

When to buy L-118

L-118 is chosen when a modern staircase should have noticeable plasticity without carved ornamentation. The round cross-section and central volume make the row expressive while maintaining conciseness. This model works especially well in a spacious hall, next to a round handrail, and in interiors with repeating rounded shapes.

For minimalism with an expressive form

Minimalism does not require a complete rejection of decorativeness. In L-118, decor is created not by carving but by pure volume. The smooth surface, round center, and even repetition allow the staircase to be noticeable without traditional leaves, flutes, and complex turned plasticity.

For such a solution, you can choose L-118 for a modern railing and check in advance how dense the row will be.

For a round handrail

The rounded central volume naturally supports the soft shape of the handrail. This does not mean that any round handrail is automatically compatible in size and installation. First, choose a specific profile, handrail bracket, and mounting method, then check the proportions.

For a large open space

In a double-height hall or living room with an open staircase, balusters are visible from afar. L-118 maintains readability thanks to its central volume. A thin neutral model could get lost, while the round shape remains noticeable even in a light color.

For an accent railing

If the staircase is to become one of the main interior objects, L-118 provides a stronger rhythm. Contrasting black or dark enamel enhances the shape but requires sufficient space and precise spacing. On a small flight, such an approach may look heavy.

For rounded posts

A round baluster connects more easily with a turned post that has spherical or soft transitions. However, it is not necessary to literally repeat the same shape. The post can be larger and more complex, while L-118 supports it with its main central volume.

For oak with visible texture

Toned oak emphasizes the rotation of fibers around the rounded shape and makes the central part especially expressive. On a long row, the texture adds liveliness but requires a single finishing system and pre-staining of the entire batch.

When L-118 may be too heavy

If the staircase is narrow, balusters are placed frequently, and the handrail and posts are already large, central volumes will create too dense a grid. In such a situation, L-117 or another more elongated model will help restore airiness.

Which model is more modern

Both models are modern, but express modernity differently. L-117 is closer to Scandinavian restraint, combining wood with simple surfaces and calm colors. L-118 is closer to plastic minimalism, where one clean geometric shape repeats and becomes the main motif.

Therefore, the question "which is more modern" is better replaced with "what character does the staircase need." For a light architectural line, choose L-117. For a prominent row with a round center, choose L-118.

Which model is better suited for a round handrail

A round handrail naturally supports turned and round vertical elements. However, visual compatibility does not equal technical compatibility. You need to check the handrail profile, the subrail plate, the width of the top part of the baluster, the cutting method, and the actual height after installation. You cannot select a handrail based on a photo.

L-117 with a round handrail

The elongated L-117 creates a calmer connection. The round handrail becomes the main soft element, and the balusters support it with subtle transitions. This scheme suits a light staircase where the horizontal line should read confidently, and the verticals should not overload the space.

L-118 with a round handrail

L-118 repeats the rounded shape more strongly. The central volume and soft handrail form a single motif. The result looks more cohesive and noticeable, especially in a large hall. However, the handrail should not be too massive relative to the baluster.

Handrail and handrail bracket

The handrail cannot be considered separately from the under-rail strip and the upper seating area. The category includes different profiles, including PR-004, PR-002, PR-001, and the under-rail strip PR-003. The specific combination is selected according to the drawing and installation diagram.

Before ordering, it is worth select a round handrail for L-118 or choose a handrail for L-117 balusters, and then check the compatibility of the entire system.

How to evaluate the proportion

Create a front visualization of a section of the railing: handrail, two or three balusters, and a post. Compare the thickness of the horizontal line with the maximum width of the verticals. If the handrail looks too thin, L-118 may weigh down the bottom. If too massive, L-117 may appear weak. Balance is only visible in the set.

Detailed principles are explained in the material about how to combine balusters with a round handrail.

Beech for enamel or oak for tinting

Material changes the perception of shape no less than color. The same L-117 in white enamel looks lighter than in dark oak. L-118 in black enamel becomes graphic and dense, while in light tinting it becomes softer and more natural. Therefore, the shape and finish should be chosen simultaneously.

Beech under white enamel

White enamel emphasizes the purity of the turned surface and hides differences in lamellas. L-117 in white suits a Scandinavian staircase and a light hallway. L-118 creates a more expressive rhythm but does not look heavy due to its light color.

Beech for colored enamel

Gray, green, blue, or another opaque color allows the staircase to blend with walls, doors, and furniture. The specific shade is not confirmed by a card, so it is chosen according to the project. A test coating should be done on prepared beech before finishing the entire batch.

Black balusters for a modern staircase

Dark enamel enhances the silhouette. L-117 turns into a graphic vertical grid, L-118 into a chain of rounded accents. On a narrow flight, black L-118 may be too dense, so the spacing and background need to be checked in advance.

Oak for light tinting

Light oak preserves the natural texture and suits a modern interior without sharp contrast. L-117 looks calmer and lighter, L-118 more voluminous but not heavy. The handrail and posts should ideally be stained simultaneously.

Oak for dark tinting

Dark oak enhances shadows at transitions. On L-117, this emphasizes the elongated shape. On L-118, the central volume becomes even more noticeable. This option suits a spacious staircase but requires careful lighting and sufficient distance between elements.

Why you should not mix beech and oak without a plan

Under a transparent finish, the difference in wood species is obvious. Under enamel, it can be hidden, but the preparation and surface behavior remain different. If the handrail is oak and the balusters are beech, the composition must be specifically designed, not happen by chance due to price or availability.

One finishing system for the entire railing

Balusters, posts, handrail, and under-rail strip should ideally be primed and coated with one system. Otherwise, white color may differ in shade, and oak staining may differ in saturation. For a large batch, a test coating and marking of parts are mandatory.

How L-117 and L-118 work in different styles

Scandinavian interior

L-117 is particularly well-suited. The elongated form supports light walls, natural wood, and simple furniture. L-118 is also possible if the interior is built around rounded objects and a more noticeable accent is needed.

Minimalism

L-118 reveals minimalism through pure volume. It has no carved pattern, but the central round part creates character. L-117 suits a stricter option where the staircase should almost dissolve into the architecture.

Modern Classic

Both models can be considered modern classics if the posts and handrail are not overloaded with ornament. L-117 makes the railing calmer, L-118 adds soft plasticity. White enamel and tinted oak give different characters with the same shape.

Japandi

For an interior that combines Japanese restraint and Scandinavian warmth, L-117 usually looks more natural. Natural oak, simple geometry, and a sparse rhythm support a calm atmosphere. L-118 is suitable if rounded forms are repeated in furniture and lighting.

Loft with wood and metal

On a metal stringer, L-117 creates a vertical contrast without classical decorativeness. L-118 makes the staircase more plastic and can connect with round metal details. Color and fastenings must be coordinated in the project.

Country house

In a house with natural wood, both models are appropriate. L-117 suits a light modern interior, L-118 suits a more expressive staircase in a spacious hall. Oak finish helps tie the railing to the floor, doors, and furniture.

Where to use L-117

Straight flight of stairs

The even repetition of elongated balusters enhances the direction of ascent. On a long flight, L-117 creates a calm rhythm and does not fragment the space. It works especially well on a light background.

Staircase to the second floor

In a private house, the railing is often visible from both the living room and hallway simultaneously. L-117 allows the staircase to be noticeable but not dominant. It suits projects where the main accent is on the wall, light fixture, or furniture.

Second light railing

On a long balustrade, many L-117s create a thin vertical grid. It does not block the view and supports the open space well. However, the installation step must comply with safety requirements and the project.

Stair landing

On a horizontal section, the elongated shape maintains a consistent rhythm with the flights. If the landing is long, L-117 helps keep the railing from feeling heavy. Posts and corner transitions should be selected in advance.

Staircase next to glass

The baluster can be used in areas where glass is interrupted by posts or wooden sections. L-117 supports the lightness of the transparent material. The structural scheme is calculated by a specialist.

Where to use L-118

Open staircase in the living room

When the flight becomes part of the overall space, L-118 creates a noticeable decorative rhythm without carving. The central volumes are visible from the sofa, kitchen, and second floor. In a light finish, the row remains modern.

Balustrade in a large hall

On a spacious platform, the round shape is not lost. L-118 helps connect the railing to the rounded posts and handrail. If the balustrade is long, the spacing must be modeled especially carefully so that the row does not become too dense.

Modern staircase with a round handrail

This is one of the most natural scenarios. The rounded handrail follows the shape of the baluster. But dimensions and installation are not chosen "by eye": the handrail profile and the handrail support strip are checked against the drawings.

Contrasting railing

In black or dark enamel, L-118 becomes a strong graphic element. This option suits a light wall and a spacious room. On a small staircase, it is better to check L-117 or a light finish.

Staircase with soft modern furniture

Rounded chairs, lamps, and tables support the central volume of L-118. The repetition of the shape makes the interior cohesive. In this scenario, the baluster becomes a connecting motif rather than a separate decoration.

Can L-117 and L-118 be combined in one staircase

Combination is possible but requires a strict repeating module. Random alternation of two similarly sized shapes looks like a batch error. It is necessary to decide in advance which model is the main one, where the accent is, and how the pattern repeats on each flight and landing.

All L-117 on the flight

The calmest option. A uniform row, the handrail and posts easily become the main elements. Suitable for small and medium staircases.

All L-118 on the flight

Creates a strong circular rhythm. Suitable for a spacious interior and a round handrail. The installation frequency needs to be checked via visualization.

L-117 as the base, L-118 as the accent

L-118 can be placed after a certain number of L-117 or to mark the start of a section. The module must repeat consistently. For example, one L-118 between several L-117. The specific quantity is determined by the project, not a universal rule.

Why the reverse scheme is more complex

If L-118 becomes the base and L-117 is a rare accent, the calm form may get lost among the rounded volumes. This solution requires particularly precise visualization.

Alternation in different sections

You can use L-117 on the flight and L-118 on the landing, or vice versa, if the transition is supported by a post and handrail. Without a separating element, the change in form may appear random.

What to check before ordering

It is necessary to render the entire flight, the landing, and the balustrade, mark the article numbers, and count each model separately. An error in quantity will disrupt the repeat and require additional purchases.

How to calculate the number of balusters

The number of balusters cannot be determined by a single universal formula without a project. The result is affected by the length of the flight, the number of steps, the tread width, the presence of landings, the placement of starting and support posts, the method of fastening, and the permissible gap between vertical elements. The article helps to understand the logic, but the final calculation must correspond to the design and current safety requirements.

First, determine the boundaries of the section

Each section of the railing is calculated separately: a straight flight, a turning landing, a second-light balustrade, a short horizontal section. Posts separate one section from another. If you add up all the lengths without breaking them down, you can get the correct total number but an incorrect distribution.

Then set the position of the outermost elements

The outermost baluster should not accidentally end up too close to a post or leave a large empty gap. The distances at the edges are included in the calculation on par with the internal gaps. For a flight, the slope and the actual installation line are taken into account.

The gap is more important than the distance between axes

For L-117 and L-118, the maximum width is similar, but the shape changes with height. Therefore, the gap between the central volumes and thin sections will be different. In the drawing, the most critical zone should be assessed, not just the step between axes.

The width of the step affects the layout

On some stairs, balusters are placed one per step, on others — two per step or according to another calculated scheme. You cannot transfer a solution from someone else's photo to your own flight. The quantity is determined by the geometry of the steps and the project requirements.

Platforms are counted separately

A horizontal section often requires a different quantity than an inclined flight of the same length. Here, the axes, post placement, and visual rhythm change. An error on the platform is especially noticeable because the railing is seen frontally.

Add spare only after precise specification

Spare may be needed for trimming, possible damage, and future repairs. But first, calculate the exact quantity of L-117 and L-118 for each section. For a mixed scheme, spare for two articles is calculated separately.

Why it's useful to make a scale layout

Even a safety-correct step can visually look heavy with L-118 and too sparse with L-117. A mock-up of a one to two meter section shows the real rhythm. After approval, the step is repeated throughout the staircase.

For a general understanding of the range and prices, you can view prices for wooden balusters, but the specific quantity of L-117 and L-118 needs to be calculated for your own project.

How to select posts for L-117 and L-118

The post completes the section and is usually larger than the baluster. It does not have to literally repeat its shape, but should support the overall character. For L-117, calm turned posts with elongated transitions are suitable. For L-118, models with rounded volumes or soft plasticity are suitable. A too ornate post next to a minimalist baluster may look alien.

Post for L-117

An elongated baluster pairs well with a post where decorativeness is concentrated in one or two transitions. If the post is completely smooth, it may look too simple; if heavily carved, it may draw too much attention. Balance is checked in the overall visualization.

Post for L-118

A rounded baluster calls for a soft support shape. The post may repeat the round motif on a larger scale or remain calm, but should not have random angular geometry if other staircase elements are rounded.

Same material

Beech balusters logically pair with beech posts for enamel, oak with oak for tinting. This makes it easier to achieve the same color and texture. Mixing wood species is only allowed as a deliberate choice under opaque finishes.

Before ordering, it is worth matching a post to L-117 or choosing a support post for L-118after comparing the drawings and finish.

What to buy together with balusters

The stair railing is assembled as a system. Balusters alone are not enough: you need a handrail, a sub-rail strip, support and starting posts, as well as a mounting solution. All parts must match in material, scale, and future coating. If you buy them separately without a common specification, the difference will show up during assembly.

For a buyer who hasn't yet decided on the kit composition, it's useful to select posts, balusters, and handrails in one section. This makes it easier to compare shapes and not forget the sub-rail strip.