Question 1

How many spindles do I need for my staircase?

Accepted Answer

Most staircases need roughly one spindle per 100mm of handrail length, minus one. For example a 3,200mm handrail needs around 31 spindles. Use our free spindle calculator for an instant answer, or see our full measuring guide for the step-by-step method, including landings and the two-spindles-per-tread alternative.

Question 2

What size are Forxa's spindles?

Accepted Answer

Forxa's Q-Series spindles are 1/2 inch (12mm) square and our A-Series spindles are 9/16 inch (14mm) square or round. All are 44 inches (1118mm) in standard length, in hollow or solid construction depending on the design.

Question 3

What is the difference between a baluster and a spindle?

Accepted Answer

Nothing - the terms are used interchangeably in the UK. A spindle (or baluster) is the vertical post that runs between the handrail and the string or floor. A baserail sits beneath them, and a newel post is the larger post at the top and bottom of a flight.

Question 4

Metal vs wood spindles - which is better?

Accepted Answer

It depends on durability, maintenance and style preferences. Metal spindles generally resist wear better and offer more decorative detail; wood is warmer and easier to match to existing joinery. See our full metal vs wood comparison guide for a detailed breakdown.

Question 5

What finishes are available?

Accepted Answer

Forxa spindles are available in 10 premium powder-coated finishes: Satin Black, Matt Black, Gun Metal Grey, Oil Rubbed Copper, Oil Rubbed Bronze, Bright White, White Golden, Silver Vein, Copper Vein and Brushed Nickel. See our guide to choosing the right finish for advice on matching finishes to your interior.

Question 6

What is the maximum gap allowed between stair spindles in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Under Approved Document K, a 100mm sphere must not be able to pass through the gap between spindles - in practice this means a maximum clear gap of 99mm. This applies to any domestic staircase where the drop is more than 600mm. See our full UK Building Regulations guide for height and load requirements too.

Question 7

Does the 100mm spacing rule apply to landings and angled staircases?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The maximum 99mm gap applies equally to landings, straight flights and raked (angled) staircases - the pitch of the stair does not relax the rule.

Question 8

What handrail height is required by UK building regulations?

Accepted Answer

The minimum balustrade height is 900mm from the pitch line on a staircase, 900mm from the floor on a landing, and 1,100mm in commercial or public buildings. Many homeowners choose to go higher, particularly where young children are present.

Question 9

Can I fit metal spindles onto my existing wooden staircase?

Accepted Answer

Yes - this is one of the most common projects we supply for. Our retro-fitting guide walks through measuring, marking, cutting and fitting metal spindles into base and handrail brackets on an existing staircase, start to finish.

Question 10

Can spindles be cut to length?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most installations involve cutting spindles to the exact rise required for your staircase - this is a standard part of fitting and is covered step by step in our retro-fitting guide.

Question 11

Do I need a professional to fit spindles, or can I do it myself?

Accepted Answer

Many customers fit Forxa spindles themselves using our retro-fitting guide, particularly for like-for-like replacements. For structural changes, listed buildings, or if you're at all unsure, we recommend using a qualified joiner - balustrades are a safety-critical part of your staircase.

Question 12

Are Forxa spindles suitable for landings and balconies as well as stairs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The same spindle ranges are used for galleried landings and balustraded balconies as for staircases - just measure and calculate each run separately using the same method.

Question 13

Do you supply trade and bulk orders?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We supply homeowners, joiners, builders, developers and interior designers alike. Email us with your requirements and we'll advise on pricing and supply for larger quantities - see our How to Order page for the full process.

Question 14

Why doesn't Forxa publish prices online?

Accepted Answer

To keep prices competitive, our costs move with demand, availability and stock levels rather than being fixed. Request a free catalogue for an up-to-date quote - see our products page for the full range.

Question 15

Can I order a smaller quantity than shown, or in a different colour?

Accepted Answer

Yes for some designs. Our Q-119 to Q-130 range is produced in smaller batches and marked 'Smaller Quantities Available' on the product listing. Other designs are produced in batch runs for cost efficiency and are best suited to larger orders - get in touch, as we sometimes have spare stock from a recent run. Satin Black is always available in any quantity; our other 9 finishes are custom powder-coated to order and best suited to larger projects - contact us and we'll confirm what's achievable.

Stair Spindle FAQs

Choosing & Sizing

How many spindles do I need for my staircase?+

What size are Forxa's spindles?+

What's the difference between a baluster and a spindle?+

Metal vs wood spindles - which is better?+

Building Regulations & Safety

What is the maximum gap allowed between stair spindles in the UK?+

Does the 100mm spacing rule apply to landings and angled staircases?+

What handrail height is required by UK building regulations?+

Fitting & Installation

Can I fit metal spindles onto my existing wooden staircase?+

Can spindles be cut to length?+

Do I need a professional to fit spindles, or can I do it myself?+

Are Forxa spindles suitable for landings and balconies as well as stairs?+

Ordering & Trade

Do you supply trade and bulk orders?+

Why doesn't Forxa publish prices online?+

Can I order a smaller quantity than shown, or in a different colour?+

Still have a question?