RELIABILT Deck Balusters
RELIABILT deck balusters in square, round, and decorative profiles for replacement or custom railing builds.
RELIABILT deck balusters are the vertical spindles between the top and bottom rails, sold individually or in packs of 10-20. Priced from $1.50 to $5 each depending on material and style. Available in composite (white, brown) and aluminum (black, bronze, white). Standard 32" length for 36" railing height. Building code requires a maximum 4" gap between balusters.
Baluster Profiles
| Square | 3/4" square profile. Clean, modern look. Most affordable. Composite or aluminum. |
| Round | 3/4" diameter round profile. Traditional look. Aluminum only. Slightly higher price. |
| Decorative | Twisted, scrolled, or tapered profiles. Statement look. Aluminum. Premium price ($4-5 each). |
For a standard 6ft railing section, you need 13-17 balusters depending on spacing. Railing kits include balusters, but individual balusters are sold for replacements or custom builds.
How to Choose Deck Balusters
Material: Aluminum balusters are stronger, thinner, and will not fade or warp. Composite balusters match composite railing systems but are thicker and can soften slightly in extreme heat. For the most durable, low-maintenance option, choose aluminum. Black aluminum balusters in white composite rails is the most popular mixed-material combination.
Profile: Square balusters are the most common and least expensive. Round balusters have a traditional turned look. Decorative (twisted, scrolled) balusters cost 2-3 times more but create a distinctive appearance. One strategy is to alternate decorative balusters with standard ones every third or fourth position for a custom look at moderate cost.
Quantity: For a 6ft railing section, plan 13-17 balusters depending on the baluster width and spacing. Building code requires that no gap exceeds 4 inches. Measure the rail channel and divide by the baluster width plus gap to calculate exact count. Buy 2-3 extras per deck for future replacements.
Compatibility: Verify that baluster end connectors fit your railing system rail channels. Not all balusters are universal across brands.
Stair balusters: Stair sections use the same balusters as level sections, but they are installed at an angle. Some railing systems include angled connectors in the stair kit. Others require you to cut balusters to length. Verify what is included in your stair rail kit before buying additional balusters.
Color and finish: Aluminum balusters come with a powder-coat finish that is more UV-resistant than composite. Black powder-coat is the most durable and shows the least fading over time. White aluminum can yellow slightly with extended UV exposure. For the longest-lasting appearance, black aluminum balusters are the top recommendation.
Issues and Fixes
| Balusters rattling in wind | Loose balusters rattle when the end connectors are not fully seated in the rail channel. Remove the railing section, ensure each baluster snaps firmly into the top and bottom rail channels, and reinstall. For persistent rattling, add a small amount of exterior adhesive to each connector. |
| Spacing too wide (code violation) | If a 4" sphere can pass between balusters, the spacing fails code. Add balusters to reduce gaps below 4". For existing railing, measure each gap and add one baluster wherever the gap exceeds the limit. This is a common issue on older decks built before current code enforcement. |
| Composite balusters bowing | Composite balusters can bow in extreme heat (100F+). This is cosmetic and usually reverses when temperatures drop. If bowing is permanent, the baluster has been weakened by UV exposure and should be replaced with an aluminum alternative. |
| Paint peeling on aluminum | Factory powder-coat finish on aluminum balusters is durable but can chip from impact. Touch up chips promptly with a matching spray enamel to prevent corrosion of the bare aluminum underneath. |
| Baluster connectors breaking | Plastic baluster connectors can become brittle after years of UV exposure and snap during tightening. Replace with the same connector type from the railing manufacturer. Do not substitute incompatible connectors, as the fit tolerance is specific to each railing system. |
Balusters take the most visual and physical abuse on any railing system. Children grab them, objects lean against them, and they are exposed to weather on all sides. Aluminum resists this abuse better than composite over the long term.
Long-Term Care
Cleaning: Wipe aluminum balusters with a damp cloth. Wash composite balusters with soap and water. Cobwebs accumulate between balusters quickly; a long-handled brush or garden hose clears them efficiently.
Tightness check: Grip each baluster and try to move it side to side once per year. Loose balusters should be re-seated in the rail channel. This takes seconds per baluster and prevents larger problems.
Fading: Composite balusters may fade over 5-10 years, especially on south-facing railings. Aluminum powder-coat finishes hold color longer (15-20 years). There is no practical way to refinish composite balusters; replacement is the solution for severe fading.
Code inspections: If your deck requires a building inspection, the inspector will check baluster spacing with a 4" sphere. Have all balusters installed and properly spaced before requesting inspection. Address any gaps wider than 4" before the inspector arrives to avoid a failed inspection and re-inspection fee.
Replacement timeline: Aluminum balusters last 25-30 years. Composite balusters last 15-20 years. Individual balusters can be replaced without removing the entire railing system. Keep spare balusters on hand from the original purchase for color-matched replacements. Complete your railing with post sleeves and post caps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace just a few balusters without replacing the whole railing?
Yes. Most railing systems allow you to remove the top rail, slide out damaged balusters, insert replacements, and reinstall the top rail. This is straightforward on systems with snap-in or channel-mounted balusters. Buy replacements in the same material, color, and length as the originals.
What is the correct spacing between deck balusters?
Building code requires that a 4-inch sphere cannot pass through any opening in the railing. The actual center-to-center spacing depends on baluster width. For 3/4" square balusters, the center-to-center spacing is approximately 4-3/4" (3/4" baluster + 4" gap). Always measure and test with a 4" object during installation.
Are aluminum balusters strong enough for safety?
Yes. Aluminum balusters are structural components designed to prevent falls. A properly installed aluminum baluster is stronger than a composite equivalent of the same diameter. The railing system's strength comes from the posts, rails, and baluster connections working together, not from any single component.
Balusters are included in complete railing kits but can be bought individually for replacements. Pair with posts and sleeves for a complete railing. See code requirements for spacing rules.