Ideas please. Bannisters/spindles

JuzaMum

One of the spindles on my landing is broken. We can't find a new one to match and have replaced them all once already. I don't want to put in something that will break again so would like something more long lasting. Any ideas please and what search time would give me ideas? Thanks 

travis-powers

How do you feel about glass? Seems to be the in thing at the moment, has to be toughened but could be easily retro fitted to what you have, or just plain square spindles which would be stronger than what you have now.

Doozergirl

Studwork and plasterboard?! 

Or ask a local joinery to make you a new one by copying the existing.  

How did that one get broken? 

FreeBear

Doozergirl said: Or ask a local joinery to make you a new one by copying the existing. 

I have a woodturner friend for whom this is bread & butter work - He would probably be able to knock one out in 10-15 minutes.

If you want something that won't break, ever, steel. But that is going a bit over the top.

Slinky

Anything you like the look of here? https://stairfurb.co.uk/

Bendy_House

Juza, are you hoping to DIY this? And it's only a short, straight run of balustrade? And do you like the look of wrought iron?

If yes x 3, then a genuinely easy method is a length of rail, and one of base, that comes with a removable infill strip (perhaps they all do?) And then simply your choice of metal spindles.

The spindles will tend to have square ends (unless they are round...), so the trickiest part - and it isn't - is to drill holes (10mm?) and square them off using a chisel. These squoles (you know what I mean) don't even have to be perfect, as a wee smear of filler/caulk will seal them.

I used black masonry paint, and the finish on the metal is lovely.

And it'll be surprisingly cheap.

Max 100mm spindle gaps!

JuzaMum

Thank you for all the comments/suggestions. If we had one the same I am sure it would get broken again. I have an autistic child who causes higher than usual amounts of wear on the home. Not sure about DIY but would like to keep the budget down. 

Brie

I think the issue may be that if the spindle is tougher then it's going to harder on the individual that's hitting it hard enough to break.  Better replace a spindle than take a child to hospital.

Maybe the thing to do is to get a lot made/bought to have available when required??

travis-powers

Personally in your situation I would go for a plain square spindle or as DG suggested a stud wall both would be a mornings work for a carpenter.
 I appreciate Brie comments which is food for thought however a broken spindle is quite the safety hazard.

FreeBear

Brie said: I think the issue may be that if the spindle is tougher then it's going to harder on the individual that's hitting it hard enough to break.  Better replace a spindle than take a child to hospital.

Cable tie some pipe insulation to the spindles - Won't look particularly pretty, but will reduce the amount of injury.

JuzaMum

It's not hitting the spindles (usually!) more grabbing on them on the way up the stairs and pulling on them. I quite like the look of the glass and it can't be grabbed in the same way. I assume it must be toughened?