Spindle Materials

An initial factor to take under consideration is what material do you want in a spindle? Something Wood? And if wood, then what species? Something light? Something dark? Something that takes a coat of paint well? Something that stains easily or finishes nicely?

Classic or Modern

Following the train of thought generated by material selection, wood vs. metal, you’re then faced with the style selection phase—classical vs. modern. Remember, spindles are a great opportunity for expression. And the handcrafted feel of an ornately cut and shaped wood spindle highlighted by either bright blonde species or rich cherry species tones is a great way to accomplish that vintage feel. Or, accomplish that great vintage and old world feel with some intricately designed wrought iron. Metal can feel traditional as well.

Wood, other than with stain, finish, or paint, is pretty much the color of the material itself. But that’s more than likely what you’re after with a gorgeous wood. Iron offers the same approach—there’s something about its raw beauty.

If you want a cleaner look for a modern minimalist setting, then a metal spindle with a simple shape and finish is your best option. Or, to make that minimalism more whimsical, take advantage of the fact that metals lend themselves to creative custom finishes through either painting or powder coating more easily than woods.

Classic Designs

Wood Spindles

Indoor Wood Spindles

  • Red Oak
  • White Oak
  • American Cherry
  • Brazilian Cherry
  • Maple
  • Walnut
  • Hickory
  • Alder
  • Pine


Outdoor Wood Spindles
  • Teak
  • Mahogany
  • Cedar

Forged Iron Spiral Staircase

Modern Approach

Metal Spindles

Outside of wood for your stair spindles, there’s also the option of different metals.

  • Steel
  • Iron
  • Aluminum
  • Galvanized Steel

Mix and Match

Sometimes the best aesthetic is not uniformity. You may find it dull and flat to look at a row of spindles that are all the exact some and decide it may be fun to mix it up a little bit.

With Salter’s forged iron spindles, you can select from various groupings of spindles that create a more textured and varied look to your stair to add depth and complexity to the overall aesthetic.

And again, wood can be cut to various shapes, so even if each spindle is similar, each spindle itself will possess a complex and textured look.

So if you seek a look that mixes it up a little perhaps wood or iron are your best options.

So ask yourself what conveniences and aesthetics are most important to you and come up with a combination that first comfortably within your budget in order to be the most happy with what you finally get.

The Salter Experience

Experience unmatched quality & service

Proudly made in the USA, bringing premium spiral stairs straight to your door.

A consultative process

As part of our design process, you have access to our spiral stair experts through a FREE consultation to ensure we design the perfect stair solution for you.

Ships straight to you

All spiral staircases are packaged into a kit for the easiest and most cost-effective transport through the best local carriers, and delivered anywhere in North America.

Simple and easy installation

Spiral staircase kits can be built in under a day by two average homeowners and require no special tools. For added support, our team is here to help.

Peace of mind warranty

You can be confident in your purchase for years to come with our lifetime warranty on metal fabrication and 5-year warranty on all other materials.

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