Can I switch from square or metal spindles to turned wood ones without rebuilding my railing?

Absolutely. As long as the top and bottom rails are solid, you can replace straight or metal balusters with decorative turned wood styles. You may want to choose a spindle with a similar mounting method or dowel size for faster installation.

You don’t need to start from scratch to have the look and feel of custom-turned wood. In most cases, your existing handrail and base rail can be reused if they’re structurally sound and properly aligned.

Swapping metal or square spindles for turned wood versions typically involves removing the old parts, cleaning out the holes or sockets, and installing new spindles that match the previous dowel or attachment method. This approach saves time and cost. It also lets you refresh your staircase with minimal disruption.

Turned wood spindles provide far more design and sizing flexibility than pre-made iron or aluminum balusters. You can choose the exact profile, height, and turning style to match your home’s architectural aesthetic.

Arnold Wood Turning can reproduce your existing spindle pattern or help you design a new, custom profile that complements your space. Each piece is precision-turned and sanded smooth so it’s ready for paint or stain.

When converting from metal or square spindles, it’s important to make sure that:

If your rails are out of level, worn, or warped, that’s the only time a rebuild might be recommended. Otherwise, direct replacement is often a straightforward project.

Standard stock sizes may not always fit perfectly when replacing metal or square balusters. This is where custom manufacturing makes the difference. Arnold Wood Turning can produce turned wood spindles to match your exact dimensions, dowel size, and design for a precise fit and easy installation.

This customization also helps avoid the sanding, trimming, or shimming often required with mass-produced parts. Every spindle is made with tight tolerances, uniform weight, and consistent turning quality.

Switching to turned wood instantly warms up your staircase. Whether you’re restoring a classic home or updating a modern one, custom wood spindles do what metal can’t.

If you’re ready to begin your project, Arnold Wood Turning can recreate or design a spindle profile to fit your existing railing. We’ll match the right dowel size and turning style for an exact fit.

Receive a free quote and design consultation from us today!