What is another name for a stair handrail?

Edited by: View Mate All Glass Railing

The most common and direct synonym for a “stair handrail” is banister (also frequently spelled bannister).

Here are other related terms, with their specific nuances:

Banister / Bannister: Often refers to the entire structure of the handrail and its supporting posts (balusters), not just the rail you hold. It is the most common alternative name in everyday language.

Rail: A more general term for any horizontal bar. When used alone, the context determines if it means a stair handrail (e.g., “Hold onto the rail”).

Balustrade: A formal, architectural term for the complete protective system including the handrail, the supporting balusters (or spindles), and the base rail. It refers to the whole assembly, not just the handrail component.

In short, for casual conversation, ”banister” is your best alternative. In a technical or architectural context, ”balustrade” is precise but refers to the entire structure.

If you are interested in the specific names for other parts of a staircase (like the newel post or baluster), feel free to ask.