Restorations
Ordering replacement spindles is easy: Email or call with the following information:
Width & Height: If your spindle or baluster has square portions, width of the square(s). If completely turned, then the diameter of the baluster. Also include how long (tall)
Quantity: How many custom porch balusters you need reproduced
Design: Give us some idea of the baluster design. Email a picture for a more accurate quote.
With the above information, we can immediately give you an estimate. Then if you’d like to move ahead with the order we can reproduce your spindle. For an exact match, send us an original to our address. If “close” is good enough, then a picture and dimensions will do.
Should I have replacement spindles made, or choose one of your standard designs?
We offer many decorative spindle / baluster replacement designs in several common sizes and lengths, and in both Wood and Synthetic. Our designs are reminiscent of popular architectural choices, and if you’re building a new porch, our standard designs will give your project the clean lines and distinguished appearance that a Victorian-era porch should have. For most of our customers, one of our several standard spindle design styles will work very well. But many of our customers want to refurbish their existing porch with new spindles/baluster, but want a baluster replacement to retain the old design. This is not only possible, but is our specialty. 
Having your spindles replicated by American Porch is a great way to preserve your home’s look. The cost difference when made in Cedar is usually minimal: generally, custom porch spindles / balusters cost only about 15% more each than one of our standard design spindles of the same size. We run high volume equipment that efficiently produces large quantities, but takes some time and money to setup. A small fee is passed on to the customer for smaller orders, but is waived on larger runs.
If you’d like to switch to our synthetic Polyurethane alternative, we can do that too. Choose one of our standard designs, or have your original reproduced. There is some extra costs involved with custom Poly baluster replacements because they require the manufacture of a custom mold and associated tooling. Just send us a picture, dimensions, and quantity and let us quote your project.
Keep in mind that once we’ve made your design, we can reproduce an unlimited number of perfect reproductions. If you need to order more of the same custom spindle later, it’s no problem. We keep your design on file and can produce as many as you need. As with our standard designs, ordering spindles/balusters in larger quantities does qualify customers for a quantity discounts.
We create exact replicas of your spindle/baluster design.
In order for us to do this, send one original to our shop so we can create your custom design. If “close” is good enough, all we need from you are a few clear digital pictures and corresponding measurements.
As always, please feel free to email or call with questions. We look forward to helping you with your dream porch!
D.C. of Jacksonville, NC writes “I wanted to let you know that the materials were delivered and all went very nicely. We had a hard time for the past several years trying to find replacements to match our original spindles. Since it is a wrap around porch we have tried avoid replacing the railing in whole. Most of it had remained in good shape anyway so it just didn’t make sense to replace all. But in some areas we had issues. The contractor would replace spindles every couple years but we ended up with a rather eclectic hodgepodge of mismatched spindles, lol. I sent your company some pictures and specifications and within a few weeks our porch looked like new again! Thank you so much for the excellent craftsmanship and helpful customer assistance. I would absolutely refer friends, neighbors and coworkers to your company if in need of your products.”
Here are some more samples of baluster replacement work we have done. (click to enlarge pictures)
These replacement porch balusters were produced for a customer in Great Falls, MT. He sent us the old, rotted baluster. Our CNC engineer then made the drawing in AutoCAD, imported the drawing to our lathe, and made perfect reproductions.
Mahogany was used for these outdoor balusters because of it’s hardness and durability. With many areas of this balustrade being subject to all the activities that go on in a back yard, we and the customer thought it best to use a rot resistant hardwood like Mahogany.
This Charlotte, NC custom wood porch spindle restoration is a common example of what we do every day. Step 1: the customer sent us a picture, dimensions, & quantity. Step 2: We replied with a quote. Step 3: The customer sent us an original for us to reproduce. In a couple weeks, the customer had custom-made replacement porch spindles at the jobsite and ready to install.
This baluster and railing replacement project in New Freedom, PA has some great before/after photos. They chose to use our standard 4″ 3-piece porch rail system to pair with custom reproduced turned balusters made in Cedar. Note the bottom rail is our sloped design, which helps shed water and prevent rot in the years to come. We notch, or “bird mouth” the bottom of the balusters to fit over this sloped rail.
It’s not every day you see balusters painted black, but these do look pretty sharp!
Our Lake Geneva, WI customer writes: “I am sending on some pictures of the balustrade I restored using the spindles you turned for me back in May. The railing forms an overlook on top of our pump house. We think the original balustrade dates to about 1925. The remaining balusters were original and were stripped of many layers of lead paint and refinished. I saved one long section of top rail and the short section (they appear to be old growth, very tight grain fir and were in perfect shape except for one small area of rot I was able to fill with a dutchman that is now invisible under the paint. Joints at the corner posts were made with pocket screws. (each post has a long 5/8″ bolt secured into the concrete deck, so they are like the Rock of Gibraltar!) Your balusters fit perfectly in with the old and really made the project shine. All of our 19 members love the results – It really adds to our waterfront scenery! Thanks so much for your help and for being so easy to deal with!” 8/26/2013
3×20″ custom Redwood spindle restoration.
This customer wanted their replacement spindles 20% bigger
Spindle Restoration in Canfield, OH: This customer was only replacing about half of the wooden spindles on his porch and therefore needed an exact replica. He picked the best remaining spindle from his porch to be replaced so we had a good template to go by. The result: an exact replica of his original wood spindles. They are 3 15/16″ x 14 1/2″ net custom turned porch spindles.
Check out this completed project on our PORCH GALLERY page. Purchase these on our ONLINE STORE.
3×24″ custom turned porch spindle restoration made with Cedar for a project in Paola, KS. The original wood spindles were in very rough shape. Both the customer and our guys did some doctoring to get this spindle to the point where it could be copied. Once that was done, we are able to make an unlimited number of replica spindles (or balusters).
A custom porch job in Beach Haven, NJ. This customer wanted wood spindles in two different lengths: taller ones that could be fitted to a curved “goose neck” easing, and shorter ones for the straight sections of rail. Also, note the bottom notching for use on a sloped-top bottom rail.
One of the boxes of the shorter spindles. All ready to ship! Again, note the bottom notching for use on a sloped-top bottom rail. Note the use of our premium, solid clear Cedar. It is the strongest of all cedars, which means it looks better, lasts longer, machines to a finer finish than any other.
A restoration project in Farmington, NY. Because this house was “grandfathered”, they had the luxury of using the original short spindles for an exact reproduction.
Another porch spindle restoration project that was “grandfathered” and therefore able to use original size 4×17″ spindles. This one is in Greensboro, GA. The homeowner wanted to spread the cost out over time and is replacing only the most rotted ones a dozen or so at a time.
The spindles on the right side are the new ones. The ones on the left are the original 120 year-old spindles. For convenience and financial reasons,this homeowner decided to replace only the spindles with the most damage.Once we have a design made, an unlimited number of perfect reproductions can be made. So whether you are doing your project in stages like this one, or you want to add a back entry rail to match the porch rail you installed last year, your design will always be on file here and ready to go.
Another Victorian Porch Restoration, this one in Montgomery, AL. For an exact reproduction, this customer needed a 2 1/4″ net wood spindle width. Although this is not a stock size, we simply milled larger stock down to match the dimension. In this way, we can create any size you need. Cedar was used because it’s strength, durability, and it’s natural rot and insect resistance. This premium outdoor wood contains an oil that is toxic to insects and mold which means these spindles will look great for generations.
More examples of wood porch spindle restoration work.
A 2×7″ custom Cedar accent spindle restoration for a house in Bozeman, MT. Can you find the original?
6″ Redwood Balltop Finial restoration
Next time you’re in Brooklyn, NY, keep an eye out for this front entry restoration. This homeowner wanted the wood spindles slightly thinner than the originals, and needed some new balltop finials for the existing newels (newels not shown here). We were able to match the massive 7″ diameter finials and therefore keep the original character of the entryway.
“While working on an historical project in Genoa, Nevada, built in 1855, there were many items we needed to replicate rather than replace. Such items being the many balusters and newel posts around the covered porch. After speaking with Adam at American Porch in extent, I knew they were the ones for the job. We boxed and shipped a few original balusters and newel posts to Montana. American Porch contacted us immediately when our originals were received to discuss details. Western Spindle was very prompt and professional throughout the entire process. Our products were shipped, very well protected, and exact! The installation was effortless and the match was perfect. With only replacing 54 or the 86 balusters, one could not tell the difference between the old and new. Our experience with Western Spindle was excellent! I would use them again and again”
2×15″ table leg restoration and modification. Oddly enough, the original wooden spindle came off a railing on an old boat damaged by hurricane Katrina. This customer liked the design and wanted his coffee table to reflect the style of his old boat. We can help you make the indoors OR outdoors your own.
Katherine V. of Derby, New York writes: “The exterior spindles and railing] came yesterday, I absolutely love them. Wanted you to know that and how impressed we are with the quality. We will definitely be using you for our two back porches in the spring! Look forward to working with you again!” 10/7/2008
“Everything was great. The new spindles are intermixed with originals and you can’t tell the difference between originals and replacements. Perfect. I can send you some more pics when done, but very happy.”
Reproduced Porch Spindles for M.R. of Pennington, NJ
K.S. of Ridgewood, NJ writes “We are sooooo pleased with how this came out and the fact that we were able to recreate the old unique look of the porch. Thank you!
Old, probably original, railings and balusters. Way beyond repair. But we wanted to keep this porch look. Not easy to find these details!”
The materials did show up on time, in good condition and most certainly met my expectations.
Western Spindle duplicated these balusters to exact measurements. I’m very pleased with the quality and workmanship of these balusters.
I would highly recommend Western Spindle to anyone looking for quality custom porch products, great customer service and in the end, customer satisfaction.
The attached photo shows a small section of my covered porch where several balusters were replaced.
Should I need any additional custom porch products, I will be in touch to place another order!
Matching Replacement Spindles for S.B. of Siler City, NC
“The spindles were great. We have a home in Boston, (around 1900s) and needed to replace some spindles on the front porch. Yours matched perfectly. As you can see from the pictures, once painted, you can’t tell the new from the old!
We will definitely use your products again. The materials used were quality, they came fast and were priced right.”
Custom Replacement Spindles for J.A. of Boston, MA
“American Porch is a great company. I searched for some unique and authentic railings, spindles, balusters, columns, bases and capitals for a historic remodel project and there are very few options out their to match. I especially appreciated their custom match option.We appreciate their expertise and professionalism.
I would however not hesitate to use this company again!”
Contractor Firm of Williamston, MI
December 15, 2015
“Miami University of Ohio commissioned our firm to assist with the historical renovation of a highly visible and important residence on campus. The renovation time period was limited to a very short summer window so timing and accuracy were required to achieve success. It was evident that attention to exact replication of existing balusters was necessary. After a rigorous search of qualified companies throughout the United States we recommended the University contract with Western Spindle [American Porch] for the effort. Western Spindle [American Porch] developed the balusters to the exact required specifications and delivered them on time and on budget.”
Historic University Property Restoration, M.C. of Dayton, OH
