The banister refers to the system of parts that combine to make the stairway. A banister is usually the combination of handrail, newels, stair treads, balusters and assorted trim pieces. A banister is installed by stair professionals, trim carpenters or skilled do it yourselfers. A stair banister will be the focal point of a home and should be planned and installed carefully. The stair banister provides the functional purposes of safety and assistance when climbing the stair banister. A banister should contain parts that are strong enough to support the weight of adults leaning against them and spaced close enough that infants cannot get their heads lodged between the vertical elements in the banister.