The carpentry team also installed the bottom stair rail with white spindles.  There are several options available from simple Drywall Half-walls, to wood spindles like ours and even wrought iron  bent into decorative shapes.  We chose the wooden spindles for their low cost compared to iron, yet giving us an open, airy feel for the entry to our home.   The wood will be stained to match the floors as well as the wooden steps.  We choose a half-wall at the top of the stairs for the simple reason that it allows a sturdy mounting point for a baby gate to prevent our toddler from falling down the stairs.