It’s Not Always a Tradition
That said, not every upside-down baluster is symbolic. Occasionally, it really is an oversight. The key difference is intention. If your carpenter confidently said it was deliberate — and didn’t rush to fix it — there’s a strong chance it was part of the plan.
Before assuming negligence, ask:
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Was this discussed in the design phase?
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Does it match other subtle design choices?
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Does it appear thoughtfully placed rather than random?
Should You Keep It?
That depends on how you feel about it.
Some homeowners grow to love the uniqueness once they understand the meaning. Others prefer uniformity and request a correction — which is perfectly reasonable in a custom renovation.
Remember: tradition explains the choice, but it’s your home.
The Bigger Perspective
What feels like a mistake may actually be craftsmanship philosophy at work. In a world of mass production and laser precision, a tiny human imperfection can be a quiet statement:
This was built by hands, not machines.
So before you demand it be replaced, consider this — that upside-down baluster might not be an error.
It might be a story.
