The Greeks and Romans did not
use balusters. They
were a
Renaissance innovation by Bramante in his Tempietto from
1502; but are commonly associated
with classical
architecture.
The Romans
used cross pattern known as Roman Lattice or Transenna. Imperial has an impressive collection of wood
and non wood single and double balusters and railings. The shape of the
single baluster was inspired by the
shape of the bud of the pomegranate tree.
The proper way to
start a baluster run should be half baluster engaged to each end supported by a newel post.