Stairway and balcony railing assemblies are provided with balusters having elongated rod-like leg parts interconnecting baluster ends which may include support trunnions for connecting the balusters to a base and to a railing cap. The baluster legs are interconnected by two part collars which may be assembled to interconnect adjacent balusters and to support ornamental barrier parts. The ornamental barrier parts may comprise multipart members which may be assembled and disassembled by threaded connections to facilitate modular onsite erection of the railing assemblies.