Replies

1. 
   Shep | Nov 05, 2005 12:17am | #1

   I usually set balusters around 5" on center.

   I'm pretty sure code requires that  the space between balusters can't be more than 4", so with a 1-1/2" sq. bal., I end up with a 3-1/2" space. 

   I also like to space the balusters so that there's not a narrow gap at one end or the other, so I'll adjust the spacing to compensate. Using a construction calculator has made figuring the spacing out easy.

   Interior stairs can be a little trickier. I used to figure 2 balusters per tread, but with current codes you sometimes need 3 per tread; depending on the width of your tread, and the size of the baluster.

2. 
   Sphere | Nov 05, 2005 12:23am | #2

   I doubt there is a "best" formula..one that is easy and accurate enough is take the total post to post and divide it by the combination of one baluster and one space ( say 1.5 and 4"..is 5.5") say post to post is 55" ...you need 10 balusters so I'd start my layout with a center of a 4" space in the center of the run.

   If it works out to an odd number, start with a baluster at the center...I round the result of the division to the closest odd or even and fudge the space to the small side when needed.

     Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

   "I don't think it's funny no more"  Nick Lowe.

1. 
   Framer | Nov 05, 2005 02:12am | #4

   Sphere,Let's say for a deck railing in between the 4x4 post is 55" like you said and your using 1-1/2" balusters I would pick 10 balusters which would give you 11 spaces and I do this.10 x 1.5 = 15"55 - 15 = 40"40/11 = 3.636364" or 3-5/8" (11 equal spaces between balusters and 4x4's)Joe Carola

1. 
   Shep | Nov 05, 2005 02:17am | #5

   that's how I figure baluster spacing, although I might not have explained it well.

1. 
   Framer | Nov 05, 2005 04:11am | #11

   I guess us Jersey boys think alike..........;-)Joe Carola

1. 
   joewood | Nov 07, 2005 11:04pm | #12

   OK, I got the same response from my SketchUp forum about the Code spacing issue, so here it is revised. I was mainly trying to get across using those two Imaginary balusters, buried in the posts ..

   
2. 
   Sphere | Nov 05, 2005 02:18am | #6

   works for me...I hate to see a half baluster on a deck..LOL.

   Been roofing so long I have to relearn what I forgot!  Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

   "I don't think it's funny no more"  Nick Lowe.

1. 
   joewood | Nov 05, 2005 03:31am | #7

   here's how I doit when I want equal spaces everywhere ..

1. 
   joewood | Nov 05, 2005 03:43am | #8

   here, I re-worked the wording a little.

2. 
   Shep | Nov 05, 2005 03:52am | #10

   I realize that that was just an example, but a 4-1/2" space between balusters won't meet code.

3. 
   doodabug | Nov 05, 2005 12:42am | #3

   I think most stairs have the balusters even with the face of the riser then spaced evenly between those, you may need 2 or 3 in between depending width of tread.

4. 
   stinger | Nov 05, 2005 03:43am | #9

   Over at the JLC site, I downloaded a great baluster spacing calculator for my Palm Pilot.  But I am sure you can do the same with a good construction calculator.

   Your variables are total run, baluster size (thickness), max space between, and end spaces.  The program I run gives me the spacings, and the accumulated distance for the centerlines starting from the edge of the run.  Just push in the tape, unreel to the end, go back and start to mark out, then go to work!