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Deck Balusters

TorontoReno | Posted in Construction Techniques on June 7, 2007 11:51am

Hi Everyone:

Fed up after 15 years of teaching I made the jump six months ago and began working with a contractor/carpenter.   Here’s my question:  We’ve been building quite a few decks recently and I’m always a little confused with how to determine the spacing of the balusters.  My boss has shown me one way of calculating the number required and where to start your first run.  However…. by the time I get to the end of the run, that final space just doesn’t jive with the first space….. Any suggestions?  

Signed…. 

Desperate in Toronto

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Replies

  1. Stilletto | Jun 08, 2007 12:22am | #1

    Start in the middle and work both ways. 

     

  2. Framer | Jun 08, 2007 12:29am | #2

    Here's a link to a thread.

    http://forums.taunton.com/tp-breaktime/messages?msg=79467.10

    Joe Carola
  3. Framer | Jun 08, 2007 12:31am | #3

    Multiply the number of balusters x the width of the balusters and subtract that from the measurement in between posts.

    Take that number and subtract it from the number of spaces and that's your answer.

    You know that your spacing will be one more than the amount of balusters.

    If you have 55" in between posts and using 1-1/2" balusters and pick 10 balusters, that would give you 11 spaces.

    10x1.5 = 15

    55-15 = 40

    40/11 = 3.636364" or 3-5/8"

    Joe Carola
    1. User avater
      Gene_Davis | Jun 08, 2007 06:08am | #5

      Deja vu.

      You forgot, Joe.  While it is nice to know what that space calculates out at, it ain't the space, it's the baluster set positions, marked out first, tape pushed into one end.

      The Gary Katz article referenced here is the way to go.  The only way.  Using just the space, then dealing with baluster thickness variations, and bad markings, yields accumulated error.

      Of course, there's always my old Palm Pilot!

      1. Framer | Jun 08, 2007 06:33am | #6

        Gene,The way I do it works perfect!Joe Carola

  4. User avater
    DDay | Jun 08, 2007 05:42am | #4

    If your doing it quite a bit and now that its your living, pick up a construction master calculator. This article explains the sets. It very simple and quick. It works in inches and rounds everything automatically so all the balusters are exactly the same spacing. Really nice product.

    http://www.garymkatz.com/TrimTechniques/baluster_layout.html

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