Baluster Information
Balusters can be installed 2 per tread or 3 per tread
Local building codes may define the required number of balusters per tread, but they would definitely define the allowed space between the balusters.
In most areas the building code requires that a 4″ sphere cannot fit between two balusters at any point. This is for safety. A four inch sphere is smaller than a small child’s head and if the rule is followed, will prevent a child from getting their head lodged between two balusters or climbing through.
Baluster Height
FORMULA: Rise divided by the number of Balusters per Tread.
2 Balusters per Tread: Each baluster should be half of the riser height longer than the previous baluster per tread.
3 Balusters per Tread: Each baluster should be one third of the riser height longer than the previous baluster per tread.
7 ½” Rise, 2 balusters per tread: Each baluster would be 3 ¾” taller than the previous baluster per tread, starting at the front of the tread.
(7 ½” divided 2 = 3 ¾“).
7 ½” Rise, 3 balusters per tread: Each baluster would be 2 ½” taller than the previous baluster per tread, starting at the front of the tread.
(7 ½” divided 3 = 2 ½“).
A Stairway Knee-wall is a short “wall” that is constructed on top of the treads that parallels the rake angle of the handrail; both ends of the balusters are cut at an angle relative to the rake angle and are installed between the knee-wall and the handrail.
— The lengths of knee-wall balusters are all the same.
Baluster Spacing
IRC (International Residential Code) calls for 4 ½” on center
Providing your balusters do not have any sections smaller than ½“, either in diameter or square, 4 ½” on center will prevent a 4″ sphere to pass through any section of any two balusters.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Always order at least one extra baluster to keep on hand; The styles may slightly change over time and it is always harder to match existing styles with styles that suppliers may have adopted since your original order.
It is always much more expensive to custom turn a baluster in order to match an older baluster e.g. $200 or $300 per baluster vs what it costs per baluster now.
Baluster Alignment Illustrations
