FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Main Menu
Subscribe

In every issue you'll find...

  • Expert insights on techniques and principles
  • Unbiased tool reviews
  • Step-by-step details to master the job
  • Field-tested advice and know-how
Subscribe Now!
Subscribe
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
  • Join
  • Log In
Main Menu Subscribe
How-To

Mastering Balusters

A stair pro shares his process for installing the three common types of stock balusters.

By James Shull Issue 269 - Aug/Sept 2017
Article Image

As a custom stair builder, I’ve installed miles of railing and balusters. Designs vary, but the style of balusters breaks down to three main types: pin top, square top, and metal. No matter what kind of baluster you’re installing, the starting point is the same. You need to install the newels so they’re plumb and centered where you want the balusters to fall on the stairs. To be code compliant, the rail has to be between 34 in. and 38 in. above the line of the tread nosings. Because a stair rail rises while the treads stay level, balusters are sold in several heights, with taller ones used at the back of the treads. In order to cut the balusters at consistent heights, the rail also needs to be parallel to the slope of the tread nosings. The space between balusters on stairs can’t be more than 4-3/8 in., ­and on level rails this is reduced to 4 in. For stairs with runs up to 10 in., the 4-3/8-in. spacing requires two balusters per tread. Deeper treads will call for more balusters.

Here, I focus on installing balusters on stairs, but the process doesn’t differ much when working with level rails on balconies—and you’re sure to find those installations easier in comparison.

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Sign Up

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

×
View PDF
X
X

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

View Comments

  1. jfowlie | Jul 12, 2017 12:02pm | #1

    Where's the article?

  2. MikeAlterio | Jul 13, 2017 04:17pm | #2

    Sorry, it is there now!

  3. jfowlie | Jul 13, 2017 05:08pm | #3

    Thanks, Mike! I appreciate it.

  4. user-6800184 | Aug 07, 2017 06:19pm | #4

    Just one point, the spacing has to be such that a 4-3/8 inch sphere cannot pass between the the balusters on a rake rail. For a guard or level rail, a 4 inch sphere cannot pass between them.
    So they can't be 4-3/8 inches apart or 4 inches apart, they must be slightly less.

  5. user-6800184 | Aug 07, 2017 06:24pm | #5

    Mike did a pretty good job. good article

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Up Next

Featured Story

FHB's 40th Anniversary Tips Video Contest

Record yourself demonstrating a favorite tip from the Fine Homebuilding archive for a chance to win a cordless compact router kit.

Featured Video

Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With Viewrail

Learn more about affordable, modern floating stairs, from design to manufacturing to installation.

Related Stories

  • Webinar: Designing Outdoor Spaces

  • 2nd Annual Wall-Assembly Contest Finals

  • Problem-Solving Through Stair Landings

  • Stairs to a Pitched Landing

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

  • Fine Homebuilding All Access
  • Fine Homebuilding Podcast
  • Tool Tech

    Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

  • "I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

    Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

    Sign Up See all newsletters

Video

View All
  • Wall assembly student contest

    2nd Annual Wall-Assembly Contest Finals

  • View of home under construction with hip roof

    Widow's Walk: An Inside Look at an Uncommon Roof Feature

  • How to design small, smart homes

    How to Design Small, Smart Homes

  • Texas home built to the WELL Building Standard

    Design Review with Laura Britt

View All

Drills and Drivers

View All
  • Makeshift Hex-Head Driver

  • Undercabinet Lighting Jig

    Undercabinet Lighting Jig

  • Old Walls Furred Flat

    Simple Way to Make Old Walls Straight and Plumb

  • Countersinking With a Spade Bit

View All

BOOKS, DVDs, & MERCH

Shop the Store
  • Musings of an Energy Nerd

    Buy Now
  • Code Check Building 4th Edition

    Buy Now
  • Fine Homebuilding Magazine Slipcase

    Buy Now
Shop the Store

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 298 - April/May 2021

    • Butt Boards for Smooth Ceilings
    • Help Installing Gutters
    • Safety Bucket
  • Issue 297 - Feb/Mar 2021

    • Foundations for Success
    • Staircase Renovation
    • Ditch the Hose
  • Issue 296 - Dec 2020/Jan 2021

    • Insulating Glass Keeps Getting Better
    • Simple Way to Make Old Walls Straight and Plumb
    • Making Sense of Minisplits
  • Issue 295 - Kitchens & Baths

    • Condo Kitchen Reimagined
    • Row-House Remodel
    • Rise of the IAQ Monitor
  • Issue 294 - Oct/Nov 2020

    • Schoolhouse Reimagined
    • Tool Test: Folding Sawhorses
    • A Better Way to Build Tall Walls

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Sign Up See all newsletters

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Manage Preferences

Taunton Network

  • Green Building Advisor
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Fine Gardening
  • Threads
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
  • Copyright
  • Terms of Use
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2021 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

    Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk
  • Account

  • Log In
  • Join

    Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk
  • Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

    Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

    All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

    Shop the Store

  • Books
  • DVDs
  • Taunton Workshops

    More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast
  • Customer Support

    Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Sign Up See all newsletters

Follow

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 52%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in