Replies

1. 
   2sheps | Jan 26, 2021 05:30pm | #1

   Unfortunately I can't make out the dimensions on your pic.
   One thing that might work would be to use a slightly larger baluster.

1. 
   Frank07181948 | Jan 27, 2021 08:12am | #5

   Thanks for the reply. I am locked in to the 1/2 inch wrought iron balusters, so I have to work with it. Thanks again.

2. 
   jlyda | Jan 27, 2021 03:58am | #2

   I can’t really make out your numbers as they’re a bit blurry on my end, but code allows 4 3/8” max spindle spacing on stairs (landings and floors have to be 4”), don’t know if that helps. Also, you can move newel location slightly to make it work. I typically start by laying out the spindles to match tread width dimensioning and then locate the newel according to the spindle location. Also, building code does not require guardrail within 30” of height off of the floor, so my inspectors disregard the guardrail requirements the first couple steps anyways as fall protection is not a concern (your jurisdiction may see it differently). Handrail has different code requirements however and needs to be installed all the way to bottom riser, but I’m assuming you will have a handrail on wall with your stair railing acting as a guardrail only.

1. 
   Frank07181948 | Jan 27, 2021 08:17am | #6

   Thanks for the reply. Option 'A' has a 5 1/8 inch clear opening between the baluster and Newel post, and a 5 1/4 inch clear opening at the upper wall and baluster, both exceeding the 4 inch code clear opening. I like your idea of spacing the balusters prior to fixing the newel post location. However, the lower tread nosing of the original newel post was already cut, so I had to work with that location. Thanks for the help.

3. 
   UncleMike42 | Jan 27, 2021 05:31am | #3

   Go back and re-calculate, but first project the top (narrow part) of the bottom post as the endpoint.

1. 
   Frank07181948 | Jan 27, 2021 08:29am | #7

   Thanks Uncle Mike. Ultimately, I went back and did exactly what you said. Being a rookie at this, initially I measured from the wider lower part of the newel post. Later, I remeasured from the wall to the upper narrow part of the newel post (measured 32 inches). I think I will go with Option 'B' the three balusters per tread. This will provide a 3 1/8 inch clear opening between the baluster and newel post, and a 1 7/8 inch clear opening at the upper wall and baluster. Thank you for your help.

4. 
   Andy_Engel | Jan 27, 2021 06:40am | #4

   It looks like you need to push the baluster spacing further back on the tread. I've encountered this in the past when the upper open tread is partial.

1. 
   Frank07181948 | Jan 27, 2021 08:47am | #8

   Thanks for the reply Andy. I tried doing that by bringing the top baluster at the wall closer to the wall to close the gap, but it resulted in increasing the gap at the lower newel post, or causing it to be too close to the nosing. I think the only solution, given my existing parameters, is Option ‘B’. The balusters are tighter spaced but it looks good, I laid out a few temporarily to visualize it. Thanks for you help Andy.

1. 
   Andy_Engel | Jan 27, 2021 09:04am | #9

   Glad to chime in.

5. 
   JoeWood | Jan 28, 2021 12:16pm | #10

   This is how I lay out balusters.
1. 
   Frank07181948 | Jan 29, 2021 07:28pm | #11

   Thank you Joe.