Replies

1. 
   joewood | Jan 27, 2006 05:07pm | #1

   Here's how I like to do it ..

   
1. 
   mitcon | Jan 28, 2006 05:04am | #6

   Thanks alot for simplifing for me.

1. 
   joewood | Jan 28, 2006 05:30am | #7

   That's OK Mitcon, I'm actually trying to keep it simple for myslef! This is the method I've come up with in building so many deck railings where the posts aren't all spaced exactly the same. With a calculator it goes real fast, and accurate!

2. 
   dryhter | Jan 27, 2006 06:44pm | #2

   Hey,

   The quickest , most fool-proff is to use a set of dividers , no measuring . And you can transfer your setting without error .

   DAVE

3. 
   Sphere | Jan 27, 2006 07:41pm | #3

   I add a thickness of the baluster to the space between ( no offense Joe wood) and divide that into the opening or span . If it comes out as a fractional dimension, I round up to start my layout (from the center) if it is an odd number, if it is even, I start with a half space from center..clear as mud yet?

   Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

   Save a few posts, fill in your Profile, we can help!

4. 
   Framer | Jan 27, 2006 08:03pm | #4

   Let's say for a deck railing in between the 4x4 post is 55" 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)

   If the spindles are turned down then you use the smallest width multiplied by the amount of balusters.

   Joe Carola
5. 
   mccarty12 | Jan 27, 2006 09:42pm | #5

   I would use one of the methods described to find the space and use dividers to lay it out. The less measuring the better. But to simplify the calculations a metric tape is now in my toolbox. You don't have to switch between decimal ft. to inches and if you don't have dividers you can hook your tape on the end of the rail and easily add up all your layout by hand or with a simple calculater.

   But dividers really simplify the layout. Figure your spacing, set it on the dividers and start laying out. If it doesn't come out perfect check your calc's.