Spindle Spacing

jproffer · 07-26-2005, 12:33 AM

Wouldn't be too hard to make a calculator in excel to do this for you. Of course to use it on the job you'd have to have a laptop, or someone at home to call. Maybe I'll see what I can come up with.

BTW, before I start, do we all agree that 4" is the magical number? I'm not a deck man by trade, all I know is what I (think) I've read. Or I suppose it could be made to look at a certain cell that would have the maximum by code in the user's area.(user input)...hmmmmmmm

....we'll see what happens. :Thumbs:

reveivl · 07-26-2005, 12:46 AM

Here in Canada the magic number is 100mm which translates to 3.94 inches and I seem to recall, from the time when the code was written in the units that we all actually use, it used to be 3-15/16". The wording is that a sphere of that size may not pass through, so it actually has to be smaller of course. Rich.

jproffer · 07-26-2005, 01:29 AM

OK, if I can get the attachment to work, here's a first draft. You can input the total space allowed and use any units you like, as long as you keep the units the same throughout obviously. There are comments that should answer and questions, but remember this is just a first draft with limited testing. Comments? Problems? 2nd Draft is awaiting you deck pros

OK, now that I've figured out how to zip the thing, here goes again.

jproffer · 07-26-2005, 01:40 AM

BTW, does anyone know of a zip utility that's not winzip, it's only free for 21 days and seems kinda handy, but not handy enough to pay for

jproffer · 07-26-2005, 07:25 PM

UPDATED ATTACHMENT:

Found out today it had a slight flaw in the calculations, where it could give a decimal for the number of spindles...lol. OOOPS, it's corrected now though, let me know how, and if, it works.

old27 · 07-26-2005, 11:37 PM

heres the crazy formula...probably not intended for outside decks, but could work.....got it from another guy from another forum...

old27 · 07-26-2005, 11:45 PM

And here is the dumbed down version...FOR EXAMPLE:

Distance between posts 4'3''

Width of baluster 1½"

Width of Preferred spacing 3½"

4'3" - 3½"(width of preferred spacing) = 3'11½"

1½" (width of baluster) + 3½" (width of preferred spacing) = 5"

3'11½" ÷ 5 = 9½ increase to whole number 10

1½" x 10 = 1"3"

4'3" - 1'3" = 3'

3' ÷ 11 (total number of spacings) = 3 11/64"

10 balusters and 11 equal spacings of 3 11/64". Set your dividers to 4 43/64"

*Courtesy of DBC (my last two posts)

My thoughts...seems workable, but my tape doesnt read in 64ths...haha. Later Gents.

jproffer · 07-27-2005, 08:07 PM

OK, here's the third revision, based on the method described by old 27, thanks old

. Anyway here it is, try it out if you want.

bergenbldr · 07-27-2005, 08:39 PM

For 1 1/2" spindles i layout on 5 inch centers giving a 3 1/2 inch center space. Laying this out on a furring strip makes it easy to transfer the layout to your railings,also makes it easy to see how end spaces will work out .

jproffer · 07-27-2005, 09:31 PM

Laying out on 5" centers is ok as long as that happens to work out evenly at the ends, which you said

. The XL SS makes all the spaces even on any length rail ( I hope anyway

)

Tom R · 07-27-2005, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Finley

I'm suprised at you old timers not knowing about using dividers for this?

Basically all you do is find the center mark of the rail. Then figure out your spacing by adding your baluster width and the maximum space, say baluster is 2 inches + 3 1/2 inch space between = 5 1/2 inches. Set your dividers to 5 1/2 inches and start marking it off. It takes about 30 seconds start to finish, if you end up with a space a bit too small, just adjust the dividers.

The dividers are just a fast way of making the marks on the rails instead of taking the time to cut a spacing block for each rail or using a tape measure.

Mike, - - isn't this nothing more than an 'inaccurate', 'unscientific', and 'dumbed-down' version of what I just said??

Keep the 'old-timer' remarks comin', - - we wear them like a badge. Oh, yeah, - - and the 'dinosaur' accusations.

Did I remember (what with my 'alzheimers' and all) to mention that T R Construction stands for T. Rex??

Did you go to college?? Is that where you aquired your B.S.??

bergenbldr · 07-27-2005, 10:58 PM

With the layout stick method its easy to determine if a center space or center baluster works best, i find keeping the o.c.spacing the same greatly simplfys the layout process and keeping the end spaces the same is not realy necessary.I usally go with a smaller end space.

Tom R · 07-28-2005, 07:01 PM

Makes a lot of sense, Berg.

shelton hobbs · 08-15-2005, 04:37 PM

wow lot of replies.heres how i do it. consider your code no more than 4" in my area.
i estimate how many in the run add their widths subtract that from the run then divide
that bythe spaces and you have the open space between.for example 52" lets say 10 balusters thats 15 subtract from 52 = 37 divided 11 =3.36

georgia dawg · 08-18-2005, 08:41 PM

Here's a simple way to space your spindles with little math. Use a small piece of 2x4 to space between spindles at 3.5". When you get to the end with about 2 or 3 to go, just divvy it up equally with the remaining distance. No one will ever notice the difference so long as you're still under 4". You can also use the 2x4 on the other side (top or bottom), just be sure to check yourself occasionally for plumb. For simple decks, I add a nail to the 2x4 scrap to hang it on the bottom rail.

Tom R · 08-18-2005, 09:22 PM

I think you mean MAYBE an UNTRAINED eye wouldn't notice it.

Personally, - - I'd pick that out right away. From any distance. Without looking for it.

DecksEtc · 08-20-2005, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom R

I think you mean MAYBE an UNTRAINED eye wouldn't notice it.

Personally, - - I'd pick that out right away. From any distance. Without looking for it.

I have to agree with Tom.

Also, what do you do for the other sections? Repeat your random spacing method?

For me, the importance of using a consistant spacer block is that not all sections of railing are exactly the same on the entire deck. So, having all balusters/spindles spaced the same is important for the over all finished look of the deck.

Tom R · 08-20-2005, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DecksEtc

For me, the importance of using a consistant spacer block is that not all sections of railing are exactly the same on the entire deck. So, having all balusters/spindles spaced the same is important for the over all finished look of the deck.

I completely agree, - - and in actuality, - - with a little fore-thought, - - the design/location/distance of the posts can be spaced in 'multiples' of desired spindle-spacing just by 'dimensioning' the overall deck-size an inch or two either way. Any very-slight variation will still be at the ends.

bergenbldr · 08-20-2005, 11:39 AM

Just like to metion that alot of the newer composite railing systems utilize a pre-bored rail or spacer , so altering baluster spaceing is not realy an option.This goes back to the odd even or center space, center baluster method .

Tom R · 08-20-2005, 12:00 PM

True, - - but the post-location layout, - - before the actual physical work even starts, - - can still pre-determine a perfectly symmetrical look.

Better planning = less remedy/concessions.

07-26-2005, 12:33 AM	#21
jproffer View Profile jproffer Repair/Remodeling Tech. Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (736) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Repair/Remodeling Tech. Trade: Repair and Remodeling Services Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chester, IL Posts: 736	Re: Spindle Spacing Wouldn't be too hard to make a calculator in excel to do this for you. Of course to use it on the job you'd have to have a laptop, or someone at home to call. Maybe I'll see what I can come up with. BTW, before I start, do we all agree that 4" is the magical number? I'm not a deck man by trade, all I know is what I (think) I've read. Or I suppose it could be made to look at a certain cell that would have the maximum by code in the user's area.(user input)...hmmmmmmm ....we'll see what happens. :Thumbs: Last edited by jproffer; 07-26-2005 at 12:38 AM.

07-26-2005, 12:46 AM	#22
reveivl View Profile reveivl Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (1,716) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Renovations Join Date: May 2005 Location: West Coast Canada Posts: 1,716	Re: Spindle Spacing Here in Canada the magic number is 100mm which translates to 3.94 inches and I seem to recall, from the time when the code was written in the units that we all actually use, it used to be 3-15/16". The wording is that a sphere of that size may not pass through, so it actually has to be smaller of course. Rich. __________________ From where does knowledge come? If you need to know what is in a box, you could ask someone (not reliable), you could pray, (not useful), you can consult with the scripture (not helpful) or you could open the box (science)

07-26-2005, 01:29 AM	#23
jproffer View Profile jproffer Repair/Remodeling Tech. Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (736) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Repair/Remodeling Tech. Trade: Repair and Remodeling Services Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chester, IL Posts: 736	Re: Spindle Spacing OK, if I can get the attachment to work, here's a first draft. You can input the total space allowed and use any units you like, as long as you keep the units the same throughout obviously. There are comments that should answer and questions, but remember this is just a first draft with limited testing. Comments? Problems? 2nd Draft is awaiting you deck pros OK, now that I've figured out how to zip the thing, here goes again. Last edited by jproffer; 07-27-2005 at 08:04 PM.

07-26-2005, 01:40 AM	#24
jproffer View Profile jproffer Repair/Remodeling Tech. Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (736) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Repair/Remodeling Tech. Trade: Repair and Remodeling Services Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chester, IL Posts: 736	Re: Spindle Spacing BTW, does anyone know of a zip utility that's not winzip, it's only free for 21 days and seems kinda handy, but not handy enough to pay for

07-26-2005, 07:25 PM	#25
jproffer View Profile jproffer Repair/Remodeling Tech. Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (736) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Repair/Remodeling Tech. Trade: Repair and Remodeling Services Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chester, IL Posts: 736	Re: Spindle Spacing UPDATED ATTACHMENT: Found out today it had a slight flaw in the calculations, where it could give a decimal for the number of spindles...lol. OOOPS, it's corrected now though, let me know how, and if, it works. Last edited by jproffer; 07-27-2005 at 08:04 PM.

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07-26-2005, 11:45 PM	#27
old27 View Profile old27 Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (262) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Work Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 262	Re: Spindle Spacing And here is the dumbed down version...FOR EXAMPLE: Distance between posts 4'3'' Width of baluster 1½" Width of Preferred spacing 3½" 4'3" - 3½"(width of preferred spacing) = 3'11½" 1½" (width of baluster) + 3½" (width of preferred spacing) = 5" 3'11½" ÷ 5 = 9½ increase to whole number 10 1½" x 10 = 1"3" 4'3" - 1'3" = 3' 3' ÷ 11 (total number of spacings) = 3 11/64" 10 balusters and 11 equal spacings of 3 11/64". Set your dividers to 4 43/64" *Courtesy of DBC (my last two posts) My thoughts...seems workable, but my tape doesnt read in 64ths...haha. Later Gents.

07-27-2005, 08:39 PM	#29
bergenbldr View Profile bergenbldr Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (378) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: builder remodelor Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: northeast Posts: 378	Re: Spindle Spacing For 1 1/2" spindles i layout on 5 inch centers giving a 3 1/2 inch center space. Laying this out on a furring strip makes it easy to transfer the layout to your railings,also makes it easy to see how end spaces will work out .

07-27-2005, 09:31 PM	#30
jproffer View Profile jproffer Repair/Remodeling Tech. Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (736) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Repair/Remodeling Tech. Trade: Repair and Remodeling Services Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chester, IL Posts: 736	Re: Spindle Spacing Laying out on 5" centers is ok as long as that happens to work out evenly at the ends, which you said . The XL SS makes all the spaces even on any length rail ( I hope anyway ) __________________ Jim P.

07-27-2005, 10:58 PM	#32
bergenbldr View Profile bergenbldr Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (378) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: builder remodelor Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: northeast Posts: 378	Re: Spindle Spacing With the layout stick method its easy to determine if a center space or center baluster works best, i find keeping the o.c.spacing the same greatly simplfys the layout process and keeping the end spaces the same is not realy necessary.I usally go with a smaller end space.

07-28-2005, 07:01 PM	#33
Tom R View Profile Tom R Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (6,484) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Carpenter Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 6,484	Re: Spindle Spacing Makes a lot of sense, Berg. __________________ http://www.tr-built.com

08-15-2005, 04:37 PM	#34
shelton hobbs View Profile shelton hobbs Registered User Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (4) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Registered User Trade: carpenter Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: cincinnati,ohio Posts: 4	Re: Spindle Spacing wow lot of replies.heres how i do it. consider your code no more than 4" in my area. i estimate how many in the run add their widths subtract that from the run then divide that bythe spaces and you have the open space between.for example 52" lets say 10 balusters thats 15 subtract from 52 = 37 divided 11 =3.36

08-18-2005, 08:41 PM	#35
georgia dawg View Profile georgia dawg Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (117) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: general contractor - SFR Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: north georgia Posts: 117	Re: Spindle Spacing Here's a simple way to space your spindles with little math. Use a small piece of 2x4 to space between spindles at 3.5". When you get to the end with about 2 or 3 to go, just divvy it up equally with the remaining distance. No one will ever notice the difference so long as you're still under 4". You can also use the 2x4 on the other side (top or bottom), just be sure to check yourself occasionally for plumb. For simple decks, I add a nail to the 2x4 scrap to hang it on the bottom rail.

08-18-2005, 09:22 PM	#36
Tom R View Profile Tom R Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (6,484) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Carpenter Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 6,484	Re: Spindle Spacing I think you mean MAYBE an UNTRAINED eye wouldn't notice it. Personally, - - I'd pick that out right away. From any distance. Without looking for it. __________________ http://www.tr-built.com

08-20-2005, 11:39 AM	#39
bergenbldr View Profile bergenbldr Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (378) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: builder remodelor Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: northeast Posts: 378	Re: Spindle Spacing Just like to metion that alot of the newer composite railing systems utilize a pre-bored rail or spacer , so altering baluster spaceing is not realy an option.This goes back to the odd even or center space, center baluster method .

08-20-2005, 12:00 PM	#40
Tom R View Profile Tom R Pro Send Message Follow Blogs (0) Threads (6,484) Photos (0) Reviews (0) Projects (0) Toolbox (0) View All Activity Pro Trade: Carpenter Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 6,484	Re: Spindle Spacing True, - - but the post-location layout, - - before the actual physical work even starts, - - can still pre-determine a perfectly symmetrical look. Better planning = less remedy/concessions. __________________ http://www.tr-built.com Last edited by Tom R; 08-20-2005 at 12:05 PM.

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