need help in wooden stairs baluster spacing

13 years ago

last modified: 13 years ago

Our step is 10.8 inch, I have a baluster of 1.8 on each step, which made a space of 5.9 inches between each baluster. The stairs are between walls from each side, I am in the stage of installing the handrail, so please answer me ASAP before it is two late, I have already put one in the middle do I have to have 2 per step of is it enough so the stairs does not look extra loaded with wooden? I also have two newels in each turn, each is 2.8 inches and the starting newel at the beginning of the stairs is 4.9

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Comments (7)

olldcan
13 years ago
Code in my area only allows for a maximum 4" spacing between ballusters regardless of a straight run or on steps. 5.9 is a bit of a stretch but since your between walls it might not make a diffference at all. Have you considered just a wall mounted handrail on on side and the ballusts on the other.
PRO
Dytecture
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
I agree, it seems like the spacing between each balusters is too much. I'd recommend checking with your local building code for the requirements.
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nmoa
Original Author
13 years ago
Yes I might consider your suggestion having a wall mounted handrail. Regarding the balusters did I get it right, that the spacing between balusters could be fine, as I am afraid I did not make myself clear when I said that the stairs are between walls, l mean that when you are going up, on your left will be always a wall and on you right are the balusters then the space between each level.
PRO
Brickwood Builders, Inc.
13 years ago
Depends upon where you are and the local building code. The national building code would not allow for more than 4" between balusters. Local code could be less than 4" but is not allowed to go over 4". So if you are in the U.S. , then you have not met code.
olldcan
13 years ago
Thanks for clarifing. Well first off, any job worth doing is worth doing right. If it were me, I'd have wall mounted handrail on the left, all the way up. Ballusters on the right side but 2 per stair. I'd check code for your area because I'd hate for you to make this mistake. I know in my area, 5.9" spacing wouldn't work. Your concerned about it looking to wooden if you have 2 per stair perhaps you can reconsider your ballust style and material.
nmoa
Original Author
13 years ago
I am not in U.S. I am in Egypt, we do not have unfortunately building code for stairs specially interior stairs, it is always left to one's taste and security measures! That is why I am frustrated, the stairs contractor is telling me that the step is too small to have two balusters, while most of the pictures I have seen for stairs have two or sometimes three. I do not have kids that can pass through the space, but still would like to have a well designed staircase
olldcan
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
1.8" is small to me but your stair tread is 10.8" and that seems big to me. There is lots of room to put 2 per stair. Have you held up an additional ballust to see if you like 2 per stair tread.