Spindle spacing

Exterior · Porches, Decks and Balconies · printed page 331 (PDF page 332)

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Baluster Spacing for Handrails and Guards Spindle Spacing for Stairs Stair – Spindle Spacing

Text in the illustration

spindles should be spaced so that a 4" sphere cannot pass through the guard
spindles (balusters)
4" diameter sphere
construction note:
front view
horizontal details that make climbing the guard easier should be avoided

Generated explanation

The illustration shows a raised wood deck with a guard consisting of vertical spindles, an upper rail, and a lower framing member. A 4-inch-diameter sphere demonstrates that the openings between spindles should be small enough to prevent the sphere from passing through the guard. Deck boards, a support post on a round footing, and part of the deck stairs are also visible. An inset front view shows short horizontal pieces between the spindles and warns against details that make the guard easier to climb.