Railing Spindles

avalon · 08-22-2007, 11:55 PM

Can anyone tell me when the code for spacing of spindles was put into affect? I live in a house that was built in 1980 and we are looking to sell I have railing with spindles inside with a 6in. spacing and on a outside deck with 5in spacing. I'm concerened about passing a home inspection and was curious as to why the contractor used that spacing.

the roofing god · 08-23-2007, 12:23 AM

here in new york,it`s 6" from center of (1) 2x2 spindle to the next,It`s been that way for at least 20 yr.s or so,It`s related to child safety as most children can not put their head thru that space and get it stuck,good rule if you ask me!

curls00 · 08-23-2007, 08:16 AM

Here in Ontario I believe it's stated that the railings must be spaced such that a 3.5" sphere cannot pass through and area of the railing (ie: between spindles, or under railing).

We're constructing the rails for my deck today and are using a 2x4 as a jig between the railings. Pretty even spacing that way.

the roofing god · 08-23-2007, 12:21 PM

that would be 5"on center spacing,we use a spindle w/3 1/2"pieces of spindle attached to build the railings 1st on the floor,before we set them in place(for the style we screw the bottom to the box plate anyway)

avalon · 08-24-2007, 11:25 PM

I guess what I'm wandering is when a house inspection comes up will be required to change the railing? Was this something done wrong by the contractor 27 years ago or was there no code at that time?

Thanks

**AtlanticWBConst.** · 08-26-2007, 09:27 AM

Code is 4 inches from the center of balluster or spindle to the next one, regrdless of the balluster's thickness.

Yes, it will be brought up at the home inspection and will either be something that they want you to fix (after a purchase and sales agreement)..... or something that they will negotiate a price reduction about....

crecore · 08-26-2007, 04:41 PM

spindles add up. A lot of pros shortcut the details and thats where they make their buck. ie: cheap locksets, light fixtures, trim, etc. I see tons of houses and apartments not to code; with this same problem for one. Make sure the deck stairs have risers and hand rails too!