Deck Baluster Spacing Incorrect

lewisthepilgrim

are they really bustin your balls over 1/4'' ??

tmcmahon

Yes, they won't budge over the 1/4", The inspector presented the issue to the state and they basically said no go.

cube17576

How about plexi-glass on the outside of the balusters? It would retain the look and satisfy the inspector.

Otherwise I think you are at the point of completely taking it all apart and starting over and learning a very hard lesson.

woodworkbykirk

adding plexi just adds a ton of money to the overall materials cost

mae-ling

Hmm just spitballin ideas.
Remove bottom board and spindles.
On bottom of top board add say 1/2" thick by about 1/4 to 1/2" narrower then what is there strip (so 1" wide?)
Make up jig to drill holes in place at correct angles where needed. Then new board on bottom or do same as top.

sublime2

Unbelievable!!!!!!

md2lgyk

Instead of plexiglass, use metal poultry fencing (NOT chicken wire). Attach it with zip ties. After the inspection, take it down.

SeanB

I hate to say it but I would look at redoing them. I think it is rediculous that they won't go ahead and pass it but if they are being hard now then you know it will be an issue in the future if you ever have to get inspected again. Its really not their fault, its yours. So go ahead and redo them, and have them done right. How long did it take you the first go around? Just think, after that many holes, you will be faster this time!

kwikfishron

I have to agree, if powers that be said no then it needs to be redone. I’ve known a few over the years that went through the appeals process (one was over baluster spacing) and none prevailed.

This isn’t a case of an inspector “misinterpreting” code, if it was then I’d say go to war.

I know it’s only a ¼” but code says 4” max. If they allowed it and then something bad happens who becomes liable then?

You would be hard pressed to find a contractor that at some point hasn’t screwed up and had to take two or three steps back before moving forward. It sucks but sometimes you just have to.

I’ve never bought into the premise of spending more money and time on what essentially comes down to masking a mistake.

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antlerdancer

Just as an idea, You could remove the top railing. then drill a 1/4inch hole between the two ballasters and add a piece of 1/4inch round stock to split the space.It is not hard to do and might look pretty good. I hope I explained this so that it makes cense

robertcdf

Just do it right, the way it should have been done in the first place, let this be a lesson in understanding code and measure twice cut/drill once.

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antlerdancer

Just as an observation,dosnt the railing on the stairs need to be "gripable" as in not so wide?Just wondering for My future projects.I think You did a great job

kwikfishron

You are correct, there’s that and it also looks like the railing post (other than the stairs) are notched. Maybe I’m just seeing things.

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allthumbsdiy

I am not sure if installing some wire fencing materials with zip ties will pass the inspection.

I know it's a lot of work but I would personally bite the bullet and re-do them.

BTW, your deck looks great!

Good luck

tony.g

What would be wrong in using chicken wire? I was thinking along the same lines as you, but wasn't going to put it in so many words. So my reasoning was - why bother spending too much money?

But this now seems beside the point as the inspector appears determined to make the OP re-do it the hard way.