Deck Baluster Spacing Incorrect

tony.g

One guy suggested using 1/4" bar in the gaps, which seems a good idea and could look good. If you make a template out of plywood, you could drill 5/16" holes accurately between each baluster on the bottom rail.

Can't see what the top rail is made of (painted timber or ally?); could you drill right through it and then thread the bars down to the bottom holes? The holes in the capping could be covered with an additional decorative capping, or just filled and painted.
(Tricky to do on the stair sections, though).

There would be the cost of the bars, but a time saving in not taking the whole lot apart and starting again. - see sketch.

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kwikfishron

Tony, nice solution but the deck in the pic is an ad on to an existing deck.

I’d think at the end of the day you’d want it all to look the same, at least I would.

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robertcdf

Not sure how this could even come close, there is not a misunderstanding of code, it clearly reads "that a 4" sphere cannot pass through" a 4" sphere easily passes through so nobody is being "unfair" or "misinterpreting" anything. He did it wrong (total bummer) but that's the way it is.

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sublime2

And what does that 4" sphere represent?
An infants head?
1/4 " would not affect anyone!! How many cases have you heard of a kid getting his head stuck or falling "through" the spindle cause it was 1/4 " too wide?
Some codes are just ridiculous!

robertcdf

It has to stop somewhere. If you give a 1/4, the next time it'll be 1/2. If it was 1 single baluster space he might have gotten away with it, however it's not. Every aluminum baluster manufacture I've ever seen has right on their box to check with local codes.

Don't like building codes? move somewhere that there are no building codes. It's real easy.

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sublime2

Yea ,I get that codes are there for safety.
Some need to be updated.
Cutting this guy a break on an ancient code that is of by 1/4" will not hurt anyone! The guy down the street won't know it.
On the SLIGHT chance that someone gets hurt as a result of the extra 1/4" they won't be suing the county because the spacing is off.

You still didnt really answer the question.
What does the 4" sphere represent?
And when was that code written?

robertcdf

The 4" sphere was decided because there must be something to base off of... When it was adopted? Depends upon the area, some of the counties I work in use 2009 codes, some 2006 codes even with those they also have their own listings where they have modified, removed, or added to the major books.

The "ancient" code you are referring to was actually a 6" sphere, as to when that was changed is anyones guess, it will all vary depending upon the area.

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allthumbsdiy

on a lighter note, at least OP's deck wasn't built like this

mae-ling

My understanding is the 4" sphere represents a crawling babies head? I think.

sublime2

Your probably right,which is why I thing its ridiculous to apply that code to a deck in particular. As I've already stated,The odds of a baby getting its head caught are slim to none. There should be exemptions in the code for cases like this.
In the home,maybe.

robertcdf

Not everyone keeps their children locked in their bedrooms 24/7.

So what do you think should happen if he sells the house and the next owners child injures themselves?

I know around here it's been 4" for at least 25 years, this is not a new code.

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tmcmahon

Thanks for all of the input. I was able to solve the spacing issue by using split convolute tubing that snaps over the baluster. Ended up putting this on all 306 ballusters.

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sublime2

Any parent that allows their infant ( that's what the code is based on,an infants head) onto a deck or to walk/craw down the deck stairs is being totally irresponsible,and deserves what they get.
Utterly laughable!

sublime2

Glad it worked out for you!

robertcdf

I never said anything about stairs... Don't put words in my mouth.

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