Deck Railing

[TH]

I am rebuilding the railings on an existing deck and am wondering if there is a "recommended" spacing for the balusters?

[Goedjn]

no spaces big enough for a 4" ball, isn't it?

[Lena]

Four inches maximum. Close enough to prevent a baby's head from protruding through.

Lena

[Charlie Morgan]

Call your local building inspector for the local code requirements. It's not "recommended", it's a legal requirement.

CWM

[barry]

Code specifies max spacing, and orientation- vertical, not _horizontal_ like some idiot did with tubafors back when on my porch. Your local inspector will decide.

J

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Before the code change, that was very common. The 4" spacing takes more wood and takes away from the view in many cases.

IIRC, it must be spaced so that a 4" ball will not fit through any opening.

[RicodJour]

This is one of the stupidest things in the code books - and there are some doozies. Following similar logic, all staircases should be eliminated and gentle padded ramps installed so no one would fall down the stairs, all cabinets should come equipped with childproof latches, all medicines should be put in bottles that...oops, they're already done that one.

I'm fond of saying that you can't legislate or regulate stupidity out of existence. If someone is leaving a baby with a head that small (what would it be? a few months old?) on a deck unattended...well, the planet doesn't need more stupidity.

R

[Ether Jones]

Use chicken wire (in a sturdy wood frame) and paint the wire flat black with a roller.

It looks a lot better than it sounds; it's effective, it lasts forever, and it's cheaper.

[Craven Morehead]

The 4" spacing is pretty standard but local codes may be different. You didn't mention other details about this deck. If the deck surface is less than 24" above grade, you may not need railings. If higher than 24", not only do you need railings but they will usually need to meet other specs., i.e. the top rail must be at least 36" above the deck. If there is a lower rail, it must be 4" or less, above the deck. Other specs. refer to materials used. Time for some more homework and perhaps a cup of coffee for the local inspector.