Building a handrail for your deck may seem like a simple task. In many cases it is -- until the time arrives to figure out how to get the balusters or spindles evenly spaced along the handrail. Evenly spaced spindles improve the symmetry of the rails and lend a professional look to the project. But finding the right measuring formula may give the average home handyman pause. Luckily, there is a simple solution to this puzzle.
Measure the width of the gap between the inner surfaces of the two support posts.
Measure the width of a single spindle.
Add the two figures together. For example, suppose you have a 70-inch gap width plus a 2-inch spindle width: 70 + 2 = 72 inches.
Count the number of spindles to be used and add one. For instance, when using 11 spindles between the posts, you would calculate 11 + 1 = 12.
Divide the sum of the width by the sum of the number of spindles. In this case, 72 divided by 12 equals 6.
Place the end of the tape measure on the handrail at the point where the inner surface of the support post and handrail meet.
Mark your first measurement at the distance from the post indicated by your answer in Step 5. In this example, place a mark 6 inches from the support post.
Add the distance of your answer to the position of the first mark and make the second mark. In this case, 6 inches plus another 6 inches places the second mark at 12 inches.
Continue adding the amount of your answer to each current position until you reach the end of the handrail. Using the example, the marks should be at 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54, 60 and 66.
Align the right edge of the spindles with the marks on the handrail.
Things You Will Need
- Measuring tape
- Many localities have restrictions on the spacing of spindles on deck rails and stair balusters. Check with your local code enforcement board before assembling your project.
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