The purpose of balustrading in Melbourne is to prevent people from falling off stairs and balconies. Building codes specify that the maximum space between balusters is usually somewhere around 4 inches; this will prevent anything larger from passing through. So, how can you determine the proper spacing for your own balustrading?
Step 1: Measure the distance between the two end posts of your staircase or balcony, depending on where your balustrading in Melbourne is being installed. It is best to record this measurement in inches.
Step 2: Add the width of a baluster to the maximum spacing allowed by your local building code. For example, for a 2 by 2 inch baluster and a maximum 4 inch space, you will need to add 1.5 to 4, which leaves you with 5.5 inches.
Step 3: Divide this figure into the distance between the two end posts using the result you received in step 1. For example, a distance of 72 inches divided by 5.5 inches will leave you with 13.
Step 4: If the answer is not a whole number (such as 14.67) round the figure up to give you the required number of balusters. In this case, you would round up to 15 for the total number required.
Step 5: Multiply the number of balusters by the width of a single baluster. If we were to go with 13 we would have to multiply it by 1.5, which gives you a result of 19.5 inches.
Step 6: Subtract this answer from the total distance between the two end posts. In this case, you would have to subtract 19.5 inches from 72 inches, leaving you with a result of 52.5 inches.
Step 7: Divide this answer by the number of spaces between the balusters (this will be one more than the number of balusters, as there will be a gap before and after the last one). So, 52.5 divided by 14 equals 3.75 inches.
This final measurement will indicate the amount of space that should be left between each baluster. Even so, make sure that you routinely stand back when installing balustrading in Melbourne to ensure that the spacing is visually correct. A number of mistakes can be made when taking measurements, so the only way to know for sure is to look at it.