Remodeling your bathroom can add significant value to your home. Your bathroom remodel cost in Columbus, OH will depend on size, fixtures, materials, labor, and other factors.
Baluster Calculator: How Many Balusters Do I Need?
Photo: Klaus Vedfelt / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Photo: Klaus Vedfelt / DigitalVision / Getty Images
Highlights
The number of balusters you need depends on the length of your railing.
End spacing and your desired spacing between balusters are also important.
If you prefer not to lean on your calculations, a pro can do it for you.
Your local stair and railing installer can do the baluster calculations and installation.
Get quotes from up to 3 pros!
Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you.
How many balusters do I need for my deck or stair railing? It’s not rocket science, but it does require a bit of measuring and math. We’re here to guide you through what measurements to take and how to incorporate them into a baluster calculator that can spit out exactly how many balusters you need in no time.
How Many Balusters Needed For Railings
No need to eyeball it (and actually, we highly suggest going against that route)—instead, here’s a handy cheat sheet that will help you nail your baluster count. Note that this assumes a 2-inch end spacing on both ends, with calculations rounded down to the nearest whole baluster.
| Railing Length (feet) | Spacing Between Balusters (inches) | Number of Balusters Needed |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 16 |
| 10 | 4 | 30 |
| 16 | 4 | 48 |
| 18 | 4 | 54 |
| 20 | 4 | 60 |
Calculating Balusters
Photo: irina88w / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images Plus
Using your railing size and end spacing measurements, apply the following formula to determine how many balusters your railing needs:
Number of balusters = (Railing length – 2 x End Spacing) / Spacing between balusters
How to Measure Railing Length and End Spacing
You can’t determine how many balusters you need without measuring the length of your railing as well as the spacing between its ends. Read the tips below to make sure you get both right the first time around.
How to Measure Railing Length
A simple tape measure can get you through this quick task, which entails measuring the length of your railing from the end of one post to the end of another. If you’re dealing with a stair railing, make sure to measure the horizontal projection instead of the diagonal length.
How to Measure End Spacing
End spacing is the distance from the edge of the railing or post to the center of the first and last baluster. This keeps your deck or staircase symmetrical versus looking like you eyeballed it over brunch. Here are some tips on how to measure end spacing:
Decide how much space you want between each baluster.
Divide the spacing in half. This is your end spacing.
Measure 2 inches in from the inside of each post.
This is where the center of your first and last baluster will go.
Who to Hire to Install Balusters
Your local stair and railing contractor is the ideal candidate to install balusters on your outdoor deck or in your interior stair railing. If you’re at the beginning stages of the project, they can also come out and measure the area in need to determine how many balusters you need. Only homeowners who are skilled carpenters and have extensive experience in carpentry should attempt to DIY baluster installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
The homeowners guide to kitchen and bathroom remodels
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
A bump-out addition is right for you if you want to add extra space to your home without adding a new room. Learn about the different bump-out addition costs.
Home sauna costs aren’t cut and dry. It depends on the model and your space. If you want to install a sauna, this guide will help you plan your budget.
An updated bathtub can give a bathroom a whole new look. Find out how much it costs to replace a bathtub in St. Louis, MO, including prices by type and labor costs.
An updated bathtub can give a bathroom a whole new look. Find out how much it costs to replace a bathtub in Tampa, FL, including prices by type and labor costs.
An updated bathtub can give a bathroom a whole new look. Find out how much it costs to replace a bathtub in Baltimore, MD, including prices by type and labor costs.