Wood Balusters: Wood Offers Lots of Choices
Essentials of Wood Balusters: wood is a great material
to use for railing balusters but as a consumer, one must understand
some of its limitations, after all railings not only are a
interior decorating element of your home environment, but
also serve a very important safety roll. So here are a few
ideas...
There are many styles of wood balusters. Wood selection should
be tied to those designs, so lets first look at a typical
baluster's anatomy, and discuss how the parts of your balusters
& wood species selection issues might affect its construction.
 A-
this is a typical "dowel topped spindle". Obviously
so called, because the top of the railing spindle is turned
round. In Ontario, oak spindles (same for maple) must be a
minimum of 3/4" in diameter at this point (#1).
At #2: the lower dowel pin of your wood baluster is the same
conversation. It must be a minimum of 3/4" when you are
using oak spindles (likewise for maple spindles).. and for
that matter any railing balusters must be a minimum of 3/4"
in diamenter anywhere down the length of the pattern.
If your choice is to use cherry or pine for instance then
this is where your balusters wood choice would force you to
"up size" your design. The minimum diameter for
softwoods spindles in Ontario is 1" (important to check
on YOUR local regulations).
B: this type of railing spindle is typically referred to
as a "square topped spindle." The dictitorial "building
code" states that in Ontario railing balusters must be
a minimun of 1 5/16" square (at #3) if made from oak
or maple. It your intent is to use poplar or white pine, as
your wood of choice the size jumps to 1 3/4".
Most other species are not specifically outlined in the buiding
controls manual, and local officials can and do, force you
to get a engineer's stamp of approval BEFORE you proceed.
Recent lawsuits involving staircase balusters have made municipal
officials gunshy and they are eager to shift liability to
others.
Anything bigger is at your discretion, but always make sure
that the railing and staircase balusters are purchased at
the same time, to assure that one matches with the other.
Handrails are typically grooved to accept a particular square
topped baluster. Wood tops then, must be machined to fit this
groove. (ie. 1 5/16" baluster is designed for a 1 5/16"
grooved handrail). If you are using dowel topped spindles
this is not relevent, as the railing has no groove.
|
 |
|
Products, specifications, and techniques shown
are meant as a guide to better understanding for the designer, builder,
and/or homeowner.
Owners of this site assume no liability for and
makes no claim to the suitability of any products or information
shown, other than to report history of usage, and sharing of knowledge
from others.
It is the sole responsibility of the owner or installer
to adequately test for product suitability and application method
for a particular installation.
|
|
 |
|
Stairs
