I am going to be removing my current balusters and installing new ones that are spaced more appropriately. I am trying to figure out where I can look for the spacing requirements. I am in Hays County, however I am not even sure where to look.

Can anyone help me out or at least point me in the right direction? I want it to be safe for the kids as well as to current code.

Bobcat-Ag said:

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I am going to be removing my current balusters and installing new ones that are spaced more appropriately. I am trying to figure out where I can look for the spacing requirements. I am in Hays County, however I am not even sure where to look.

Can anyone help me out or at least point me in the right direction? I want it to be safe for the kids as well as to current code.

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Typically, it's 4 inches but you need to check to confirm with your local code enforcement officer in Hays County as it may vary from location to location...

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The specifics vary depending on your location, so study the details carefully. Even if you have experience with constructing stairs and consider a gap of 4 inches between balusters to be the standard, a code specific to the area could state that 3.5 inches is the largest space allowed.

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Balusters, the vertical guards that support the handrail, must be installed close enough that the space between them is no greater than 4 inches. Most city inspectors carry a 4-inch ball with them to test the spacing. Installed balusters should withstand 50 lbs. of pressure exerted over a 1-square-foot area.

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Far enough apart for a 7 year old to stick their head through the gap but close enough for them not to be able to get it back out.

It's 4" max but if you are doing layout, you want to adjust the spacing so you have even spacing across each run, which means you may have a slightly smaller di.ensiin on each run.

Standard is that a 4" sphere cannot pass between the posts, so on center spacing will vary depending on the material used.

Aggietaco said:

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Standard is that a 4" sphere cannot pass between the posts, so on center spacing will vary depending on the material used.

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You are correct. The distance will have to be less than 4 inches to keep the 4" sphere from passing through.