How to Determine the Position of Balusters

Measure the width of one baluster. Add to that the distance you want between each baluster. This spacing is normally 4 inches, but it can be any distance you want. The exact spacing will change later on, so now you just want to determine your ideal spacing.

Measure the distance between the two posts where you will placing the balusters. Make this measurement from the edge of one post to the edge of the other, measuring the length of the space between the posts. Make this measurement in inches.

Divide the measurement from between the posts by the total width of one baluster and one space. Round this result up to the nearest whole number. This will tell you how many balusters you will need. Add one to this number to get the total number of gaps that will be between and around the balusters.

Multiply the width of a baluster by the number of balusters. This will give you the amount of space taken up between the posts by the actual balusters. Subtract this result from the overall distance between the posts. This will give you the total amount of space between the posts that will just be space.

Divide this total amount of space by the total number of gaps between and around the balusters. This will give you the exact width of each space between the balusters.

Divide the width of a baluster in half and add that to the width of a space. This will give you the distance between the center of each baluster.

Measure from the edge of a post, along the section where you will install the balusters, a distance equal to your last measurement. Make a mark on the bottom board, showing the exact center of the baluster. Continue to measure and mark until you have a mark for every baluster. Use these marks when you go to install the balusters.