Finished the Railing

Monday - The maximum opening allowed on a railing is 4”. There is 59.5” between the posts on the front of the porch. If I assume the balusters are 1.5”, then each gap+baluster is 5.5”. Ten balusters would leave a 4.5” gap at the end. Foiled by ½”! I guess I’ll need 22 balusters for the front railing with 3.58” openings. 

The short end is 63.5” between the posts. Eleven balusters would have 3.91” openings. So I need to find 33 balusters. 

Tuesday - After morning coffee, we picked up the power miter saw from storage and balusters from Home Depot. I was planning to use pressure treated 2x2 but they didn’t have any available. Their app claims that they have 302 in stock. So I ended up using 2x2 cedar for 30% more. But at least this task is done. I need to paint the lower part of the porch as the paint is peeling as well as the three steps. Maybe I’ll pick up some lattice for that lower part. 

The railing really changes the appearance of the front of the house.