Calculating Spindles In A Spiral Staircase Balustrade

Structures with spindles such as our spiral staircases

, and balustrades are subject to building regulations requirements that dictate the maximum amount of space allowed between each spindle. Maximum spindle spacing limits are designed to prevent children from getting their heads stuck between spindles or falling off of balconies, stairs or landings. UK regulations determine the number of spindles required on your spiral staircase project - in the UK including Scotland the gap between spindles on a spiral staircase or landing balustrade should not allow the passage of a 100mm diameter sphere. We use a maximum spindle spacing measurement of 99mm to ensure compliance with regulations. To calculate spindle spacing on a spiral staircase or landing balustrade, a mathematical formula will help you determine the correct number of spindles and space each spindle accordingly.

Our examples use the spindle measurements from the Gamia range of spiral staircases, which have a 22mm diameter spindle. You will need to adjust the measurements accordingly for other brands of spiral staircase or balustrade if they use smaller or larger diameter spindles.

Things you will need:

Pencil

Measuring tape

Calculator

Step 1

For straight or circular runs of balustrade, measure the length of the area that requires spindles, such as a stair rail or balustrade. This will help you determine how many spindles you will need according to the building regulations. Remember for the UK we advise that you use a maximum space between spindles of 99mm.

Step 2

Subtract the maximum spindle spacing figure from the length of the rail. This number is then divided by the length. Round your answer to the nearest whole number to determine how many spindles you will need. For example, if your balustrade is 1250mm long, and spindle spacing is a maximum 99mm under building regulations, and spindle width is 22mm, the formula would be (1250 - 99) divided by (99 + 22) = 9.5 spindles. Rounding up to the nearest whole number, 10 spindles are required. Remember this is the minimum number of spindles required to satisfy regulations, for aesthetic reasons (and also see my notes below concerning balustrade kits for spiral stairs ) you can choose to use more than the minimum number of spindles in a balustrade length.

Step 3

Calculate the space between spindles. Start by multiplying the width of each spindle by the number of spindles in the run, in our example this is 10 no. The answer is subtracted from the rail length to determine the total gap space of the spindles.

The formula is

10 no. spindles @ 22mm diameter = 220mm.

1200mm 220mm = 980mm, the total space left.

THEN

Calculate the space between each spindle. This is done by dividing the amount of total gap space, in our example 980mm, by the number of spindles.

For example 980mm divided by 10 spindles in the run of balustrade = 98mm The answer represents the maximum amount of space in mm allowed between each spindle. This formula makes the best use of available materials and keeps within the regulatory requirement that each spindle should be less than 100mm apart.

Calculating how many Balustrade kits you need.

Depending on manufacturer spiral staircase balustrade kits come in modular packs of 8 or 10 spindles. Generally you cannot buy individual spindles so check the measurements carefully before ordering to avoid ordering too many packs.

by: spiral_stairs

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