HomeMy WebLinkAbout37360-Z DECK
Adding steps
You may wish to add steps to your deck to make access
easier. Ask your 84 Lumber sales associate about pre-cut 3, 4 or
5 step stringers. He or she can help you determine how many
steps will be required and what additional materials will be
needed. \
1
Regardless of how many steps you may be adding, the
fundamentals are the same. The steps are called treads, and
must be of a uniform size (never less than nine Inches). The
treads are supported by stringers. The stringers are usually 2 x
12's which are cut so that when they are installed at an angle,
the treads will be level and the riser (or vertical distance) will be
plumb. The riser dimension can be quite small if necessary, but
should never exceed 8 Inches. A good rule of thumb is this: the
width of the tread plus the height of the riser should equal 17 to
18 inches.
If you are going to add more than two steps, a handrail Is
( �
required. If the steps are between two decks, you can bolt an
additional post right to the deck framing. If your steps are going
from the deck to the ground, you will need to set an additional 37
post in concrete at the base of the stairs.
Tread
9" minimum
a Riser
U
a-
8" maximum
m
a Stringer
m
Stair detail
Instructions and D
Step No. 1 Laying out the Deck Using the outline of your deck and the measurements from the
plans, you can now determine where the posts will be located,
raking the time to carefully lay out your deck will Insure that it is and drive stakes In the ground to mark the center of each post
square, level, and exactly where you want it to be. This is the hole. You may find a few extra stakes and string lines will
time when It is most Important to double (or triple!) check your simplify this task. Use your level or a plumb bob to transfer
measurements. locations from the string lines to the ground. Don't forget:
double check your work!
First you must decide exactly where you want your deck to be.
If attaching the deck to a house, go to step no. 2 (Installing a
Ledger Board) at this point. It will define the location of your
deck and make laying out the posts easier. Once you have
installed the ledger board, come back to step one and Step No. 2 Installing a ledger board
continue from here, substituting the ledger board for two of the
batter boards. If you will be attaching your 5/4' Deck to your house, you will
need to Install a ledger board. This is accomplished by bolting
If your deck is freestanding, drive stakes to define one side and one of the rim joists to the house. Extra care should be taken at
two corners. Construct batter boards like those shown In the this step, because the ledger board determines the height of
drawings, using 2 x 4 stakes and a 2 x 4 crosspiece, which the deck. Any errors at this step will multiply later.
should be level. These batter boards will make it easy to adjust
the string lines used to lay out the deck and insure that it is First, determine where the finished floor level of your house is,
square. The batter boards should stand about 2 feet outside and chalk a line on the siding. Determine where the ends of the
the line of the actual deck so they do not Interfere with deck should be, and draw vertical lines. The top of the deck
construction. should be at least 2' below the floor of the house, but not more
than 8'.
You can now get a pretty good idea of where the other corners
of the deck will be - close enough to build the rest of the batter Measure down from your chalk line to where the top of the deck
boards needed to finish laying out the deck. should be, make a mark (this is the top of the decking), then
measure down an additional 1 inch. Do this at both ends of the
(If you are using a ledger board, you will only need two batter deck and chalk a line. This is the top of the Joists, which is also
boards. You will attach your string lines directly to the ends of the top of the ledger board.
the ledger board. You will still need to follow the instructions to
make sure your deck is square.) Fasten the ledger board to the house with lag screws at 16' on
center, making sure the board is level. Use 3/8" diameter lag
Use string lines between the batter boards to outline the actual screws, making certain they are the correct length to go
deck. By having one side of the deck defined, either by the through the thickness of the ledger board, the siding, and the
ledger board or a string line, you can use the measurements 3', sheathing, and that they penetrate completely through the rim
4' and 5' to determine when your deck layout Is perfectly joist. If possible, try to get several bolts Into the mudsill. You
square. may need to shim between the siding and ledger board if the
siding presents an Irregular surface.
� peck I House
i -Siring Line
i
Deck Line��
L connect to House
or Batter Boards
5/4" x 6"
Decking a
Une Level E
/ Deck Joist
mudsill
Batter Boards
41RII�- ti
Stake
Joist Hanger 3/8"dia. Lag Sci
Laying Out the Deck Ledger f
rd
dr-�
Locating the Ledger Board
Starting at the intersection of two of the string lines, measure 3
feet along one string line, and 4 feet along the other. Mark both
of these locations with a felt-tipped marker, and then measure
diagonally between them. When the diagonal measurement
reads exactly 5 feet, the Intersection is 90 degrees - exactly
square!
You will want to check each of the corners and fine tune your
deck layout; a little extra care now will really pay off later during
the construction of your deck. Once you are sure the layout is
correct, mark the location of the nails on the batter boards; if
one comes loose, you can easily replace it. You may also find
that it is easier to work if you take the strings down, but you will
want to be able to replace them periodically In order to check
Step No. 3 Installing the posts Step No. 4 Cutting posts to length
If your deck is attached to the house, you have already estab-
Notel Decks that are 30" or more above the ground require lished the finished height of the deck with the ledger board. If your
code-compliant railings, and may require bracing for the posts. deck is freestanding, you must decide exactly how high your deck
Check with local building officials to find out what requirements will be, subtract the components, and cut the posts to the right
apply in your area. length. Select a post to work from, and mark a line on it indicating
the top of the finished deck. Measure down 1" and mark a line to
With a post hole digger or auger, dig the holes for the posts. establish the top of the joists, measure down an additional 5-1/2"
These should be 10"-12' in diameter, and a minimum of 2 feet and mark a line to establish the top of the beam, and measure
deep, although local conditions may require that they be down 7-114"and mark a line to establish the desired top of the post,
somewhat deeper. (When constructing the Ultra 5/4"Deck with 2 x 8 beams and joists,
these measurements will be 7-114" and 7-114" respectively). Don't
Clear all loose dirt and debris from the bottom of the hole, and cut the post at this time! Using the string line and line level, transfer
keep the area around the hole clean so dirt will not fall back in. the desired top of post mark to the other posts. Double check by
Tamp 2"-3" Inches of gravel Into the bottom of the hole to attaching the string line to a different post. When you are certain
provide drainage for moisture which might otherwise collect at the posts are marked correctly, cut them off. Be sure the cuts are
the bottom of the post. square.
Before setting the posts In the hole, drive two stakes Into the
ground a foot or two from the edge of the hole. These will be
used to hold the post plumb, and should be located so the
posts can be leveled from two different directions and set
squarely in relation to the beams that will be resting on them.
Posts bracec
Line Level
I, I
String )ripe_
r '
x
Grade
`.
Ir Establishing Height of Posts
II ,
I i i al Concrete Pier
i
E I I
C I I
E lam,
-I -r
r i i Post
Mimi
Ru�RF� 2" - 3" of Gravel
s
10- - 12'
Installing the Posts
Place the post in the center of the hole, and put in several
Inches of concrete to hold the bottom of the post in place.
Double check your measurements to be certain the post is ® Sheet No.
where it belongs, is plumb from every side, and is set squarely in ,
relation to the beams. The posts should be too long at this L U M B E
point; they will be cut to length later. Be certain they are not foo
short!
Once you are certain the post Is set exactly where it should be, 5/4 " DEC
continue filling the hole with concrete, being careful not to a
move the post. Every few Inches, use a broom handle or 1x2 ®The L.F. Garlinghouse Co., Inc. 1990, 1995, 1996, 799(
stake to tamp the concrete to remove any voids or air pockets. All Rights reserved Pp
Continue filling the hole until the concrete is slightly above the Printed in the United States of America REV
Reproduction of these drawings,in whole or in part,including any
surrounding grade. slope the top of the concrete down and in and or preparation of derivative works thereof,for any reason
away from fhe post so water will drain away. prior written permission of the L.F.Gartinghouse Co.,Inc.is strict,
The purchase of these drawings in no way transfers any copy...
ownership interest in them to the buyer except for a limited Iia
these drawings for the construction of one,and only one,structur
ouble check the post at this point, and make any adjustments chase of additional sets of these drawings at a reduced price from
set or as part of a multiple set package does not entitle the b
�
to keep It square and plumb. license to construct more than one structure.
Instructions an e ai s
Step No. 5 Attach beams to posts
Fo create each beam, nail 2-2 x 8's together with 16d galvanized
-)ails (drive the nails at a slight angle so they will not protrude).
4ttach the framing anchors to the posts with 8d galvanized nails Joist
and set the beams in place. Do not fasten them firmly yet.
Use your original layout lines to help locate the ends of the beams.
It is important that they are lined up well; if they are offset, your
deck will not be square, and decking it will be difficult. When you *x
are sure the beams are properly located, fasten them to the fram-
ing anchors with 8d galvanized nails. k
Beam
Framing Anchor
X2 - 2 x 8 Beam Joist to Beam Connection
_ - - -F(
18d Galvanized Nails
I .. Framing Anchor
Post To build the optional beveled corners
If your deck is going to have beveled comers, It is time to make
the necessary adjustments. The size of the bevel will vary with
the size of your deck; an attractive, comfortable bevel on a
large deck could consume too much of a smaller deck. To lay
Post to Beam Connection out the bevel, measure equal distances from the comer along
the rim Joist and along the end Joist. Mark a line on the Joist.
When measuring along the end Joist, take care not to carry the
bevel past the face of the beam. Although the beam is below
the joists and not Involved with this step, If the bevel is too large
the beam will protrude In an unsightly manner, and you will have
Step No. 6 Installing the joists cut the end Joist so short it no longer bears on the beam. (The
measurement for the bevel should be less than measurement G
from the dimension chart.)
Measure and cut the joists according to the drawings.
Determine exactly how for the joists extend past the beams, When you are certain the bevel is properly laid out, carefully
and make an alignment mark on each joist. Following the lay cut the rim joist and the end Joist. Take extra care to make the
out on the plan, mark the location of each Joist on the beams. cuts both square and plumb.
Set the joists in place; using the alignment mark will simplify
getting the same overhang for each Joist. Both ends of the new bevel rim Joist must be cut at 45 degrees.
Measure the diagonal created from the end of the rim Joist to
Toenail from each side of the Joist Into each beam, then Install the end of the end Joist (measure at the top of the joists and at
the metal framing anchors. the bottom, If they are slightly different use the larger of the two).
This measurement Is the long side of the bevel rim Joist. Use the
if attaching the Deck to a house: carpenter's square to ensure that the cuts are square, set your
saw at 450 and make the cuts. Remember, you have marked
Before Installing the joists, you will need to Install Joist hangers on the long side of the board so orient your saw correctly.
the ledger board. After laying out the beams, use the same Check the fit by holding the bevel rim Joist in place. Make any
measurements to layout the ledger (the ledger should be adjustments and nail the bevel rim Joist in place, keeping the
exactly the same length as the beams). Install the Joist hangers top flush with other joists.
(you might want to use a scrap of Joist material to keep the
sides from getting too tight for the the Joist to fit in). You do not
need to determine the overhang; there is no adjustment to be
made at this point. Install the Joists in the hangers.
Once all the joists are fastened in place, Install the rim jolst(s).
Facenail through the rim Joist with 3 - 16d galvanized nails Into
each Joist and also attach Joist hangers.
Constructing Multi-level Decks
If you are building more than one 5/4' Deck module, you may
wish to set them at different heights. This requires careful
planning, but the results con be spectacularl
Beam below If connecting the decks rim joist to rim joist, the easiest method
is to align the rim joist of the highest deck directly above the rim
joist of the lower deck. Use lOd nails to fasten scrap 2x material
- to connect the two pieces together (see detail).
45°
If connecting the decks end joist to end joist, nail through the
end joist of the lower deck Into the beams of the upper deck
(see detail).
You will need to be especially careful when laying out the posts,
and Cut Rim joist at 45° angle margin forterrortingthehhe them to
of the decks.er height - there is little
It is Important that the step from one deck to the other is less
than 8 Inches. Distances greater than 8 inches will require two or
Nail more steps, and more than two steps will require a hand rail.
Your 84 Lumber sales associate can help you determine what
materials you may need to customize your deck to suit your
Optional Beveled Corner particular needs.
5/4' Decking
Step No. 7 Installing the decking o V
Rim Joist
(Some railings may require posts which are bolted Inside the rim r-
joist. If you will be installing a railing on your deck, you may t-
L
need to attach some of the posts before applying the deck
boards or Install ,additional members to bolt some styles of scrap 2x between
posts to. Now is the time to determine which, if any, additional joists fastened
steps are required If you are Installing a railing.) with 10d nails
Rim Joist
Set the first deck board to overhang the rim joist by about 1/8'
to 1/4", being careful to keep the overhang even (if using a
ledger board, set the first deck board against the siding). Nail
the decking to the joists with 2 - 10d nails at each Intersection. Optional Connection Detail (side to s
Continue setting deck boards; pressure treated lumber will
shrink,so you can set the boards touching one another. You will 5/4' Decking
want to check every 2nd or 3rd board with your string line to
make certain they are straight and make any minor
adjustments. You will also want to make certain that the S/err
decking remains square with the framework. Check this by
measuring along each end joist the distance that still needs End Joist
decking. These two measurements should be identical. I y 5/4' Deckin
Rim Joist 11
Continue setting the deck boards as described until you reach i 1
the opposite end of the deck. It may be necessary to rip the
last board to fit, so the overhang is 1/8" to 1/4", or to alter the
spacing of the last few boards so you don't come up short.
Plan Ahead! Double 2x Beam _ Rim Joist
S/�ll
Cut to length /
1/8' to 114" after Installation blocking between Double
& around double Beam
overhang beam
_-T--------------�xr----- ----- -7.
Irl Irt l,l
Ixl '1
,j Ixl o x
,k l Optional Connection Detail ter d to,
II <I
N
x' Ixl ° ixi ® Sheet No.
Ix
[FRIghts
LUMBE
/4 " DECK
xx xIII I i I adinghouse Co., Inc. 1990, 1995, 1996, 19:eserved P(
e United States of America RE
2 nails at each of these drawings,in whole or in pad,including ar
54" 6„ eparation of derivative works thereof,for any roast
Intersection pnor written permission of the L.F.Gadinghouse Co.,Inc.is star
Decking The purchase of these drawings in no way transfers any copt
ownership interest in them to the buyer except for a e,limited I
these ship ince for the construction of one,and only one,itted I
chase of additional sets of these drawings at a reduced price In:
Installing the Decking set as part t multiple set package does not entitle the
license to construct more than one structure.
4 LUMBER 5 /4 ,, DECKO
C
O O O O WORKING DIMENSK
F C C I, F Once you have determined which siz
Rim foist will be building, transfer the measure
the correct chart Into the corresponc
on the drawing. This will save consldi
O(9 looking back and forth from the cl
drawing, and will reduce chances for
not scale the drawings, or try to count
of joists; your deck may not look exa(
picture.
� Measurement A (the overall width of
CL the actual length of the beams and tl
(or ledger board).
O 0 q..
O w Measurement B is the overall depth c
Measurement E Is the actual length of
Measurements C and F are to the
wthe posts.These are not the dimensioi
Measurement H isfor laying out thejc
m
Measurements D and G are used for
OCo the posts and beams.
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
H H H H H H H varies
5'
v y_$T l3jZ Liss =64 9FTwE4!�W
PICKETS 0R BoI L-t(src k S,
Decks with 6 osis Decks with 4 posts
12 ft. x 8 ff. Deck 12 R. x 10 R. Deck 12 R. x 12 ff. Deck 8 ft. x b ft. Deck 8 ft. x 8 ft. Deck
A= 12'-0" A= 12'-Om A= 12'-0" A=8'-0" A=8'-0"
B= 8'-0" B= 10'-0" B= 12'-0" B=6'-0" B=8'-0'
C=4'-6" C=4'-6" C=4'-6" C=6'-0" C=6'-0"
D= 5'-0" D= 7'-0" D= 7'-9" D=4'-0" D=5'-0"
L7'-9" E=9'-9" E= 11'-9" E=5'-9" E=7' 9"
1 -6" F= 1 -6" F= 1 -6" F= 1'-0" F= 1'-0"
1'-i" G= V-6- G=2'-1 1/2" G= 1'-0" G= V-6-
1'-4' H = 1'-4' H = 1'-4' H = 1'-4' H = 1'-4'
14 ft. x 8 ff. Deck 14 R. x 10 ft. Deck 14 ft. x 12 ft. Deck 10 ft. x 6 B. Deck 10 R. x 8 R. Deck 1(
MIMEME
A= 14'-0" A= 14'-0" A= 14'-0" A= 10'-0" A= 10'-0' A=
B= 8'-0" B= 10'-0" B= 12'-0" B=6'-0" B=8'-0" B=
C=5'-6" C=5'-6" C=5'-6" C= 7'-0" C=7'-0" C=
D=5'-0" D= 7'-0" D= 7'-9" D=4'-0" D=5'-0" D=
E= 7'-9" E=9'-9" E= 11'-9" E=5'-9" E=7'-9" E=4
F- 1'-6" F- 1'-6' F- 1 -6" F- 1'-6" F- V-6' F-
G= 1'-6" G= 1'-6" G=2'-1 1/2" G= 1'-0" G= 1'-6"L G=
H = l'-4' H = 1'-4' H = 1'-4' H = 1'-4' H = 1'-4' H =
16 ft. x 8 ft. Deck 16 R. x 10 ft. Deck 16 R. x 12 ft. Deck
A= 16'-0" A= 16'-0' A= 16'-0"
B =8'-0" B= 10'-0" B= 12'-0"
C=6'-6" C=6'-6" C=6'-6"
/ D=5'-0" D= 7'-0" D= 7'-9"
E= 7'-9" E=9'-9" E.= 11'-9"
F= 1'-6" F= 1'-6" F= 1'-6"
G= 1'-6" G= 1'-6" G=2'-1 1/2-
H
/2"H = 1'-4' H = 1'-d' H = 1'-d'
8 x 6 Deck 12 x 10 Deck
Item Material Quantity Kern Material Quantity morn
Beams 2 x 8-8' Pressure Treated 4 pa. Beams 2 x 8- 12'Pressure Treated 4 pa. Beams
Rim Joist or Ledger 2 x 6-8'Pressure Treated 2 pa. Rim Joist or Ledger 2 x 6- 12'Pressure Treated 2 pa. Rim Joist or Ledger
Joists 2 x 6-8'Pressure Treated 1 PCs. Joists 2 x 6- 10'Pressure Treated 10 pcs. Joists
2 x 6-12 Pressure Treated 3 pa. Decking 5/4 x 6- 12'Pressure Treated 22 pa. Decking
Decking 5/4 x 6-8' Pressure Treated 13 pa. Posts 4 x 4 x 6' Pressure Treated 6 required Posts
Posts 4 x 4 x& Pressure Treated 4 required Hardware Hardware
Hardware Post to Beam Attachment Framing Anchors C2/Post) 12 pa. Pat to Beam Attachn
Pat to Beam Attachment Framing Anchors (2/pat) 8 pa. Joist to Beam Attachment Framing Anchors (2/Joist) 20 pa. Joist to Beam Attachn
Joist to Beam Attachment Framing Anchors (2/Joist) 14 pcs. Joist Hangers 16 pa. Joist Hangers
Joist Hangers 10 pa. Concrete Mix(60 ib,bag) 18 bags Concrete Mix(60 Ib.b
Concrete Mix 12 bags Nails Nails
Nails 8d Galvanized 3lbs. 8tl Galvanized
8d Galvanized 2 lbs, IOd Galvanized 6 lbs. 10d Galvanized
10d Galvanized 4 lbs 16d Galvanized 3 lbs. 16d Galvanized
16d Galvanized 2lbs. Optional Items Optional Items
Optional Items Lag Screws & Washers 3/8" x 5' 9 pa. Lag Screws & Washe
Lag Screws & Washers 3/8' x 5" 6 pa. (w/ Ledger only)
(w/ Ledger only) Bevel Corners 2 x 6-8' Pressure Treated 1 piece (w/
llComers only)
Bevel Corners 2 x 6-8' Pressure Treated 1 place
8 x 8 Deck 12 x 12 Deck
Rem Material Quantity Item Material Quantity Item
Beams 2 x 8 -8' Pressure Treated 4 pa. Beams 2 x 8- 12'Pressure Treated 4 pa. Beams
Rim Joist or Ledger 2 x 6-8' Pressure Treated 2 pa. Rim Joist or Ledger 2 x 6- 12'Pressure Treated 2 pa. Rim Joist or Ledger
Joists 2 x 6-8' Pressure Treated 7 pa. Joists 2 x 6- 12'Pressure Treated 10 pa. Joists
Decking 5/4 x 6-8'Pressure Treated 18 pa. Decking 5/4 x 6-12'Pressure Treated 27 pa. Decking
.Posts 4 x 4 x 6' Pressure Treated 4 required Posts 4 x 4 x 6' Pressure Treated 6 required Posts
Hardware Hardware Hardware
Pat to Beam Attachment Framing Anchors (2/post) 8 pa. Pat to Beam Attachment Framing Anchors (2/Pat) 12 pa. Pat to Beam Attachm
Joist to Beam Attachment Framing Anchors (2/Joist) 14 pa. Joist to Beam Attachment Framing Anchors (2/Joist) 20 pa. Joist to Beam Attachrr
Joist Hangers 10 pa. Joist Hangers 16 pa. Joist Hangers
Concrete Mix(60 Ib.bag) 12 bags Concrete Mix(601b.bag) 18 bags Concrete MIX(60 lb,bl
Nails Nails Nails
8d Galvanized 2lbs. 8d Galvanized 3 lbs. 8d Galvanized
lad Galvanized 5 lbs 10d Galvanized 7 lbs. 10d Galvanized
16d Galvanized 3 lbs. 16d Galvanized 3 lbs. 16d Galvanized
Optional Items Optional Items Optional mems
Lag Screws & Washers 3/8' x 5' 6 pa. Lag Screws & Washers 3/8' x 5' 9 pa. Lag Screws & Washei
(w/ Ledger only) (w/ Ledger only) (w/Ledger only)
Bevel Corners 2 x 6-8' Pressure Treated 1 piece Bevel Corners 2 x 6-8' Pressure Treated 1 place Bevel Comers
10 x 6 Deck 14 x 8 Deck
Item Material Quantity mem Material Quantity mem
Beams 2 x 8 - 10'Pressure Treated 4 pa. Beams 2 x 8- 14'Pressure Treated 4 pa. Beams
Rim Joist or Ledger 2 x 6- 10'Pressure Treated 2 pa. Rim Joist or Ledger 2 x 6- 14'Pressure Treated 2 pa. Rim Joist or Ledger
Joists 2 x 6-8' Pressure Treated 1 pc Joists 2 x 6-8' Pressure Treated 12 pa. Joists
Joists 2 x 6- 12'Pressure Treated 4 pa. Decking 5/4 x 6-14'Pressure Treated 18 pcs.
Decking 5/4 x 6- 10'Pressure treated 13 pa. Posts 4 x 4 x 6 Pressure Treated 6 required Decking
Posts 4 x 4 x& Pressure Treated 4 required Hardware Pats
Hardware Pat to Beam Attachment Framing Anchors (2/Pat) 12 pa. Hardware
Pat to Beam Attachment Framing Anchors (2/post) 8 pa. Joist to Beam Attachment Framing Anchors (2/Joist) 24 pa. Pat to Beam Attachn
Joist to Beam Attachment Framing Anchors (2/Jolst) 18 pa. Joist Hangers 20 pa. Joist to Beam Attachn
Joist Hangers _ 14 pa. Concrete Mix (60 ib.bag) 18 bags Joist Hangers
Concrete Mix(60 lb.bag) .1 bags Nails Concrete Mix(60 lb.b,
Nails 8d Galvanized 3 lbs. Nails
8d Ivanlzed 2 lbs. 10d Galvanized 6 lbs. Bd Galvanized
10d Galvanized 5 lbs 16d Galvanized 3 lbs. 1 O Galvanized
16d Galvanized 3 lbs. Optional Items 16d Galvanized
Adding Railing
Adding a railing
Several optional railing styles are available to enhance the
beauty and safety of your deck. Depending on .the finished
height of your deck, a railing may be required. We
recommend that any deck more than one step above the
ground be equipped with a safety rail. Your 84 Lumber sales
associate can help you choose the railing that best sults your
needs, and determine what additional materials may be
required.
No matter what style of railing you choose, the basics for
Installation remain the same: Posts fastened firmly to the deck
support rails that run between them, to which the pickets or
balusters are fastened.
i
The posts should be either bolted to the Joists with 3/8" diameter
bolts, or placed in metal post bases which are bolted to the
decking. Four feet, either between the posts or between post
centers, is typical.
The rails are generally nailed to the posts, although wood
s gra gery gffective and a stall. It Is Important that
the top of the rail be at least 36 Inches above the floor o the
deck ere must be less than 6 Inches between the bottom rail
an the deck.
The pickets, or balusters, are either nailed or screwed to the Classic Colonial Railing
rails. No matter which st le of railing you are constructing, there
must be ess than 4" between the pickets or balusters.