Balusters
1. What is the difference between LJ-line and S-line balusters?
Balusters - LJ line has 3 lengths, trimmed from the bottom for length, and the bottom blocks flow with rake of the stair. LJ-line also has the removable PIN E-Z. S-line has 5 lengths, trimmed from the top, and bottom blocks align evenly with each step.
2. Why would L.J. Smith eliminate the 31" baluster when that is what is used for kneewall stairs?
We offer 31" balusters in the LJ-5004, LJ-5005, LJ-5015 & the LJ-5141 styles. These balusters are not pre-drilled for the LJ-Pin E-Z. They are specifically for use on a kneewall.
3. What are L.J. Smith iron balusters made of?
Mild steel, a carbon alloy of iron, which is much stronger than wrought iron.
4. Can the solid and hollow iron be mixed on a job?
We do not recommend mixing them on the same job because the details and the finishes may not match between the solid balusters and the hollow balusters.
5. Why doesn't LJ Smith package a dowel-fast screw with each wood baluster.
The screw threads would mar the surface of the baluster and the expense would be too great to package them in order to prevent damage.
6. Can the set screws for iron shoes be purchased separately?
Yes. Multiple sizes of set screws are used in our iron shoes. Please provide the shoe item number to customer service in order to identify the required set screw item number.
7. What size Allen wrench is needed for the iron shoe set screws?
2mm, 2.5mm and 3mm, depending on the shoe being installed. Contact customer service for details.
8. How many baluster holes will the adhesive kits fill?
Depending on the hole size LI-3701 will fill approximately 120 holes; LI-3704 and LI-3705 will each fill approximately 35 holes; 6100E-10AD and EGEXTREME-10AD will each fill approximately 110 holes.
9. What is the preferred method for installing wood balusters?
Dowel-fast screws because of the strength that this method adds to the installed balustrade. (See the L.J. Smith Balustrade Installation Guide)
10. Which balusters are not pre-drilled? Why does L.J. Smith pre-drill? How deep is the drill hole?
Contemporary LJ-5060, LJ-5360, LJ-5370 & LJ-5070 (including the fluted, chamfered & V-Groove) styles and standard S-line balusters are not predrilled. LJ-5060/5360 are not drilled due to potential installation on the outside of face board. S-line balusters have a turned pin. The remaining LJ-line balusters are predrilled to accommodate the PIN-EZ or dowel-fast screw. The drilled hole is approximately 3" deep.
11. What if when I trim the baluster bottom, I cut off the pre-drilled hole or want to use Dowel-Fast Screws with LJ-5060, LJ-5360, LJ-5070, or LJ-5370 balusters?
Drill a 9/32” diameter hole 3” deep into the center of the baluster bottoms. Install the Dowel-Fast screws into the holes using LJ-3033 Dowel Runner
12. What are the standard baluster sizes?
Wood baluster square sizes are: 1 1/4", 1 3/4", & 1 5/8". Lengths for LJ line are: 34" 38" & 42". Lengths for S line; 31" 34" 36" 39" & 42". Iron balusters are: ½” square, 9/16” square, ¾” square; 5/8” round and the lenghts are all 44”.
13. What type of balusters are used with plowed rail?
Square top.
14. What is the sphere rule?
The sphere rule refers to the spacing between balusters allowed by code. Currently, there are 4" and 6" sphere codes.
15. What is the advantage of the LJ line of balusters in comparison to the industry standard?
The LJ baluster line offers many advantages: Lengths are 34”, 38”, and 42”. Fewer lengths mean fewer stock outages. The turning length is the same on all three sizes; only the bottom block length changes and all trimming is done from the bottom which means longer length balusters can be substituted for shorter lengths. Turning details and blocks align parallel to the handrail. Pre-drilled for use with the included Pin E-Z or for use with Dowel Fast screws for an even stronger installation and less labor. Industry Standard balusters have 5 lengths per style and due to their design cannot be trimmed for substitution of another length. The bottom blocks align parallel to the steps.
16. What type of baluster would be needed for LJ-6210P handrail?
Any 1 3/4" square top would be correct.
17. What type of baluster would be needed for LJ-6109P handrail?
6109 plowed handrail is available in both 1 1/4" plow and 1 3/4" plow to accommodate 1 1/4" or 1 3/4" square top balusters. The part number designation is LJ-6109P0 for 1 1/4" and LJ6109P1 for 1 3/4".
18. Does L.J. Smith offer the "candle-stick" or "pool cue" baluster?
Yes. The part number is LJ-5040 or S-5040.
19. What are some of the features of the L.J. Smith iron line?
Available Hollow or Solid in Round and Square Styles. Stock sizes: 1/2", 9/16”, 5/8” or 3/4" by 44” long. Seven different finishes. Shoes with and without set screws.
20. What is the angle of the L.J. Smith iron and aluminum angled shoes? Why?
The angle varies by the shoe style. The angle on the following shoes is 36 degrees: LI-PSH02, and LI-ALMGPSH08. The following shoes have a 39 degree angle: LI-ALPSH02 & LI-ALH05P. Any of our shoes can be ground or filed to a custom angle.
21. What is referred to as baluster spacing?
The maximum spacing permitted between balusters. This will determine the number of balusters required for each tread. Always check your local building codes.
22. Describe how to find the balustrade centerline.
On a kneewall stair, the balustrade should be centered on the kneewall. On an open-tread stair, the centerline should be one half of the baluster square in from the face of the skirtboard. (Skirtboard and treads must be installed.) Hint: The outside baluster bottom block should line up with the treads miter return joint. This method requires the notching of newels.
23. Describe how to find the number of balusters required per tread and their center-to-center equal spacing.
Divide the run by the code spacing specification and round up to nearest whole number. This equals the number of balusters per tread. Then, divide the run by the number of balusters required for the center-to-center measurement. Ex.: If the run is 10" and the maximum spacing required by code is 4"; 10 divided by 4 equals 2 1/2 - round up to 3 balusters per tread. Then, 10" run divided by 3 balusters equals 3.333" or 3 11/32" centerto-center. Note: the first baluster of each tread should be half a baluster square back from the face of the riser
24. What numbers do the balusters begin with?
Wood: LJ-5xxx, LJP-2xxx/LJF-2xxx/LJT-2xxx/LJB-2xxx, S-5xxx, LI- (solid iron), LIH- (hollow iron)
25. How do you fix a nick on wood (primed) or iron balusters? Do you have touch-up paint?
We have been told by others that Sherwin Williams Pro Classic Interior Alkyd Satin in Extra White is compatible to the -PRG primer. For our iron balusters, we offer a touch-up paint pen for each finish color. The item number is LJ-PEN.
26. When ordering the "S" line baluster is the pin included in the length of the baluster?
Yes, that is why you must trim the top of the "S" line balusters if necessary.
27. Are the Iron Balusters available pre-finished?
Yes, we offer a powder-coat finish of Low Sheen Black, Matte Nickel, Silver Vein, Antique Bronze, Oil Rubbed Bronze and Oil Rubbed Copper. If the customer wants a finish that’s not mentioned, they must supply a sample of the color they want so LJ Smith can quote it.
28. How do you install square top balusters into plowed handrail?
The balusters are installed using wood glue and toenails. Fillet is then used between the balusters to hide the toenails. . (See the L.J. Smith Balustrade Installation Guide)
29. Do the pins in the bottom of the balusters have to be used? Is there another way of installation?
No, the pins (LJ-PIN E-Z) are included with the balusters as one option of installation. The other option is using Dowel-Fast Screws (LJ-3076). These screws are full threaded to attach balusters to treads and landing treads. (See the L.J. Smith Balustrade Installation Guide)
30. Can the balusters be cut down?
Yes, the "LJ" line balusters can be cut down from the bottom and the "S" line balusters can be cut down from the top.
31. How far should the balusters be spaced apart?
There are two common baluster spacings, 4" rule or 6" rule. The 4" rule is the one most commonly used, but it should be confirmed with the local building inspector.
32. What lengths are available in the "LJ" line balusters?
34", 38", and 42". For kneewall applications we offer 31" in LJ-5004, LJ-5005, LJ-5015 & LJ-5141 styles.
33. What lengths are available in the "S" line balusters?
31", 34", 36", 39" and 42".
34. What is the box quantity for 1 ¼" balusters? What is the box quantity 1 ¾" balusters?
The 1 ¼" balusters are packaged 40 per box with the exception of the 5015's which are 50 per box. The 1 ¾" balusters are packaged 25 per box.
35. What does the P, F, B, and T, stand for in the prefix of some balusters such as the LJP-2015, LJF-2015, LJB-2915 and LJT-2015?
The P means Plain Turning, the F stands for Fluted Turning, the B stands for Beaded Turning, and the T equals Twisted Turning.
36. What size balusters are needed for standard volutes? How many?
The standard volutes require 4 or 6 of the 1 ¼" balusters or 4 of the 1 ¾" balusters. For a 30" - 34" rake rail height, use 38" balusters and for a 34" - 38" rake rail height, use 42" balusters.
37. Is the LJ-PIN E-Z strong enough?
Our tests lead us to the conclusion that they are strong enough. We’ve been providing them with millions of balusters over many years without complaint.
38. What is the process for ordering custom pre-finished Iron Balusters?
Once a finish has been quoted (if a sample has been provided), the customer must fax in a purchase order. The Customer Service Account Specialist will request an Iron Baluster sample in the color that was quoted and once done will send it to the customer. The customer must sign an authorization sheet and fax it back to LJ Smith. When the signed authorization is received by the CSAS, the order will get processed.
39. How do I determine the balustrade centerline?
On an open-tread stair, the centerline should be ½ of the baluster square in from the face of the skirtboard.
40. How do you determine the number of balusters per tread?
The first baluster of each tread should be ½ the baluster square back from the face of the riser. Divide the run by the required number of balusters per tread to find the center-to-center distance for the other balusters. (Ex. Run = 10", Baluster Spacing = 4"; 10 / 4 = 2 ½ spaces per each tread. Round this up to 3 balusters per tread. 10 / 3 = 3.333 center-to-center.)
41. Are the Dowel-Fast screws weather resistant?
Although we do not recommend for exterior use, the Dowel-Fast Screws are zinc-yellow-di-chromate plated which means they will resist rust and could be used outdoors. They also do not have an oil coating that could mar the wood and/or wood finish.
42. Types of balusters?
Balusters are the decorative vertical members of a balustrade system. Ornamental iron balusters offer an extensive assortment of popular styles in various square and round sizes ranging from ½” up to ¾”. They are constructed from “mild” steel, making them very durable and much stronger than wrought iron versions. For wood balusters, you can choose from basic, fluted, beaded, twisted and octagonal designs in a round and square sizes ranging from 1-1/8” to 1-3/4”.