Figuring spacing

[jfreak53]

This is really not program related but rather the math behind the design related. I know there is a mathematical calculation to figuring board spacing on any project at all. What is that?

I have a 38" span and 3" wide boards to place in that span. I need to know at what spacing to put each one so they are even across it. I know there is a way to figure it but I don't know that way. Anyone?

Thanks in advance :2tsup:

[corbs]

I have a 38" span and 3" wide boards to place in that span. I need to know at what spacing to put each one so they are even across it.

The way I would do it is as follows:

Span / board width = exact number of boards to fill span
38/3 = 12 2/3 boards to fill span

can now do maths for 10, 11 and 12 boards across span

(total span-total board width)/(# boards -1)
10 boards @ 3" wide = 30" (38-30)/9 = 8/9 or .8"
11 boards @ 3" wide = 33" (38-33)/10 = 1/2 or .5"
12 boards @ 3" wide = 36" (38-36/11 = 2/11 or .18"

My maths gives approx 7/8" spaces if you use 10 boards, 1/2" spaces if using 11 boards and approx 3/16" spacing if using 12 boards.

Happy to be corrected by anyone with a better understanding of what I have done above and have shown most workings incase I have stuffed up somewhere:wink:

Corbs

[HazzaB]

Hey JFreak53,

Corbs has hit the nail on the head (no pun intended) thats the way I think as well :oo: (Little bit scarey)

Good luck with your project

HazzaB

[Blocklayer]

Try this
Centres and Spacing Calculator - Layout Baluster, Stud Fence - all Spacing (http://www.blocklayer.com/CentersLevel.aspx)

Theres more centres and spacing calculators there also.

:

[joe greiner]

It depends on whether or not there are gaps at the ends of the run, e.g. for interior filling.

L = span
w = width of board

n = maximum number of boards = INT (L/w)
for gap both ends, S1 = (L - n * w)/(n+1)
for no gap at the ends, S2 = (L - n * w)/(n-1)

In your example, S1 = 0.15", S2 = 0.18"

Cheers,
Joe

[jfreak53]

Sweet! Thanks for all the replies guys, it really helped out a lot. I finally ended up with 6 boards in the span with a 2.5" lead spacing on both ends then a 3" in between each board.

So thanks again guys.