Thanks for the feedback. I didn't suspect a +/- 1/4" difference in
spacing would be noticeable.

I got the idea for using copper balustrades from an online aluminum
product: http://www.deckorators.com/Classic-Baluster.asp.

The only difference is the aluminum balusters are $2.99 each. The
copper is standard Type L plumbing pipe at about $1.50 for a 36"
length. I wasn't planning on applying any type of finish to the
copper, but rather letting it weather naturally.

Dave