My business partner and I are having a discussion (insert argument)g
about a baluster layout on our current job. If you folks can make it
through this boring post, I'd be interested in any opinions.

Here goes......
We have two horizontal rails that run into posts, one on each side of
a stairway. One run is about 8' long and the opposite run is about 3'
long before it hits another post and makes a 90 degree turn.
If you are standing at the top of the stairs you can grab both posts.
We are using some iron balusters that people around here seem to be
fond of lately. They need to lay out in a pattern since there are two
different styles with twice as many of one style. It's a three
baluster pattern with one basket baluster then two twisted balusters
then another basket baluster starting the pattern again. We normally
lay them out so that we have symmetry at each end if possible. We may
have to start with a basket baluster with a twisted baluster. Whatever
works to make the beginning and end of a particular run have the same
baluster.

Here's the dilemma. We have the long run laid out to start (and end)
with a basket baluster. To get symmetry, the short run needs to start
with one twisted baluster so that it will end with a twisted
baluster. This does not match the starting baluster of the long run.
Since these two rails are directly opposite of each other, I say we
should match the layout of the long run. Starting with a basket
next to each post and if the short run ends with two twisted balusters
(which it does) so be it. When you are at the head of the stairs you
will see the same pattern start with a basket next to each starting
post. When you are across the room looking through the rails you will
see the same style balusters lined up with each other.

My partner however says we should start with a symmetrical layout on
either side, whether the start of the pattern matches or not. Just in
case you haven't noticed, he's wrong!:-) With his method, he has a
basket next to the starting post on the long run and a twisted
baluster next to the starting post on the short run. Did I mention
that these runs are directly across the from each other? ;-) The
short run will end with a twisted baluster (this gives him the
symmetry he needs) which also happens to match the other side of the
post where the turn is made. With my scenario, at the turn (on the
short run) I would have two twisted balusters end the short run, the
post and then a single twisted baluster start the pattern after the
turn.

So, if anyone can de-code what I've posted here I'm just looking for
opinions. Well.... I'm really looking for the validation of MY
opinion g but if you disagree, I'd like someone to convince me.

Thanks for listening....it's been a long day.:-)

Mike O.