--- title: 3-Length vs. 5-Length Balusters description: "When selecting balusters for your next project one particular item, you will need to decide how you would like your balusters to look on your stairway. Balusters are manufactured in two different ways: 3-Length and 5-Length." image: https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/hubfs/Images/5vs3.jpg --- [![Oak Pointe logo new 2014 Horizontal-1](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Oak%20Pointe%20logo%20new%202014%20Horizontal-1.png?width=450&name=Oak%20Pointe%20logo%20new%202014%20Horizontal-1.png)](https://www.stairpartsandmore.com/) [Contact Us](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/contact)subscribe ### Speak to one of our experts today! read # 3-Length vs. 5-Length Balusters By Jeanie McClain ![](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/hubfs/Images/5vs3.jpg) When selecting balusters for your next project one particular item, you will need to decide how you would like your balusters to look on your stairway. Balusters are manufactured in two different ways: 3-Length and 5-Length. ![3-Length Baluster System](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/3%20length%205%20length.1-01.png?width=200&name=3%20length%205%20length.1-01.png) ![5-Length Baluster System](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/3%20length%205%20length.2-01.png?width=200&name=3%20length%205%20length.2-01.png)   The **3-Length Baluster System** aligns the bottom square and the turned area of the baluster with the rake (angle) of the stairway. Balusters come with a loose bottom dowel pin and trimmed from the bottom on your job site. ---   The **5-Length Baluster System** aligns the bottom square and the turned portion of the baluster horizontally on each tread. Balusters have a fixed bottom dowel pin and trimmed from the top on your job site.   [![View Gallery](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4091073/82e2d603-d307-4dfe-aaf3-0dbccb645346.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4091073/82e2d603-d307-4dfe-aaf3-0dbccb645346) ![Oak Pointe Balusters_1](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/MB%205-Horizontal.jpg?width=311&name=MB%205-Horizontal.jpg)![Oak Pointe Balusters_2](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/IMG_5400.jpg?width=131&name=IMG_5400.jpg)![Oak Pointe Balusters_3](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/ISq5tvkx2yrh0g0000000000.jpg?width=248&name=ISq5tvkx2yrh0g0000000000.jpg) Tags: [Custom Stairs](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/blog/tag/custom-stairs) ### Related Articles ## [Custom Wood Racecar](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/blog/custom-wood-racecar) *( read )* Topics: [Custom Stairs](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/blog/tag/custom-stairs) ## [What are Powder Coated finishes?](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/blog/what-are-powder-coated-finishes) *( read )* Topics: [Custom Stairs](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/blog/tag/custom-stairs) ## [TOP 6 Reasons to Choose Oak Pointe](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/blog/top-6-reasons-to-choose-oak-pointe) *( read )* Topics: [Custom Stairs](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/blog/tag/custom-stairs) ### Subscribe to The Chronicles of Marketing Newsletter [![Oak Pointe LLC, Stair Parts and More](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Logos/Oak%20Pointe%20logo%20new%202014%20Stacked_WHITE-01.png?width=300&name=Oak%20Pointe%20logo%20new%202014%20Stacked_WHITE-01.png "Oak Pointe LLC, Stair Parts and More")](https://www.stairpartsandmore.com/) 96 New Pace Road Newcomerstown, OH 43832 740.498.9820 - [BLOG](https://blog.stairpartsandmore.com/blog) - [ABOUT](https://www.stairpartsandmore.com/about) - [CONTACT](https://www.stairpartsandmore.com/contact) - [FAQ](https://www.stairpartsandmore.com/faq) - [NEWS](https://www.stairpartsandmore.com/news) - [CAREERS](https://www.stairpartsandmore.com/careers) ### Subscribe for Instant Updates! ### Follow Us - - - - -