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Front porch railings and posts


Options, Designs, and Installation Tips

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There's no denying that front porch railings not only provide safety but also will give your porch some real pizzazz! Even if not required by your local building codes, railings add charm and curb appeal.
Like many components of your porch, you have many railing design choices.

Choose to create a balustrade to reflect the architectural style of your home while incorporating your own desires.

If you purchase an item through affiliate links within our content, we may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. See our disclosure policy.

These are gorgeous railings. Do you agree?

Updating or even replacing porch railings is an easy way to change the look of your home. Fortunately, some options are maintenance free.

You're in the right place for porch railing ideas

Do you like these turned balusters on this Cape May NJ front porch?

Innovative railings from the Porch Store in Nashville TN

Most home supply stores will carry the basic top and bottom rails with a choice of a few traditional spindles. Or, you can find more custom designs at manufacturers like Vintage Woodworks or The Porch Company.

Often times; however, you may need to make the railings yourself or hire a contractor to cut and assemble the balustrade. Whatever path you choose, our guide should help you select the best railing design for your home.


Take a Look at Our Railing Topics


PLEASE NOTE: Your railings must comply with local building codes and different locales have varying requirements. The examples we show may or may not be in compliance with codes for your own local area; be sure to check with your local building codes department before installing railings.

Check out our railing spacing and calculations guide for additional information.

Lattice panels
Custom vinyl lattice is an affordable and decorative way to create a unique railing system.

Aluminum railings
Aluminum porch railing is maintenance free and can be attached to wood or metal. Easy to install

Railings code guide
To learn basic code requirements before you build or plan for your porch railings.

Railing spacing and calculations guide
Use to install or build railings. We've got just the information you need to make the job easier!

Wood deck railings
Wood balusters offer design options you may not have previously considered.

Turned porch balusters
Turned balusters come in a wide array of designs and very popular

Sawn porch balusters
Sawn porch balusters are amazingly decorative. Use with or without other porch trim to create a work of art on your porch.

Stainless steel cable railings
Cable railing systems are versatile, almost maintenance free and don't block your view. And, they come in DIY kits too

Glass deck railings
Glass brings a touch of elegance and offers you a most unrestricted view. Check out what you won't see.

Vinyl porch railing ideas
Discover the world of custom vinyl porch railings. ...

Knee walls
Knee walls provide privacy and protect you from the elements. Don't rule them out as an option for your porch

Wrought iron railings
Wrought iron railings offer unparalleled elegance and durability

Railings materials guide
To find just the right material - you'll be pleasantly surprised at your options.

Mountain Laurel porch railings
See these amazing railings made from beautiful mountain laurels

Porch hand rails
See your options for porch hand rails and materials - great photo examples too. See DIY Railing Systems.

Porch railing accessory ideas
We can't wait for you to see the accessories you can get for your railings like this table from Amazon.com

Speaking of Porch Handrails

DIY InstantRail Adjustable Handrail Systems - Click here to learn more. (Our Amazon affiliate link)

Did you know you can easily install metal hand rails on your porch, deck, or even in your home? Do you know someone who could benefit from having handrails to help prevent falls? This may be for you.

Please Watch Our Video of Porch Railings

Selecting the right material, knowing the railing codes, and understanding how to calculate and space your balusters are all part of your balustrade system. We have all that information and more to help you design the perfect railings for your home!

Porch railing by Vintage Woodworks

Lovely porch railings and trim like the above is from Vintage Woodworks. Classic, timeless and charming!


Pleasing porch railing design - photo courtesy of ngdcatlady

Knee Walls - Have You Heard of Them?


Knee walls, once very popular, still have their charm today. Look at the pictures below for examples.

I grew up on a porch with a knee wall and spent many hours playing games, hide and seek, and just pretending. Knee walls can help protect you from adverse weather, add a little privacy, and make your porch appear more grand.


Knee Wall Pictures

Photos above by J L T, FL Architect Fan and bob2006.


Now Look at These Knee Wall Designs

Take a gander at these impressive knee walls we found in California. I especially like the last one that incorporates a baluster-type design within the knee wall.


Knee wall colors often match the colors in the home

Excellent example of coordinating the colors of the porch columns to the kneewall. Do you see?

Notice the geometric designs in the knee wall

Look closely at the vertical balusters in this knee wall

Beautiful stone knee wall on this home

Fancy brick work creates open spaces in this kneewall

How About Wrought Iron or Metal Porch Railings?

Although it is one of the most expensive railings available, wrought iron stands the test of time. From the simplest designs to the most elegant, wrought iron always adds character to any porch.

They are decorative by nature, you can attach ornaments such as family crests, leaves, and other designs to enhance the overall appeal like the one shown below.

One drawback may be that wrought iron tends to rust over time and therefore requires periodic maintenance. However, other metal railings like aluminum offer a similar look and may not require as much care.


Easy-to-install Metal Porch Railings


These metal porch (or deck) railings come in 6 foot lengths making them easy to install. They are maintenance free and can be used with existing columns and posts.


Aluminum Residential Railing - (Our Amazon affiliate link)

Another option is to purchase custom made railings; use our handy Find a Local Contractor form to locate a supplier in your area.


Match Your Porch Railings to Your Home's Architecture

Victorian porch railings

But don't always hold to convention. The above porch an excellent example of a Victorian design with unassuming square balusters. How beautiful is that!


Look at This Before

Before the new porch railings

Now Look at These Afters

Custom made Chippendale railings

These above three photos are courtesy of MrFixUmm.

Very Important to Know:  Baluster Height Considerations


Consider the height of each baluster (picket). Normally, your balustrade is a minimum of 36 inches making your balusters approximately 32 inches. Depending on the height of your porch or deck from the ground, balustrades may need to be as high as 42 inches or more.

However, and depending on your local codes, you may have other options. You can almost always make them longer and sometimes can shorten them as illustrated in the photo below.


Short turned balusters on front porch

Also Quite Important: Baluster Spacing Considerations


You can opt to use turned balusters that are fairly thin in width or choose more substantially looking balusters. This range of size options will also affect the overall appeal.


Traditional size of turned balusters

Larger turned balusters

It is important to match the size of your balusters to your porch columns (in most cases). Note how the larger porch balusters complement the size of their adjacent porch columns.


Balusters match porch columns

The spacing of balusters also impacts the overall design affect. There are no hard and fast rules so experiment to discover what pleases you the most.


Classic turned balusters spaced close together

Classic porch balusters spaced maximum 4" apart

Just Be Different: Mix and Match Baluster Designs


Another neat trick is to mix and match balusters to create unique affects like those shown below:


Look! A whimsical mix and match of railings

Always Remember Safety


Select the Best Material Your Budget Can Afford

Select a material that best suits your needs. Metal and vinyl railings require very little maintenance and last forever.

Wood, although it requires routine maintenance, can be beautiful and should be used if maintaining architectural integrity is important. Panels of tempered glass or cable look fantastic on contemporary porches and allow an uninhibited view.


What About Gate Designs for Your Porch?

Video: Make a Rolling Porch Gate from a Section of Railing


Do you have small children who like to play on the porch? Or pets you want to keep safe? You can easily make a rolling gate from a section of railings that match your porch. Watch the video above for an example that our son's family did.

Just add hinges to it and rolling casters at the bottom. Then close with a latch.


Another Example of a Rolling Gate


Beautiful example of rolling gates on front porch

Lori's Porch Gate is Another Example for You


Lori's attractive DIY gate keeps her pets safer

Lori and her husband were looking for a lightweight gate that wouldn't sag on her porch. She had the idea of purchasing a vinyl fence panel, cutting it, then attaching hinges and a latch.

The panel they purchased had to be assembled. They removed two pickets because they needed a smaller size. Her husband used a circular saw to cut the vinyl - which she said took just a few minutes. He pre-drilled the holes on the wooden porch columns and they had it up and together in probably an hour.

Their gate keeps their dogs and cat on the porch and it looks very attractive, too. Do you have other ideas for a gate on your porch? Please share with us.


Here's a close-up of Lori's gate from inside her porch. The hinges and latches are attractive and the gate style adds interest to her railings.

Lori says the gate is so lightweight that there is no need for wheels.


Lori's amazing wraparound porch

Did You Get Some Great Porch Railing Ideas?


Porch railing infographic

The homeowner added a middle handrail for ease of climbing the stairs. We think aesthetically it looks wonderful.

Add curb appeal with beautiful porch railings

Don't overlook the importance of your porch railings (and porch columns, for that matter). They each provide not only structural functionality but also lend much to your home's curb appeal.

You might like these

10 designs to add curb appeal |

(Image credit: Getty Images)

If you are looking for porch railing ideas, it's likely you're at the start of a porch design – or redesign – project. The railings can set the tone of your entire porch so need to be chosen carefully: intricate railings will give a period home a highly decorated appeal, while simple, streamlined railings will suit a more modern exterior, while wood and rope designs will work with log cabin or country-style homes. 

Similarly, the profile and density of the railings will create either an open or private feel for your porch, something you may want to vary between your back and front porch ideas. 

The finish on the railings is important, too, with light colors creating an airy feel, and darker tones creating a more dramatic appeal. Wood finishes will bring a rustic appeal to your home too. 

Below, we showcase a variety of porch railing ideas to help you make the right choice.

Porch railing ideas

Whether you are looking for porch railing designs for your front or back porch ideas, bear in mind that they need to be chosen to reflect the architecture of the rest of your home's architecture too. If they can reflect other elements, such as your front gate or backyard fencing, too, all the better.

1. Paint wood porch railings for a cohesive feel

(Image credit: Serena & Lily)

It's always important to reflect the other materials used on your porch in the railings, so if you have a wood front door, shutters and decked flooring, wood will be a natural choice for the porch railings, too. You can heighten the effect of the use of this natural option by choosing porch furniture in sympathetic materials, too.

Wood will obviously need protecting from the elements, which is where your porch paint ideas can play a part. White is a classic, brightening choice that is easy to add accent shades to in easier-to-paint areas of the porch, such as your home's exterior wall, or even just in soft furnishings. White is also the best choice if window frames are painted white, too, to create a cohesive feel. 

'When it comes to choosing the right color for your home, it’s important that you ensure the shade is harmonious with your exterior,' says James Greenwood of Graham & Brown .

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Who knew there was a porch railing design dedicated to cocktails? If you are curious as to how they got this moniker, the binoculars balanced on the flat top rail of the railings above gives you a distinct clue: this top rail is flat and wide enough to hold a cocktail glass, which makes them the perfect choice for small front porches where you might socialize regularly but perhaps don't have the space for drinks' tables. 

Here, the porch railing has been finished with a tough varnish to suit the cabin decor of the house. However, cocktail railings really suit a range of different treatments, with the railings painted a different color or finish to the top railing.

(Image credit: Andrew Suvalsky)

If your home or backyard feature intricate architecture, it pays to echo this within the design of your porch railing ideas. Here, the railings mimic the style of the gates beyond – or perhaps vice versa. The effect is to draw attention to the porch, which means keeping the finish on the railings, in this case white, quite simple. Color can be added in furniture, as on this porch. 

If, as on this porch by Andrew Suvalsky Designs , your seating is positioned to enjoy a beautiful view, it pays to ensure that the porch railings aren't set too high. The ideal height will be around 36in (though in California deck railing is required to be 42in): safe for small children, low enough to be easy to look past when seated.

4. Highlight porch top rails with paint

(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)

Highlighting the top rail of your porch railings is a great idea for adding more color and detailing to your porch, and is particularly successful if chosen to complement your front door color ideas.

'Although the go-to paint is often a white or off white, choosing a bolder color is a great way of creating a feature, especially if you have beautiful doors or windows in your property,' says Helen Shaw, director at Benjamin Moore .  

Here, it picks out the shutters and house number, too, and is turn picked up by the planting.

5. Take inspiration from deck railings

(Image credit: Lagoon)

If your porch doubles as a deck, or perhaps you have a raised or enclosed deck overlooking your backyard, it is worth marrying your deck railing ideas and porch railing design. This will create a cohesive look from the front right round to the back of your home. 

Here, the design of the columns, with the diagonal supports, is mirrored in the design of the porch railings to create a look that's simply elegant.

(Image credit: Benjamin Moore)

'Screening in a back porch will provide you with privacy if you are overlooked by neighbors; it will also help keep bugs away and can help protect furniture from the worst of the weather. It can help make your porch feel like an extension of your home, too,' says Lucy Searle, Editor in Chief, Homes & Gardens. 

'The porch railings you choose for privacy needn't be solid, though; these, above, would give you enough screening but still allow a cooling breeze to penetrate, a must in warm climates. '

7. Go for all-over color

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

If, like us, you love color, you can decorate a front porch – doors, railings and trim – in one bold shade. This works perfectly for small porches, like this one, and really suits the intricate gables of a Victorian style homes.

‘Your front door and surround is the perfect introduction to what lies beyond, consider elements such as the vernacular of the build and a palette that has empathy with the architecture,' says Patrick O’Donnell, Farrow & Ball Brand Ambassador.

Want to go a step further?  'Work with colors that share the same undertone or several shades lighter or darker than one another – this again will create a considered look that is timeless and attractive,’ says Patrick. 

If you are going to take this approach with dark colors, ensure your front porch lighting ideas are efficient enough to light (and show off) what could otherwise be a dark space.

8. Choose cable porch railings for modern spaces

(Image credit: CQM Design + Interiors / J Holt Manning)

If the effect you want to create is minimalist and streamlined, cable railings are the perfect choice for your porch. They are also a great choice for making a small porch feel larger, for maximizing the view beyond and for allowing as much of a breeze as possible to penetrate a stuffy space. 

Cable railings, though modern in finish, needn't just be limited to modern homes; you can see here that designer (and homeowner) Christie Manning of CQM Interiors has used them to complement her period home's architecture. 

9. Pick a composite material for durability

(Image credit: HSH Interiors)

If you love the look of wood but not the upkeep – especially if yours is a large wraparound porch – composite will be a good choice for you. Composite porch railings are made from a combination of wood and PVC and good products look convincingly like wood. They also come ready-colored, so there is no need to paint (or repaint) them, plus they come in a range of styles, so you can find a railing design to suit your home.

10. Pare back porch railings for cottages

(Image credit: Kasia Fiszer)

If you are looking for cottage porch ideas, you could go for an intricate design, but if yours is a small, quite enclosed space, a pared back porch railing will be more space-enhancing and will allow more light into the porch.  

'This type of design is particularly to suited to porches where there is little possibility of injury from falling, particularly for little ones. It also means that the lovely planting in the borders beyond the porch can be enjoyed fully,' says Lucy Searle, Editor in Chief, Homes & Gardens.

How tall should a porch railing be?

A porch railing should be at least 3ft in height to be safe, especially if the porch is raised; in California, deck railings are required to be 42in high. In all cases, ensure you stick to height regulations in your locale. 

What is the best material for a porch railing?

The best material for a porch railing is one that suits both the architecture of your home and the amount of upkeep you are prepared or able to dedicate to your porch. This means that period homes are more likely to suit painted wooden or wrought iron porch railings, while modern homes are more likely to suit metal porch railings. However, this is not a hard and fast rules. As for upkeep, composite porch railings require the least upkeep, while anything painted will need touch ups every three to five years, with total renovations every five to 10 years.

How do I decorate porch railings?

The best way to decorate porch railings is to do so in a way that complements the architecture of your home. So if your home's front door or window frames are painted white, it's likely that white-painted wooden porch railings will suit best. Equally, simple designs will suit more modern, streamlined homes, while more intricate designs will work better for period homes.

Lucy Searle has written about interiors, property and gardens since 1990, working her way around the interiors departments of women's magazines before switching to interiors-only titles in the mid-nineties. She was Associate Editor on Ideal Home, and Launch Editor of 4Homes magazine, before moving into digital in 2007, launching Channel 4's flagship website, Channel4.com/4homes. In 2018, Lucy took on the role of Global Editor in Chief for Realhomes. com, taking the site from a small magazine add-on to a global success. She was asked to repeat that success at Homes & Gardens, where she has also taken on the editorship of the magazine. 

Porch balusters

Home » Miscellaneous » Porch balusters


As a rule, any porch is the predominant structure of the common entrance portal of the building. Therefore, especially for a private house, a porch with balusters should be designed as aesthetically and attractively as possible. Balusters, that is, columns, enclose, mainly, stairs and balconies both indoors and outside the house, and they, as a rule, decorate supports for street railings for the porch as decoration. nine0003

General information about balusters

It can be said that typical balusters serve as a kind of partition, protecting a person from an accidental fall from a height, and in addition they make the building complete, giving the space an aesthetic grand appearance.

Modern versions of porch balusters can be made of both hard stone and fairly strong wood, gypsum, concrete and a variety of polymeric materials.

Of course, they all have their advantages and disadvantages. nine0003

For example, wooden balusters are environmentally friendly and have an attractive appearance. They are practical in terms of their use in open areas located at a height. However, at the same time, plastic balusters are much cheaper and do not require special care during operation, unlike the same wooden structures.

Material selection for porch balusters

Examples of baluster drawings.

It is very difficult not to appreciate the importance of the support posts (balusters) as the main component of the stairs for the porch. Since they perform not only a supporting and protective function, but in principle they are responsible for the future style of the overall design of the front entrance facade of the building. nine0003

The most common material options for porch balusters are combinations of the following components:

Any of the materials mentioned above usually show their positive or negative qualities under certain operating conditions. At the same time, wood is most often used for interior decoration of structures, and stone or concrete is most often used for exterior. Of course, the price plays an important role when choosing balusters for the porch, which varies depending on the intricacy of the building configurations of the product (the shape of the street railing). nine0003

The cheapest and most practical, as well as easy to use and easy to install, are plastic balusters. In addition, they have a fire resistance class "A", which means that they do not support combustion and do not ignite from accidental contact with fire.

Aesthetics of the porch

Baluster mounting scheme.

Elegance and artistry of the porch, in addition to its basic design properties, can be expressed in many variations. Therefore, it is very difficult to find two absolutely identical porches, especially in the case of private residential construction. Nevertheless, among their huge variety, one can identify the most popular areas for designing a porch for a private house. So this is:

  1. Porch in the style of a fortified house. It, as a rule, is built massive (heavy), since natural stone is mainly used as decoration. Additional decorative elements in this case can be wrought iron bars, torch-shaped lamps and flower pots to contrast and emphasize the main material of the porch - natural stone.
  2. Classic European design porch. This design of the porch for a private house will be expressed by special rigor and regularity of forms. It can be decorated with a variety of relevant elements that characterize this direction. nine0031
  3. French style porch. It differs from the European porch in that it necessarily has a glazed front door decorated with an openwork lattice, as well as a huge number of fresh flowers on the porch itself.
  4. Traditional porch. This structure is most often a gable roof with railings, using elements of decorative racks or balusters, for example, plastic or polyurethane. At the same time, such a porch can be painted in very bright cheerful colors, decorated with a large number of exquisite and multifunctional decorative components. nine0031
  5. Attractive porch for a private house in a romantic style. Such a structure resembles a symbiosis of a porch with a gazebo or pergola. This is a kind of arched room or rotunda, which is very spacious inside and quite hospitable in the warm season. That is, in such an open terrace, otherwise referred to as a patio porch, you can comfortably place benches and a table for receiving guests on it.

Installation video for concrete balusters.

When designing a future porch with balusters for a private house made of wood or concrete, it is necessary to take into account the features of the interior and exterior of the building itself, the appearance of the yard, the structure of the materials of the handrails, the canopy and the stairs themselves. Guided by personal ideas about beauty and harmony, you can build not just an ordinary staircase at the entrance, but a real decoration of the facade of the house, harmonious and elegant. Good luck with this! nine0003

Porch balusters

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Where to buy porch balusters

A beautiful wooden porch can become the main highlight of the exterior design of both a modest country house and a luxurious country hacienda or a private house. That is why it is worth choosing beautiful steps, graceful railings and, of course, spectacular wooden balusters for the porch. In the design of balusters, as in no other element of the porch construction, decorative elements are often found. Twisted, round, flat, cone-shaped or combined natural wood railing posts always look very impressive. To buy quality balusters for the porch, you should contact a manufacturer who can ensure strict quality control at their enterprise. All structural elements of the porch must ensure the safety of users, so building materials from low-quality raw materials with poor processing are simply unacceptable. nine0003

Benefits of cooperation with the company "Ekolestnitsa"

The company "Ekolestnitsa" can offer its customers beautiful and high-quality railings and balusters both from its catalog and make wood products to order. A modern production workshop and a staff of experienced employees allow us to take on orders of any complexity. You can get balusters for a porch from us at the favorable price. When ordering a large batch, we are ready to provide the buyer with a discount, as an option, our customers can always take advantage of one of the promotional offers. In addition to discounts and promotions, our customers are attracted by a full pre-sales service, which is guaranteed to each client. We are ready to take over the organization of sending the order to our customers through Russia, Kazakhstan or Belarus. nine0003

Plastic porch railings and balusters

Nowadays, plastic porch railings are widely used in house construction. At some stage of construction, after finishing the stairs on the porch or the internal stairs in the house, you have to think about the construction of the railing. Often railings are made of metal or wood, in accordance with the material from which the staircase itself was made.

Features of plastic porch railing

But there is another option that works in almost all cases, regardless of what the steps were made of. These are plastic porch railings that are able to fit perfectly into almost any interior for the simple reason that their appearance can vary very widely.

Another plus: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is an environmentally friendly thermoplastic widely used in construction, fire resistant, strong, durable and unaffected by the environment. Products made from this material do not require special care and the application of any special coating on the surface. nine0003

Types of porch railings.

This material has long been used for modern sustainable plastic windows, pipes, porch railings, fences, vinyl railings for balconies, terraces, balcony glazing and much more in modern life.

Vinyl railings can be of any shape because PVC can be made into any shape by heating the material to 90°C with a heat gun. This moment is very important when it is necessary to install railings for spiral, L-shaped or U-shaped flights of stairs, i.e. in cases where the handrail has a complex curved shape. nine0003

Nuances that you should not forget about when building your own and erecting plastic railings and balusters:

  1. When working with a building hair dryer, you must use a protective screen and keep the hair dryer no closer than 5-7 cm in relation to the railing.
  2. You need to warm up evenly the entire product (or a fragment that needs to be modified), and not just the place of the fold (change in shape), do not forget about the adjacent fragments.
  3. If, upon completion of work, the handrail has acquired a matte shade (changed color), then it is not necessary to polish it with appropriate products at all, just walk over the product with a terry cloth. nine0031

Benefits of using plastic handrails

PVC handrail drawing.

In appearance, plastic balusters and porch railings can be not only of any shape, but also of any color. Such options as wood finishes (pine, oak, walnut, cherry) are very popular.

Special trims are commercially available that make vinyl railings more practical to use and aesthetically pleasing at the same time, when done according to the overall style. nine0003

PVC railings can be easily combined with other materials, such as steel studs and vinyl railings, to give your interior a modern yet noble look.

Many interesting design proposals can be found so that the railing for the porch of a country house would please the eyes of the owners every day and give a reason to be proud of their home. On the street of a private house, balusters, railings, porch railings, gazebos or balconies are often made of plastic.

Stair and balustrade railing structure and elements. nine0003

Vinyl group "A" has the best properties of this category of material, and it is recommended to choose it for the street, outdoor structures of country houses and cottages. If suddenly standard vinyl railings (of a standard form, a common type) are suitable for a house construction project, then there is nothing to worry about at all: you can purchase a ready-made kit that is easy to install and mount, with attached fasteners and detailed instructions.

A specially trained person from the company where the product will be purchased will install everything as it should. It is more profitable to make balusters for railings from plastic, since it is possible to choose an option that is close in design or order them to be altered to match the style of the house. nine0003

The main advantages of PVC porch railing:

  1. Practical, fire and moisture resistance, strength, durability, environmental resistance, no need to apply a top coat.
  2. Modernity, environmental friendliness.
  3. Democratic prices.
  4. Compatible with all other materials.
  5. Customizable to any design, color or style.
  6. Easy to install.

This video shows how to install PVC handrails. nine0003

PVC railing will fit into any stair design.

Porch railing: Assembly technology

Wrought iron porch railing

The porch is the beginning of getting to know the house. First of all, the attention of all people who come to visit is drawn to it. The design should be comfortable, beautiful, and most importantly - reliable. The height of the foundation determines the number of steps.

If there are more than three, it is necessary to make not only the porch fencing, but also the stairs. Types of structures, their features and methods of installation, it is proposed to learn from the article. nine0003

Purpose of railings

Wrought iron porch railings

To understand the importance of installing railings, it is worth getting to know the functions they perform.

These include:

Tip: Even with a small porch height, where the number of steps is no more than 3, it is worth making a porch railing. This will transform the entire structure. And there are an unlimited number of options for the execution of elements for the railing. nine0003

Composition of a porch railing

Handy railing for curved stairs

In order to properly make a porch railing with your own hands, you need to get to know its components.

These include:

Layout of railing elements

According to SNiP:

Railing Materials

Porch railing materials are selected based on a number of factors.

These include:

The table contains the most popular materials for the manufacture of railings with your own hands:

Material for fencing Features

Such railings:
  • look beautifully and expensive;
  • Improved durability and reliability; nine0031
  • Looks good with any type of structure, especially with wooden handrails, brick or stone trim on the porch itself.

To prevent corrosion damage and preserve the aesthetic appearance of the structure for many years, the metal should be treated with special anti-corrosion compounds that provide reliable protection from direct sunlight, temperature changes, and moisture. Forged elements give the railing a solid look.

When using wood in your home, a wood porch railing is the best option.

This material:

  • Works very well to create the most intricate designs;
  • Can be threaded to create an amazingly beautiful fence;
  • Has an aesthetic appearance;
  • Highly durable when properly constructed; nine0031
  • Easy to install without special equipment;
  • Environmentally friendly;
  • It's warm, you can't stick to it in the cold, and it doesn't heat up like metal when exposed to sunlight.

Material deficiencies:

  • Short life;
  • Due to negative weather factors - rain, snow, temperature changes, the tree can change its color, swell or dry out;
  • Wood needs good treatment and a special protective coating. nine0031

PVC is:
  • High strength;
  • Durability;
  • Variety of textures;
  • Affordable price;
  • The ability to easily acquire any, even intricate shape;
  • Easy installation;
  • Wide range of colors and textures;
  • Any pattern possible.

Modern concrete:
  • Has a variety of textures, which allows you to imitate any popular material;
  • This is strength, solidity, durability;
  • The beauty of workmanship is indispensable when decorating the fences of status houses;
  • Plasticity of the material allows making any shapes, but it is quite difficult to work with it, and the finished fence dries for a long time.

Such railings are often installed in combination with balusters, which are supporting elements, to perform a supporting and decorative function at the same time. nine0003

Stone is solidity and durability. But working with him is quite difficult. The high strength of the material requires great effort in the processing and installation of the structure.

Porch railing made of:

  • Granite;
  • Marble;
  • Sandstone.
Types of railings by installation method

Porch railings can be: nine0031

  • Stairs - used as handrails when going up and down the porch. Such railings are attached to balusters on self-tapping screws, dowels or on concrete;
  • Fencing - play a protective function. Such structures are usually installed on terraces, verandas or porches.

    • Railing Design Selection

    Tip: There is no universal railing option to suit every building and decorating style. To complete the composition, it is necessary that the style of the porch matches the exterior of the house. nine0003

    In addition, the price of the construction plays a role, imposing some restrictions on the design of the railing:

    Below are photos of some types of railings:

    Installation of the structure

    You can install the railing yourself if the structure is quite simple and the materials do not require special processing. In this case, you can use materials left over from the construction of the building, which will save money and time, and the fences are guaranteed to be made in the same style as the house. nine0003

    The simplest installation of the structure is a wooden fence, which includes two support posts, a handrail is attached between them.

    If there are serious requirements for the design of the structure, it is necessary: ​​

    Regardless of the material, the installation instructions for railings include the following steps:

    1. Level steps.
    2. Repair cracks.
    3. Remove bumps.

    Way of fastening the support posts

    Attaching the baluster to the string

    Tip: Do not use nails during installation - over time, they can loosen, which will lead to a violation of the integrity of the structure. You can not leave gaps at the joints - they need to be puttied. nine0003

    Installation of balusters

    Wooden balusters on a brick porch

    Many people are interested in how to make a porch with balusters, how to install them?

    To install the balusters:

    Tip: Attach the outer balusters first, then the rest. The string itself is pre-marked.

    Do not forget that the fences of the porch of a private house require no less attention to all other elements of the structure. When designed in the same style, using high-quality materials and following the assembly technology of the structure, the fence will last a long time without requiring special care. nine0003

    Do not forget that the fences of the porch of a private house require no less attention to all other elements of the structure. When designed in the same style, using high-quality materials and following the assembly technology of the structure, the fence will last a long time without requiring special care.

    See also

    Handrail installation: installation details

    Railings are an important part of the stairs, so they are installed last. The fences look different, sometimes quite simple, but the installation of structures is always quite complicated - it is required to carry out a number of calculations in order not to be mistaken. Do-it-yourself railing installation is a risk, so it is better to turn to specialists. nine0003


    Why railings are needed

    Installation of railings must be carried out with high quality, given their main purpose. The fence has only two functions - protective and decorative. The main thing is security. Fences exclude the fall of a person when moving along flights of stairs and help him climb and descend. Also, the railings serve as a support, which imposes certain requirements on their strength and reliability.

    The decorative function was originally secondary, but later even came to the fore on certain types of objects. Today, when developing fences, attention is paid to the reliability and aesthetics of structures. Manufacturers try to achieve harmony between these two characteristics. nine0003

    Much depends on where the structures are used. Few people worry about the beauty of fire escapes - these railings are rarely made decorative. And in the old entrances of apartment buildings, standard solutions are usually used, which can also hardly be called spectacular.

    Calculation and production of handrail parts

    The fence consists of three main elements:

    Support posts and balusters usually perform a decorative and at the same time practical function. The railing is just the top floor, which can take several forms. The method of manufacturing parts depends on the selected material. Wooden railings are a classic solution for a home. Wooden balusters and supports are made on lathes, railings - on milling machines. They don't do it by hand today. This was done before the spread of machine tools, which made each work individual, manual. nine0003

    The calculation starts from the height of the fence. In a private house, the height of the railing should be at least 90 cm, in a public building - at least 120. Next, you need to determine where the pillars and balusters will be located. You will need an offset from the edge of each step so that the support elements are not on the very edge.

    Additionally, it is necessary to calculate the various turns that cannot be avoided if the staircase continues to the next floor. To mount the railing, the balusters in the upper part will need to be cut at a certain angle. The junction with the lower surface (steps, floor) remains flat. nine0003

    In the manufacture of elements for fencing, you need to perform one simple calculation. The thickness of the supports must be at least 10% of the height, and the thickness of the balusters can be less than the supports by a factor of 2–2.5 (but no more). This is the standard that is prescribed by the State Standard. Following this requirement guarantees the reliability of wooden structures. As for metal supports, they differ in strength and may have other parameters.

    It is recommended to use 1-2 balusters per step. The distance between them should not be more than 12 cm. Sometimes this parameter can be increased to 15 cm. Doing everything yourself, you should first make sketches so as not to be mistaken. Inaccuracies are fraught with violation of standards or obtaining an unaesthetic design. nine0003

    The width of the railing, according to the standard, should be in the range of 30–70 mm.


    Handrail attachment methods

    When installing the railing, it is worth choosing fixing elements that will ensure the reliability of the structures and prevent them from loosening during operation. There are recommendations for choosing fasteners, taking into account the materials from which the fences are made. Experts recommend not to deviate from the standards if the work is carried out independently. It is difficult to say how fasteners that have not been previously tested will behave. Specialists use capercaillie, self-tapping screws, studs, dowels, spikes to connect. nine0003

    Self-tapping screws or capercaillie - installation features

    Capercaillie and self-tapping screws are the most popular type of fastener that is used to fasten balusters and supports. The advantages of the method are that it is simple, does not take much time, and is ideal for home craftsmen. Assembly with the help of such elements is familiar to almost everyone.

    It is important to immediately choose galvanized fasteners - it will last a long time, and corrosion of self-tapping screws will not lead to loosening of the structure. Build Features: nine0003

    The process may seem complicated at first - you need the support to be in the correct position. But after 15-20 minutes, the procedure will become familiar. The only negative is that it takes time to work. If not, then it is better to contact specialists. nine0003

    Stud mounting

    Studs are widely used for mounting wooden poles. This is a fairly reliable method of attachment. The main thing is to have all the necessary tools to do the job. The process takes place in several stages:

    Working with hairpins, the master is forced to make all measurements in advance. He will need to immediately make holes at the junction of the supports and the surface. nine0003

    Studs are longer than self-tapping screws and guarantee a more solid connection. The disadvantages are that you need to have a drill, you need to work with glue. Extreme care and precision are required.


    Stud mounting

    It is not at all necessary to use metal fasteners for mounting railings - there is a worthy alternative in the form of glue and spikes. This is an old and proven technology. The procedure is as follows:

    Dowel connection

    Dowels are special cylinders made of wood. Their length and diameter can be different; to connect the elements of the stairs, it is important to choose the fasteners of the right size. It is recommended to use this type of connection for parts whose thickness starts from 60 mm. This rule is especially important to observe when installing balusters, which are quite thin. Otherwise, the installation of the railing will make the structure fragile.

    To connect the wooden elements of the fence with the help of dowels, holes are first drilled in the support and the surface. It must be ensured that the depth of the groove is suitable for the connection. At the final stage, the joints are treated with glue. nine0003


    Installation subtleties: rules, features

    Wooden fencing uses many elements of different shapes. When choosing a railing installation method, the optimal method is selected, which allows you to fix the parts as securely as possible. Fences may contain elements of other materials, for the installation of which an alternative method of fastening is required.

    Specialists, performing work on assembling structures, usually use methods that have already been worked out in practice, which are used at different objects. Doing the installation with his own hands, the home master will be forced to choose from several methods that he has not used in practice. nine0003

    Mounting to balusters of wooden stairs

    The most difficult thing is the installation of railing wooden elements. The main reason is related to the lack of ready-made solutions in this area. The fact is that each wooden fence has its own characteristics. This is partly due to the material used in the manufacture of products. The installation method is also influenced by the features of the stairs, which are also made of wood.

    Railings can be installed directly on balusters, fastened to dowels or spikes. Sometimes self-tapping screws and even nails are used to keep the structure securely. It is not always possible to install the railing directly on the stair posts, and then special elements are used - railings. nine0003

    All of the installation methods listed are correct. In most cases, you can use any of them, but which one to choose specifically, only the master.

    In wooden railings, balusters are of great importance. These are special vertical elements (racks) that are installed on the edge of the steps. The location of the balusters is purely individual. They will not necessarily be placed on every step, especially in a private house, where the master may deviate slightly from the standards. Between the racks there are gaps that can be left empty. However, sometimes they are used for mounting decorative elements that adorn the fence. nine0003

    When installing racks on each of the steps, the distance between the balusters will be approximately 15 cm, which is close to normal. It is important for the master to ensure that each element is fixed as firmly as possible - the safety of people depends on this. To achieve the desired result, it is worth fixing the racks at least in two places - from below and from above. For maximum reliability, you can use additional attachment points by installing extra horizontal elements. The installation process looks like this: nine0003

    Application of the underrail

    A railing is an auxiliary bar that is located between the balusters and the handrail. With its help, the latter is connected to the racks. The installation of this element facilitates the work of the master.

    Spikes are cut out in the design, which will connect with the grooves in the handrail. First, the underframe is attached to the uprights with stainless steel screws or nails. Then, using glue, the element is connected to the handrail. The installation of railings is quite fast. The auxiliary element can be made of metal, this does not change the technology. Just for installation here you need universal glue. nine0003

    Use of prefabricated metal fences

    In various institutions, prefabricated metal fences are popular. These are structures that consist entirely of metal elements. Such systems are created from pipes of different diameters, which are used as poles, balusters, support posts. Often even the handrails in such fences are made of metal. Railings can be attached to balusters using special tips.

    To connect all the elements in the fence, reliable bolts are usually used. The clamping elements are highly durable. Alternatively, welding can be used. Connection in this way excludes further quick dismantling, but guarantees reliable fixation. nine0003

    Installation of railings for wrought iron or welded railings

    Forged and welded structures are very effective. To fix the railing on such a frame, you need to make a hole in the upper jumper. Through it, you can make a connection using self-tapping screws. It is important to choose the right fastener length, given the height of the handrail. There is also an alternative mounting method using glue.

    Wall mounting

    If the width of the flight of stairs is more than 120 cm, then a second handrail is required. Usually in this case it is attached to the wall. The handrail is made of the same material as that attached to the balusters. The work seems simple, but for installation you need to determine the optimal height for the location of the structure and select the brackets. One part is attached to the wall, a handrail is installed on the other. Self-tapping screws are usually used for installation. It is impossible to say for sure how many brackets to choose, everything is individual. It is better if there is a distance of 40–60 cm between them. nine0003


    Handrail and post connection

    Often, when connecting a handrail and a pole, a side mount is required. This is true when the handrail is not mounted from above. Doing the work with their own hands, home craftsmen often prefer the side connection at an angle using self-tapping screws. The method is quite simple, but it has a minus - the caps of the screws after such a connection are difficult to hide. Usually they stand out and spoil the view, so it is better to choose a different method. nine0003

    One interesting way is to use zip bolts, which require special holes. This is a convenient technology that has a number of advantages. One of the advantages of the method is that the zip bolt can be tightened during backlash. The connection with studs is excellent.

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