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Porch rail plans


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. 

Options, Designs, and Installation Tips

  1. Home
  2. Porch Railings

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

90,000 wooden railing for the porch

Content

It is the porch that draws the attention of guests in the first place, so its design should be approached with special attention. One of the important stages in the construction of the porch is the creation of the railing. If they are built incorrectly, it can ruin the look of the house. nine0003

Why railings are needed

The main purpose of the described structures is to ensure the safety of movement on the stairs. They are also a support that allows you to safely move around the porch when it is, for example, slippery.

But the railing also has a decorative function. Without them, the porch looks unsafe and less comfortable. Thanks to this design, you can modify the style of the house and make it more beautiful. When creating railings, wood and metal are often used, but sometimes stone is also used. nine0003

Porch railing specifications

The main parameter to pay attention to is the height. The choice of a specific figure depends on the preferences of the residents of a particular house. If all family members are tall, you can not follow the standard sizes and make the fence with your own hands a little higher.

The average height is 90 cm. It is these wooden railings that are usually comfortable for most adults. If the family has small children, it is worth taking care of creating additional supports, the height of which should be about 50 cm. After the child grows up, these elements can be easily removed. The strength of the railing is also of great importance. This design must withstand the weight of an adult. Otherwise, the railing will be dangerous. nine0003

Important! If there are children in the family, it is worth making railings without horizontal elements, along which it is convenient to climb up.

Wood railing features

Wood is the traditional material from which such structures are made. It is durable and aesthetically pleasing and is suitable for houses made of various materials. If wood was used for the exterior of the house, then wooden porch railings are the best option.

If you want to make the railing more durable with your own hands, a metal frame is created, which is then decorated with wood. The tree has the following characteristics:

Aesthetics. This material lends itself well to processing, so various designs can be made from it. If you use the woodcarving technique, you can create beautiful and original railings.

Easy to install. If you wish, you can install a wooden railing yourself without professional tools and experience. For this work, the simplest tools are used.

Environmentally friendly. Wood does not affect the body in any way and is therefore a safe material. nine0003

Security. If there are small children in the house, it is worth choosing a railing made of wood, since in case of an accidental impact on them, the body will not receive serious damage. At the same time, touching the railing will not cause discomfort, since even under the influence of temperatures it does not become too cold or hot.

But the tree also has disadvantages, which include the fragility of the material. To protect the railing from moisture and other adverse factors, it is worth treating them with special compounds. It is also important to remember that for comfortable use of the railings, they should be treated so that when the skin of the hands touches the railings, they are not injured. In the photo you can see the railing, made in various styles, which will allow you to choose the most acceptable option. nine0003

Handrail installation

DIY handrail installation can be done by yourself even without experience in construction. To create a railing, you can use the materials that remained after the construction of the house. This will save you money and time looking for other materials. In this case, the railing will be created in the same style as the house.

The simplest design is the guardrail, which consists of several support posts and a horizontal rail. But such a product is not suitable for all houses, so before building it is worth choosing a certain style. When creating a railing, you should follow a certain sequence of actions:

  1. Porch preparation. The surface on which the railing will be installed must be prepared and leveled. If this is not done, the design being created will be less reliable.
  2. Installation of supporting posts. These elements should be slightly higher than the balusters and have a greater thickness. They should be well fixed and fastened together. The easiest way to secure is to use nails. But it is better to make the bases of the supports with your own hands with spikes and apply glue to them, and fix the structure with self-tapping screws. To make balusters, it is enough to process the bars with a section of 50x50 mm. nine0074
  3. Do-it-yourself installation of balusters. These elements are also fixed with screws and glue. When installing them, pull the cord so that they are at the same level.
  4. Painting. After installing the railing, it remains only to paint the material and apply protective compounds.

In order not to make a mistake during the creation of the structure, you should first look at the photos that show the construction process.

Should I paint my porch railing

Since wood is a vulnerable material, protective compounds must be applied to protect it. With proper care, the tree can serve for quite a long time and not collapse under the influence of moisture. Paint is also used as a decorative coating, thanks to which you can almost completely change the look of the porch.

In addition, the paint promotes the manifestation of the natural structure of the material. Such compositions also prevent the occurrence of mold. nine0003

Tools and materials for painting railings

In order to paint railings, you need the following tools:

Also for painting you will need wood filler, which is necessary to seal small cracks in the material. A primer used to increase adhesion and create a protective layer. The main consumable material is paint, the choice of which should be approached very carefully. To determine which composition is best suited for staining, it is worth considering several types of paints. nine0003

Types of paints for wood

For painting wood exposed to weather conditions, special compositions are used, divided into several types:

Oil paints contain linseed or hemp oil, which is well absorbed into the wood. Previously, it was precisely such compositions that were used to paint wooden surfaces, since they protect the material well. But gradually the popularity of such compounds has decreased, as they dry for a long time and emit a pungent odor. nine0003

Water-based paint, when applied, practically does not emit odor and well protects wood from exposure to sunlight. But the disadvantage of such compositions is the low resistance to physical impact. That is why it is worth using such railing paint only if the structure is installed as a decorative element of the porch.

Alkyds dry faster than other types and are therefore quite popular. At the same time, such paint is resistant to mechanical stress and protects against moisture. nine0003

Reactive compounds are made from pigment resin and hardener. Before painting a tree, these elements must be mixed. As a result of the reaction between them, a protective film of increased hardness is formed on the surface. The only drawback of such paints is their high price.

How to choose a porch paint

In order for the paint to withstand the impact of the external environment, it is worth making a choice based on the following parameters:

In order to keep the paint for a long time, it is worth using varnishes and other protective compounds for wood. If you do all the steps described, the railing on the porch will be not only reliable, but also beautiful. After reviewing the presented photos, you can choose the most optimal option for painting the porch.

Choice of porch railings: forged, plastic, wooden

Home » Constructions » Choice of porch railings: forged, plastic, wooden

A porch is a small addition to a house that can tell a lot about its inhabitants, their tastes and preferences, prosperity. It protects the house from noise and cold, and the staircase provides a comfortable approach to it. nine0003

In this article we will talk about such an important component of the structure as a porch railing. They frame the platform and stairs, providing residents and guests of the house with a comfortable ascent and descent, and also act as a design element of the veranda. Let's look at their varieties, and also learn how to build a porch railing with your own hands.

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Contents

  1. Porch railings
  2. Strength stake - metal railing
  3. Beauty and luxury - forged fence
  4. Naturalness and environmental friendliness - wood fencing
  5. New technologies - PVC fencing
  6. DIY wooden fencing technology
  7. Construction standards
  8. tools
  9. Balyasin options
  10. Procedure Procedure Procedure Procedure Procedure manufacture of porch railings
  11. Total

Types of porch railings

According to building codes, stairs with more than three steps must have handrails. This will ensure the safety of the structure. Handrails can be made from a variety of materials, from traditional wood and metal to modern plastic porch railings. These products differ in a number of operational characteristics and properties, which we will consider in detail. nine0003 An aged porch railing looks authentic, photo

Strength is staked on metal railings

Reliable and durable, capable of withstanding heavy loads, metal railings. But, when installing an iron fence for a porch, remember that the metal is prone to corrosion. Therefore, products made from it should be treated with a special composition and periodically painted.

Simple but strong metal porch railing, photo

Tip: for comfortable use of an iron structure in winter, its railings can be decorated with wood. nine0003

Stainless steel products have a more presentable appearance. They are not afraid of moisture and rust. Stainless steel retains its silver luster and is perfectly combined with other materials.

Stainless steel porch railing for a modern style building

Beauty and luxury - wrought iron railing

Wrought iron porch railing is often used in the construction of cottages. They amaze with a variety of designs and shapes. Forged elements can be used to decorate a house by making family monograms, openwork and geometric ornaments that are individual in nature and distinguish the house from the rest. nine0003

Please note: forging is a rather painstaking task, so the cost of such a product can be quite high.

Forged porch railings will add dynamism to the exterior, photo

Naturalness and environmental friendliness - wooden railings

For several centuries, only wooden porch railings were installed. This was due to the availability of material and the lack of alternatives. And today they are valued for their environmental friendliness, ease of installation, beautiful appearance. But wood products have their drawbacks: they are adversely affected by the sun, rain, frost. As a result, the material may crack, swell, deform. nine0003 Gorgeous wooden porch railing, photo

A similar railing can be installed on a stone or concrete porch. They are durable and unpretentious in care, withstand heavy loads. Their disadvantage is a lot of weight, but such designs look very large.

Concrete and stone balusters in the exterior

New technologies - PVC railings

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is as durable and strong as metal, but costs several times cheaper. Vinyl products are able to take any form. But the main advantage of PVC railings for the porch is their increased wear resistance. Even after 10-20 years, they will not lose their appearance and integrity. nine0003 Plastic railing on the porch, photo

Do-it-yourself wooden railing construction technology

Building codes

Before you make a porch railing, you should familiarize yourself with the general recommendations for their construction. After all, the design should be not only beautiful, but first of all safe.

To make it comfortable for an adult to climb the stairs, holding on to the handrail, the height of the railing on the porch should be about 80-90 cm.

Tip: if there are children or elderly people in the house, take care of the strength of the structure so that the steps are not too steep. For children, you can build additional handrails, placed at a height of 0.5 m.

All surfaces of the structure must be smooth, without cracks, chips and notches.

Before work, you should draw a sketch of the future structure

Tools

For the construction of the railing of the porch of a country house, you will need the following tools and materials:

Porch baluster mounting options

There are several ways to fasten the bowstring - the choice of one or the other depends on the material of the structure. Often, when constructing a railing for a porch, do-it-yourself fastening parts to nails is used. But over time, the nails loosen, the structure begins to creak, deform. More effective is the fastening of the parts of the bowstring to the dowels. nine0003

How to make a porch railing

Let's consider fixing the railing with dowels - wooden or metal anchors that connect the stringers and stringers of the stairs.

First, prepare the structural elements - balusters. The required length of the product is measured, and then a cut is made at an angle corresponding to the angle of inclination of the flight of stairs.

Baluster trimming

Dowel holes are drilled in the center of the lower supporting part of the uprights. Similar holes are made in the steps. Then a little glue is applied to them and a dowel is inserted. nine0003 Driving the dowel

Next, the dowel is connected to the balusters, smearing the joints with PVA glue - so the structure will not creak in the future. The first and last balusters should be larger than the rest - these are the so-called cabinets.

Note: the gap between wooden balusters can be of any size, however, but the optimal distance is 20 cm. This distance is the safe distance for children to use the stairs.

Next, install the handrails. A rope is pulled between the pedestals to check the evenness of the line along which they will be laid.

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