Matching Existing Porch Railings

by Greg
(Kentucky)

QUESTION about Matching Existing Porch Railings: My existing porch railings were purchased about 18 years ago at Home Depot or maybe Lowe's.

The porch posts are full length and the middle rail has holes through it as shown in the second photo. Do you have any idea what this porch railings style is called or if it can still be purchased anywhere?

ANSWER Greg, thank you for writing to us about matching existing porch railings. Your porch railings are very unique and attractive. We'd enjoy seeing more of your porch.

Dave and I took your question to a porch railing expert who has been in the industry since 1978. Here's what he told us based upon your photographs...

He said that he does not personally recall having ever seen this type of railing set offered anywhere. He thought it possible that it was offered by Lowe's and/or The Home Depot for a period. But he is guessing the product may have been pulled when they started getting complaints of premature rot due to moisture issues.

He said that he was speculating on that, but he thinks there is an inherent design flaw. He said that the holes in the middle rail are an open invitation for moisture to enter that area. It would be all too easy for moisture to run down the sides of the upper balusters and into any cracks between the balusters and the middle rail.

He believes that (based upon the railings being 18 years old) the installer did a wonderful job of sealing the cracks with a long lasting and permanently elastic caulk or else homeowner is doing a wonderful job of frequent repainting.

He went on to say that it is likely the middle rail was actually sold as a bottom rail and was used in this non-conventional way. He said that he could not tell from your photo, but he would not be surprised if the bottom rail is the same as the middle rail.

He also said that it appears the bevels on either side of this middle rail are plain saw cuts that could be duplicated by a local cabinet shop who should also have the ability to create the square holes.

With that being said, it would be interesting to hear back from you, Greg, to see if you have had any issues with your porch railings. Especially moisture issues. (You can add a comment below.)

If you need to replace a railing section, you could find a local cabinet shop / millworks in your area and ask them if they can make a porch railing set for you similar to what you have. To alleviate any moisture issues, you could use composite or PVC railing.

We hope our reply is helpful to you. Thank you so much for sharing your porch railings pictures with us. Best wishes on finding what you need.

My best,
Mary

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