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Front Porch Railings
There's no denying that front porch railings not only provide safety but also give the 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 porch railing designs from which to choose.
You can choose to create a balustrade (the complete railing system)
to reflect your own style and desires or you can reflect the architectural style of your home.
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!
Whether your front porch railings are wooden, metal, glass or composites, it's all about
finding the right look to suit your personal tastes. Our porch railing design center below is a great place to start.
Front Porch Railing Design Center
Use our design center guide to plan your porch railing system, normally called a balustrade. 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.
Often times; however, you may have to either 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.
NOTE: Your railings must comply with local building codes. 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 porch railings.
See our porch railing spacing and calculations guide for additional information.
Porch Railing Design Directory
(Click on the photo for more information)
Wood Deck Railings
Wood balusters offer design options you may not have previously considered.
Aluminum Railings
Aluminum porch railing is maintenance free and can be attached to wood
or metal. Easy to install - see your style choices.
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!
Lattice Panels
Custom vinyl lattice is an affordable and decorative way to create a unique railing system.
Knee Walls
Knee walls provide privacy and protect you from the elements. Don't rule them out as
an option for your porch.
Railings Code Guide
To learn basic code requirements before you build or plan for your porch railings.
Lattice Panels- Photos courtesy of Acurio Latticeworks
You have several options for lattice panels to include treated lumber, cedar, or vinyl. Mary and I prefer custom
vinyl lattice (as shown below) because it comes in many different colors and you can create your own design.
In addition, unlike treated lattice panels, vinyl panels do not require any maintenance and are impervious
to most weather conditions.
(For those interested, custom vinyl
lattice is available through Acurio Latticeworks)
Note: Whether using treated, cedar, or custom vinyl lattice panels, you must comply with local building codes regarding
strength and structural integrity.
If installing lattice panels yourself, consider using u-channels available at most home supply stores. They work
well for almost any type panel.
The Wagner Companies' Ultra-Tec® stainless steel cable railing is
almost invisible so as not to block your view. It is almost maintenance free and can be installed
yourself by using one of their DIY installation kits. You can attach this cable to either metal
or wood frames and install it either vertically or horizontally. That gives you options.
Learn more about stainless steel cable railings.
Glass Deck Railings for Porches
Tempered glass panels and balusters, otherwise known as glass deck railings, add true elegance to any front porch or deck. Glass railings offer the most
unrestricted viewing of any type of railing system, are virtually maintenance free, and can be installed
easily with the right fittings. Another nice feature is they offer protection from the wind.
Glass Panels
The following examples of tempered glass panels are from FSI Home Products, Inc.
Glass Balusters
The following examples of tempered glass balusters are Deckorators® from UFPI.com
Wrought Iron 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.
Decorative by nature, you can attach ornaments such
as family crests, leaves, and other designs to enhance the overall appeal.
The one drawback is that it tends to rust over time and therefore requires periodic maintenance.
Another option is a custom designed metal railing like the one below.
Knee Walls
Knee walls, once very popular, still have their charm today. 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.
Railing Design Considerations
Architecture
Generally, you will want to match the architecture of your home. Victorian-style homes usually have ornate
balustrades (below photo left) whereas a country porch normally reflects a simpler design (below photo right).
But don't always hold to convention. Here's an excellent example of a Victorian design with unassuming
square balusters. How beautiful is that!
Brick homes tend to appear
symmetrical and many homeowners want to add a little charm.
Use a railing design to soften the overall appearance of your home to give it a more comfortable look.
In
the photos below, the same herringbone-type design was selected for each. This design not only adds charm but also interest as well.
See how well it works on two different brick porches.
See how this railing remodeling project changed the overall appearance of this porch:
BEFORE:
AFTER:
Custom made Chippendale porch railings from painted Trex 2x2s
photo courtesy of MrFixUmm
Safety
- Safety is an issue (and is the major reason for having a railing system). If you have small
children that play on the porch, opt for spindles that can take some punishment and not break. Choose hardwoods,
vinyl, or metal.
- Railing design becomes a safety issue as well. Although horizontal balusters satisfy most
building codes, I don't recommend them on porches with children. They make great "ladders" which could prove
harmful to small children.
Materials
- 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. Tempered glass panels or cable look fantastic on
contemporary porches and allow an uninhibited view.
Use our railing directory to investigate your options.
More Railing Design Ideas
Make a Porch Gate from a Section of Railing
Do you have small children who like to play on the porch? You can easily make a rolling gate from a section of railings that match your porch.
Just add hinges to it and rolling casters at the bottom. Then close with a latch (or even a bungee cord).
See our Architectural
Style Guide to give you ideas based on your home's architecture.
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