Victorian Porch Renovation

by Gary
(Decatur AL)

QUESTION about Victorian Porch Renovation: I have an old 1915 two story house in the Albany historic district in Decatur Alabama.

I'm sending a pic where you will see it's kind of plain looking. I have a contractor going to start replacing all the wood on the front as it's all rotten and some other bad wood around the house. Then they will paint and refurbish the columns.

I was thinking a short wrought iron rail would look good around the top of front porch. (is this a widows walk?)as well as adding some much needed detail. Do you carry this kind of thing? How high should it be? I'm guessing there would be no legal minimum if it's just decorative and not an actual deck. Also need railings around bottom between posts. Should these be the same as on top or should the top be a little more ornate?

The porch is almost flat. The reason it looks sloped is because there are three rows of siding that had to be removed for new roof and was too rotted to put back on. The rest will be removed and replaced also.

ANSWER: Gary, this sounds like a wonderful Victorian porch renovation project.

I think a wrought-iron railing will look ideal for your home. You can either match them or make the one on the main porch a little more ornate. The top one could be rather simple in design. That would save you money and I believe would look just fine. Or, you could make them the same.

You'll have to check with your local building codes department regarding railing heights. I'm sure you could have a shorter one on top but recommend you verify it first. In most locations, the minimum height is 36 inches but that can vary.

No, we don't carry wrought iron. But the Athens Fence Company does and they serve your area. They should also be able to assist with designs.

Another good resource for your type renovation is Vintage Woodworks. You may want to contact them for advice as well.

Good luck on your project; we'd love to see some "after" photos!

Dave

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