Porches are a very common addition to the family home, they can be on the front, side or rear of a home and provide a great place for entertaining, relaxing and even as a sort of mud room. If you are considering a new porch, one thing you might not have considered is the type of porch railing. Porch railing ideas run the gamut from simply vinyl construction to beautifully woven wrought iron. Here are a few things you may want to keep in mind.
Vinyl Railings
Vinyl railings are one of the most popular choices as they are practically maintenance free and will last a lifetime. These rails are weatherproof and come in a variety of colors to match nearly any exterior design. Vinyl is a great option for many different types of porch constructions.
Wooden
Would you like to stain your railing to match your current wooden trim? Wood railings allow you to do this and so much more. You can choose new wood construction or go for an antique look with old growth or salvaged wood. Carve your wooden railings into almost any design and your home will be the talk of the neighborhood. Wood adds beauty and balance to the exterior of your home.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron is also a popular choice, of course it tends to be more expensive than wooden or vinyl railing ideas. Another drawback to these rails is maintenance, you generally must treat these rails to prevent rusting and decay.
Installation
You might think that railing installation would not require building permits, however depending on your location this may be a risky assumption. Check with your local building permit office about which permits you may need and how to apply.
Do it Yourself
There are several porch-railing ideas that are simple to construct. All you need is a basic knowledge of power tools and construction; you should be able to construct your own porch railings. Of course, wrought iron and carved wooden railings may be a bit more than you want to tackle, and in this case, you should call a contractor.
Final Thoughts
Porch railing ideas are varied and which you choose will likely determined by the style of your home and of course your personal preference. If you want a cost effective railing that will last forever and gives you a wide variety of color choices vinyl is one of the best. On the other hand, if your home is more rustic in nature wooden may be the best choice.