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What Sort of Railing Would You Suggest for my Front Porch Steps?

17 years ago

We have a small brick front porch---just an entry, really--with several steps up. I would like to put a railing on both sides because we have several elderly family members and a few handicapped friends who have difficulty getting up these steps without something to hold onto.

Should I put a painted wood railing, or black wrought iron? The steps flare out into almost a half-round at the bottom. Any suggestions, inspiration photos, photoshops, etc., gratefully received!


I will also have to put matching railings on the three stairs from the driveway down to the walkway. The distance between the two sets of steps is about 30 feet; I tried to foreshorten it but you can see it in this photo. They need to both have the same railing, I think:

Comments (24)

  • 17 years ago

    No question about it....black wrought iron would look great!

  • 17 years ago

    Wrought iron would be more elegant for your already elegant home.

    Weren't you thinking of putting an iron railing over the entryway between the gables?

  • 17 years ago

    I agree, I would go w/black railing. It would tie in nicely with your shutters/door and your wrought iron lanterns. You have a lovely home, and you have a beautiful entry >> especially the front door.

  • 17 years ago

    That was my initial impulse. Yes, we were going to try to do some black railing above the entry but our local blacksmith's son died in a motorcycle accident so that project has sort of been on hold.

    So--black wrought iron it is.... should we do those decorative spindles with the little birdcage thingies in the middle of the baluster? Or something classical, like the O's between the rails?

  • 17 years ago

    You have a beautiful home! Black wrought iron was what I was going to suggest, as well.

  • 17 years ago

    I'm glad you're going with the black wrought iron! Your home is lovely and that view from the porch is too!
    Lynn

  • 17 years ago

    I, too, am so glad you're going with the wrought iron. I think any design you like would be fine. I love your house.

  • 17 years ago

    How does this one look? Too pedestrian?

    Here is a link that might be useful: wrought iron railing on brick house

  • 17 years ago

    How about this one? I'm not sure what "style" the curved-outward railings are, but I like them.... I think!

    Here is a link that might be useful: {{!gwi}}

  • 17 years ago

    Or this?

    Here is a link that might be useful: {{!gwi}}

  • 17 years ago

    Is this one too plain for you? The one on the right: the "single basket newel"?

    Here is a link that might be useful: Wrought Iron Railing

  • 17 years ago

    Yes, that's what I was thinking of, organic, but I am a little bit worried because it is so popular right now. I really want something timeless... what do you think? A lot of the decorative wrought iron is New Orleans-y, and while I absolutely love that stuff it wouldn't be appropriate for my house in Georgia, either.

  • 17 years ago

    Here are some pics I found:

  • 17 years ago

    I like the second and the fourth ones! What do you think of the second one with additional circles between the bottom rails?

  • 17 years ago

    Those are my favorites, too. :)

    Like this, but with the circles on the bottom? If so, yes! Although I like them on the top, too. :)

    Here is a link that might be useful:

  • 17 years ago

    Here's another pretty one.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Ornamental Iron Railing

  • 17 years ago

    Or a plain one is very classic, as well. We're going to have to replace our railing soon, as well, so this is very helpful for me, too. :)

    Gotta run--errands to do!

    Here is a link that might be useful: Plain Iron Railing

  • 17 years ago

    Drooling over the keyboard...

    Here is a link that might be useful: Some pretty ones here

  • 17 years ago

    Your house is beautiful and I think black wrought iron will look perfect. I think you're smart to go with a more classic look and not so ornate for the style of your home. I like 2 & 4 and adding circles on the bottom would really look nice.

  • 17 years ago

    I think with your classic beautiful home I would want something in black but not too overdone. Plain spindles with a little curvy artsy stuff on top, maybe something like these two.
    {{!gwi}}
    {{!gwi}}

  • 17 years ago

    Awm03, I absolutely LOVE #547! What do you think?

  • 17 years ago

    547's my favorite too!

    I also love the funky #566. Not for your home, but it's great around that fabulous pool.

  • 17 years ago

    Lyban, I like the one with the simple scroll at top, too. We are selecting these railings with the idea that we will use the same style for the gate at the street. The gate I especially like curves upwards from both sides and has a scroll where they meet.

    Thank you, everyone!

  • 14 years ago

    need black rail for from of house