We can't afford to replace them, but thought there would be a way to disguise and cover them inexpensively. It is a double story brick home with ornate wrought iron work ballustrades and stairs. We have painted a section deep grey to see what it looks like and from the street it 'disappears' but thinking it may look too shoddy to live with. We want to sell this place in 12 months, it was only for us to renovate and sell. BTW, wherever you see maroon, we are repainting grey. Any other suggestions welcomed!