The Types of Porch Railings
- There are several styles of porch railing.front porch image by Steve Lovegrove from Fotolia.com
Porches have been a part of the American architecture since the 1800s, thanks to the immigrants who came to this country from Europe and Africa. When building a porch, you can choose between a variety of styles that span Greek Revival (1830-1855) to the Prairie Style (1900-1920). You have choices of materials for the railings as well. - For purists who wish to restore wood porch railings with reproduction porch railings, there are companies that specialize in this very thing. These companies can make wood porch railings in any architectural style you like to match the architecture of your house.
- Pressure-treated railings are another porch railing option. These you can either build yourself or buy as a railing system from your local building supply store.
- Wrought iron railings were a fixture in the Italianate period (1840-1885). Companies still make ornamental wrought iron railings for porches that can be purchased online or from local building supply companies.
- Composite porch railings are that look like wood, at least from a distance. These railings are low maintenance, and can be installed as easily as wood railings. These are also available at building supply stores.
- Aluminum porch railings are very common. These a railings can also be found on many stair systems as well. Decorative aluminum porch railings are also available that look like wrought iron, are curved into intricate designs and can appear custom.
