The fact is, front porch railings provide safety for you, your family, and your guests. However, They also give your front porch a bit of pizzazz. Of course, there are a wide variety of front porch railing options for you to choose from, so it's important to review the pros and cons of each option before making your decision. Check out these tips to help you determine what type and style front porch railing is ideal for your home.

Wood Hand Rails

Wood handrails are extremely popular, especially on colonial-style homes, which typically have large front porches. Often wood front porch railings feature wood balusters that are rounded to create appealing designs. Wood railings can also be more simplistic, with straight, undefined balusters, which are ideal for farmhouse-style homes. Keep in mind that choosing wooden railing for your front porch, means that you'll need to repaint and protect the railings from time to time so they hold up well against the elements outside.

Ornamental Steel Railings

You can find ornamental steel railings at most home improvement stores. Because they are typically mass produced, they are a cost-effective option, making them ideal for homeowners on a budget. Metal railings are also fairly easy to bend, so it's simple to install a railing that goes down your porch steps and continues along a winding walkway. The best thing about ornamental steel railings, however, is that you can find them in a variety of details designs and colors. Also, if you can't find the color that you want, you can easily paint them yourself with spray paint — just don't forget the protective top layer of paint.

Vinyl or PVC Railings

The best thing about PVC and vinyl handrail systems is that they are durable and don't require a lot of maintenance. Typically, these systems come in kits for homeowners to install, and the "rise" on the portion of the railing that goes along the steps features an adjustable height. Vinyl and PVC can be transformed into practically any style, design, and color, so choosing a vinyl or PVC railing gives you a lot of different design options. However, there's a good chance more elaborate vinyl or PVC railing systems are more costly than both wood and steel railings.

When you choose front porch railings for your home, you need to choose an option that enhances your home's exterior and fits your budget. If you want an option that's low-maintenance, vinyl or PVC railings are a great choice. However, if you're looking for a cost-effective solution ornamental steel railings from a company like Corsetti Structural Steel Inc are your best bet.

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