Porches
The Railings
Old railings return, new ones take their place, and one design decision has me wondering if I'll be doing some of this twice.
I'm surprised how long this back porch project has taken. It all started in June when I replaced all the back porch window screens. Then we moved on to putting in window sills for the same windows, before finally installing the shake-style siding on the lower half of the back porch. And now we're nearing the end of remodeling the back stoop for what is really the second time since we arrived here in 1997, the first being back in 2016. Let's get into it.
One Last Siding Detail
Before we get started on the railings, I had to address a shortcoming that I knew we had in the siding of the East wall. As you can see in this photo, the siding doesn't meet up with the stoop.
In the area where the wall meets the stoop, the several rows of siding didn't quite come to the edge of the stoop. The reason is that it just didn't seem like we'd be able to get a really good fit by cutting each row specifically to fit.
So, back in July I decided we would put a piece of PVC board in that corner to make it look more finished. This really needed to be done before we put the railings from the stoop onto the steps, and there was no time like the present.
Reusing the North Railing
When last we met, we had installed new decking on the floor of the back stoop. Next it was time to get into the last phase - of the stoop remodel, putting in the railings.
Before we started the decking of the back stoop, we removed all the railings. The north end railing came off in one piece, and we stored it by the compost bin in the backyard these past several weeks.
Because of that, the first half of reinstalling the railings, was a relative piece of cake.
Of course, they're a little aged, and have been installed a second time, so the railings and posts are a little on the rough side right now. But I think they'll clean up okay in the end.
A New Post for the South End
The post to the South end of the stoop near the steps was previously surface mounted, and because we wanted to change that to being the overlap style, we had to get a new post.
Quit hanging on to the handrails . . . Let go. Surrender. Go for the ride of your life. Do it every day. - Melody Beattie
Replacing the Eastern Railings
After that, it was just a matter of reinstalling the railings themselves. And if you remember, a couple boards had some kind of mold or fungus growing on them...
So, all the railing boards on the eastern side of the stoop had to be replaced. And the picture below shows the new railings in place.
Two Boards, Three Hours
Then all that was left was the railings that go from the stoop to the steps. Of course, this involved geometry. So to install 2 boards, I don't know, 2 maybe 3 hours. For two boards!
Due to some work commitments, it may be a week or so before I'm able to get back to work on finishing off the stoop. There's still some sanding, caulking and painting to do. I think that over this time I'll be deciding whether or not I like having the 2 offset railings down the steps. Here's a shot of the first remodel...
And here's where I'm stuck.
I can't decide if I like the two offset rails going down the steps. In my head, I thought simplifying the old three-rail arrangement would make the whole thing look a little cleaner and less busy. And maybe it does.
But I'm not sure I like it.
That's always a dangerous realization after you've just spent two or three hours measuring, calculating angles, cutting, fitting, taking things apart, putting them back together and congratulating yourself for finally getting two boards installed.
The sensible thing would probably be to leave them alone for a week and see if the new look grows on me.
Which is exactly what I'm going to do.
Unless I walk past them tomorrow morning and immediately hate them.
Then all bets are off.
I guess we'll both find out with the next posting!
'Til then...thanks for stopping by - see ya' next time.
The minute you said those two rails took three hours, I knew they were in trouble. 😂
That's DIY law: the longer something takes, the more likely you'll stand back and decide you hate it.
Now you're taking pictures, staring from different angles, and saying you'll 'give it some time.'
I've been there.
Those rails are doomed. - Dave, Aimes IA
FAQs
Can old porch railings be reused during a remodel?
Yes, provided the wood and connections remain structurally sound. Reusing existing sections can save both time and materials, although weathered pieces may need sanding, repairs and repainting before being reinstalled.
How can you make a porch railing post more stable?
Post stability depends on how the post is attached to the underlying framing and how loads are transferred through the assembly. Appropriate structural fasteners, blocking and secure connections to sound framing are important; railing systems should also meet applicable local code requirements.
Why are angled stair railings difficult to build?
Unlike level railings, stair rails have to follow the pitch of the stairs while meeting the posts cleanly at both ends. Small errors in angle or length can become surprisingly obvious once everything is assembled.
Should porch railings be painted before or after installation?
Either approach can work. Prepainting makes some surfaces easier to reach, while painting after assembly allows nail holes, screw holes, joints and caulked areas to be finished together. Exposed end grain and concealed surfaces benefit from protection from moisture as well.
Keywords
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