How to put up a front porch railing?

Question

We're putting a railing up around our front porch. The porch angles down from the house. So, when we put the side railings up, do we put them level and have a larger space between the bottom of the railing and the floor at the front than at the back? Or do we put the railing with an equal distance between the bottom of the railing and the floor the entire length so that it's at the same angle as the porch floor?

http://s298.photobucket.com/albums/mm262/daydreamer411h/?action=view&current=porch.jpg

Answer 1

Hi Bloom,

You wanna keep the distance from the porch to the bottom railing the same (the first picture).  Likely a code restriction and more pleasing to the eye, at least mine.  :)

Answer 2

It depends what you like better.  I personally think it looks better to keep it the same distance all the way along.  If you keep it level, it will appear that something is not level where people probably won't even notice if you keep both at the same angle.  So, even though your railing is completely level, it still won't look right when you're looking at it.  Just my opinion but I kept my porch railing on the angle and it looks great.

Answer 3

B looks better

Answer 4

You will want to keep your top line level and the spokes can not be more then 4" apart per code.  Go to a great website that I found called bestdecksite.com  I used this in my upstairs deck and for the tiny fee he charges to use all the features on his site it is worth much more.  When you use this site you will get fantastic info and your deck rail will not only look good it will be safe!