How far between balusters on our front porch railing? Screened porch.
How thick should the straight, nothing fancy, balusters be on a 52' expanse of porch?
How far apart should they be, considering the fact that the whole thing is going to be screened in?
Should there be a beadboard ceiling, or should I leave the rafters open and paint it white?
Please ignore the mess. We're in construction.
Thanks so much for your advice and help! I really appreciate it! - Judy
www.cranberrymorning.blogspot.com
www.homemadesoapnsuch.etsy.com
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Sandy Wiltzius Morris on Jun 04, 2015I see that you have small children about; I was going to suggest that you consult your local building codes. There are rules about how far apart they should be so that children cannot get their heads through, believe it or not! It's better to be safe than sorry so that in the future, if you sell, you don't have to go back and redo the whole thing! Beautiful house and porch, BTW! Jealous!Helpful Reply
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B. Enne on Jun 04, 2015Nice house! Linda Reeves designer on House and Home said years ago to remain true to the style of the house. She had shown a farm house similar to yours, and had said (if memory serves me), that the style was meant to be without a railing. Do you feel you need it for safety, or did you just think it looked unfinished? If you want one, you could put glass panels like they use on beach front and wooded properties. They do not obstruct the view. Spindles are usually placed less that 4" apart to prevent a child's head, arm or leg from getting stuck. I personally would put the glass. An other option IMHO, would be to leave the railing off and extend the steps all around.Helpful Reply
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Chris aka monkey on Jun 04, 2015@Judy i agree with you would look like a prison lol...there are wire systems that you could use and they would not block the view which is gorgeous i have lived in wi in appleton and they skeeters are horrid i think they wires could be strung between the posts you have hope this helps and good luck xxHelpful Reply
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Lori T on Jun 04, 2015The railing could be cut with a pattern so they aren't boring.Helpful Reply
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Chris aka monkey on Jun 04, 2015@Judy hmm i just scrolled through your pics again and i like your temp rail you could do that easily and cheaply before you screen it in xxHelpful Reply
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Chris aka monkey on Jun 04, 2015@Judy hi me again lol hope i can get these sites to copy here well i can't i googled old farmhouse porch railings then went to images and got a ton you can scroll throughHelpful Reply
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Frank on Jul 17, 2015I would guess if you're doing the work yourself and no permits and all you could do it with out railings but when or if you decide to sale you would need to get it up to code. Our deck is about the same height as your porch and instead of rails we had them install bench seating which complied with code here in Maryland. Love your porch and hope to have one like it on our next house.Helpful Reply
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Michael M on Jul 17, 2015Straight 2x2 spindles cannot have more the 4" space between. BUT...a railing is not required if the distance from porch to grade is 18" of less. SO...you could do a decorative rail and spindles if you want. I'm an architect.Helpful Reply
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Rus1058682 on Jul 17, 2015Unlike most of the posts I see, I would like to suggest using a 36" rail, but using lattice instead of balusters. This can be painted to match the house, or made of vinyl and choose the color you want.. thanks.. TRBHelpful Reply
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Betty Miller on Jul 18, 2015I would check what widest width screening comes in and if screened do you have to have spindles. I wouldn't think so. You are going to want bug proof for top to bottom where you live. Don't know if you can get by with just framing for the screening. That would be my choice. What is code? If you do something now and isn't code, if and when you sell will have to change it.Helpful Reply
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Rus1058682 on Jul 19, 2015Here is something I forgot, I have the "google sketch up" program, and noticed you can copy a picture like those you have posted above. You can then use the tools and paint to 'draw' the rail system you like best. It is pretty simple to do, and it can give you different ideas to work with. Hope this helps. RHelpful Reply
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