Review Standard Height

• Go over basic ideas to start your design plan. Keep in mind that the height of most railings is between 36 inches and 42 inches for most homes. Draw the house on graph paper, so you can make sure the railing height fits well with windows, roof areas and the porch height. If your porch has a 9-foot ceiling, for example, you may want to select a railing height of 42 inches so the railing looks sturdy enough versus having a skimpy look. Review porch railing anatomy, so you understand all component parts of railing.
  
  

Look at Designs Up Close

• Review homes by driving around neighborhoods. You can create design plans for your own home by seeing visually appealing examples, especially in upscale neighborhoods. Notice how homeowners incorporate floor-to-ceiling posts to provide a sturdier railing framework on high porches, for instance. Columns and posts help secure the railings, but their placement should blend harmoniously with the railing height, too.
  
  

Add Unique Barriers

• The height of your porch flooring calls for required railing. Most building codes state that any porch over 30 inches from ground level needs a railing for safety. If your porch has an 8-foot drop-off --and young children will play on the porch -- use some creativity. For example, if the porch is on the back of your home, you might want to install well-secured lattice or another type of barrier above the railing so that children will not climb onto the railings.
  
  

Add Support Railing Options

• Look at all risk factors. If your home is a historic Victorian, the railings will need to fit what's historically correct. However, if you don't feel comfortable concerning rail height for your family and guests, consider adding a cable or thin metal railing at 42 inches that is not too visible from curbside. Many older homes have porch railings that are much lower than called for by building codes because the rails work for looks versus safety. If the wood components of the railings were higher, they would hide lower parts of house windows, for example.
  
  

Understand Excellent Hardware

• Consult with expert builders and carpenters. You want to make sure the framing and railings are strong enough, regardless of the height you select. The support hardware, strength of the wood or metal, and many other factors come into play. If you do have an active family, you want to make sure that the railing enclosure can bear up under lots of pressure. Find out the best way to secure hardware into place at every point, because flimsy hardware causes more railings to come loose and cause accidents than the construction materials used.