My front porch has an existing railing that was clearly put up in a hurry. Since the wood was not properly treated, the top and bottom railing pieces are warping and the balusters are starting to fall out. I tried screwing them back in, but the gap is too large, so they are starting to fall out again.
I would like to start over and replace the railing/balusters.
The big issue is that it's an older house (1950s) so the poles are not a standard distance apart (6 feet). They are "about" 9 feet apart (9 ft. 1/8 inch and 9 foot 1 inch). When I went to Home Depot, they sent me away saying that they can't help me since they aren't 6 feet.
Anyway, I checked with the town and I don't have to worry about building code since I am not replacing the poles (IE, I don't have to add new poles like I would if it were new construction).
I have a budget ready for this project. Obviously, saving money means I can spend it on other home improvement projects, but I can spend as much as $1,000. I am willing to build everything myself, but if I can use something pre built that is fine too. Time is not too much of an issue, although I would like to get it done pretty soon.
I am thinking wood would look much nicer. The vinyl railings look so very cheap. Can I do some kind of metal railing?
Anyway, please help me find the next direction, I know what I want, but how to get there is a little sketchy. If I need to spend some of the budget on tools, great! I love tools. I have an huge assortment of hand tools and a power drill. My father-in-law is fine with me using his circular saw for cutting wood as well.