I took the half rotten wooden railing off of our back steps three years ago and am just now getting to replacing it… The new ailing is made for both new and up-cycled steel, the center piece came from a 100+ year old fence section that I had left over from our balcony build. Using that piece both makes it match the balcony AND look as it has been a part of the house since the beginning – always my goal.
It was a simple build actually:
Mock up the angles and height
Layout on some cardboard
Cut all the pieces
Tack them together
Test fit
Re-work section that I mis-measured
Say dirty words
Use my forge for some detailed bending
Lots more welding
Grinding
Sanding
Clean with Acetone
Prime X2
Paint X3
Clear Coat X2
Install/level/brace
Install lag screws
Pour concrete
Drink beer waiting for concrete to cure
Touch up any nicks and dings
Railing complete