What is a horizontal railing, and where does it fit?
A horizontal railing uses level bars running side to side between the posts, instead of vertical pickets. The result is a clean, modern line that suits decks, stairs and porches. Will builds each one in our Cokato shop, cut, bent and joined from metal such as square tubing, to the measurements he takes on site. The bar spacing, the posts and the top rail are all decided for your project, so the railing fits the space and not the other way around. When it is built, Will installs it himself. One person handles the quote, the measuring, the build and the install. We build horizontal railings for homes and lake cabins from Cokato to the west metro, including Annandale, Buffalo, Maple Grove and Plymouth. Text or call with a few photos and a rough length, and we will take it from there.
Where do horizontal railings work best?
The level lines suit a few places in particular. Here is how we think about each one.
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01
Decks
Long, straight runs are where the horizontal look shows best, whether the deck faces the yard or the lake.
- Suits
- Long runs and open outdoor spaces
- Plan for
- Corners, deck stairs and post mounting
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02
Interior stairs and lofts
Level bars give a stair, landing or loft a crisp, modern edge that sits well with open rooms.
- Suits
- Stairs, lofts and landings
- Plan for
- The angle of the stair and the handrail
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03
Porches and entries
A porch or front entry gets a clean line that frames the steps without a busy pattern.
- Suits
- Porches, front steps and entries
- Plan for
- How the railing meets the house
See the full range on our custom railings page, or look at recent projects.
What do you need to decide before we build?
Four choices shape a horizontal railing. You do not need all the answers up front. Will goes through each one with you when he measures on site.
- Bar spacingHow many bars, and how far apart. Tighter feels more solid, wider feels more open.
- Post styleThe size and shape of the posts, since the bars run between them.
- Top railA simple flat cap or a handrail you can grip, depending on where it goes.
- Where it mountsOn top of the surface or on the side. It decides how the posts attach and how the railing looks.
How does a horizontal railing project work?
Four steps, with one person from the first call to the install. Rough measurements are fine to start.
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Text or call with photos
Send photos of the space and rough measurements.
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Will measures on site
He talks through the design with you and sends a quote. Quotes can be signed online.
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Built in the Cokato shop
Your railing is made to the measurements Will took.
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Will installs it
The same person who measured and built it puts it in.
Horizontal railing questions, answered
What affects the cost of a horizontal railing?
The cost of a horizontal railing in Cokato depends on the length, the design and bar spacing, the number of corners and transitions, and how it mounts. Every railing is built one at a time. We quote after we have seen your photos and measurements, so the price fits your project.
Can a horizontal railing go inside and outside?
Yes. We build horizontal railings for outdoor decks, porches and entries, and for interior stairs and lofts. The look carries over, but the details change with the space, such as the posts and how it mounts. Tell us where it is going when you text or call from Cokato or anywhere in our area.
Do you install horizontal railings?
Yes. Will measures on site, builds your horizontal railing in our Cokato shop and installs it himself. One person handles the quote, the measuring, the build and the install, so nothing gets passed along. Send a few photos and rough measurements to get started.
Should I choose horizontal or cable railing?
Horizontal railings use solid bars for a bold, level line. If you want the most open sightline, such as a lake view from a deck, look at our cable railings. Not sure which suits your home in Cokato or nearby? Send a photo and Will will talk it through.
Which towns do you build horizontal railings for?
We build horizontal railings for homes from Cokato to the west metro, including Annandale, Buffalo, Saint Michael, Maple Grove, Plymouth, Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, Chanhassen and Chaska. We also take projects around Minneapolis, Andover, Saint Cloud and Willmar. Not sure about your town? Ask.
Ready for a horizontal railing?
Text or call with a few photos and rough measurements. Will will take it from there.
Also see deck railings, interior stair railings, custom railings and about Will.
