A great many Saint Paul houses have a raised front porch and a flight of concrete or wood steps down to the walk. Those steps are icy for months each year. We install aluminum hand railings on porches, front and back steps, landings and decks, for single homes, duplexes and small apartment buildings.
Aluminum is a good match for the job. Steps get salted all winter, and salt is what eats painted steel rail at the base and rots wood posts. Aluminum does not rust and its finish is baked on, so there is no scraping and repainting. We fasten the posts to sound concrete or framing. If the step itself is crumbling, we say so, because a rail is only as firm as what it is bolted to.
Railings are covered by the building code, which sets when a guard or handrail is required and how high it must be. We build to the code figures for your stairs. On a house in one of the city's heritage preservation districts, a change to the front porch can need review, so we choose a plain style that suits an older house and check with the city first.
Porch hand railings in Saint Paul: common questions
Can a railing be added to existing concrete steps?
Yes, if the concrete is solid. Posts are anchored to the top or the side of the steps. Cracked or spalled concrete may need repair first.
Do I need a railing on only a few steps?
The building code decides that from the number of risers and the height of the porch. We look at your steps and tell you what the code calls for. Many owners add a rail for icy days even where it is optional.
What colors are available?
Black, white and bronze are the common stock finishes. Other colors can be ordered and take longer to arrive.
How it works
- Free estimate: Call, text or book online. We visit, measure and talk through options.
- Written quote: Clear pricing with material choices side by side.
- Permits & planning: We check local rules and help with permits before we dig.
- Install & clean-up: Our crew installs, cleans up and walks the finished fence with you.