Painted Redwood Porch Railing Replacement in Glendale, CA

The front porch is more than just an entryway — it’s the face of the home. It creates the first impression, frames the house’s architecture, and reflects the care of its owners.

In this project, the ProHands Handyman team completed a full replacement of an aging railing system with new painted redwood railings, adding solar post caps for soft, ambient lighting in the evening.

⸻

Before: Faded Wood and Structural Wear

The previous porch railing had been exposed to years of California sun and weather. The wood had faded, the paint was peeling, and several sections had begun to loosen.

Beyond appearance, the old railing no longer provided the safety and stability it was meant to.

A full replacement — not just a cosmetic touch-up — was needed to restore the porch’s integrity and aesthetics.

⸻

Step 1. Careful Removal of the Old Railing

We began by dismantling the existing wooden railing system — posts, balusters, and top rails — carefully, to preserve the porch floor and surrounding landscaping.

Once the old structure was removed, we inspected the base to ensure a solid foundation for the new railing. Minor surface adjustments and cleaning were performed to achieve perfect alignment for installation.

⸻

Step 2. Building Custom Redwood Railings

For the new system, we chose redwood, one of the most durable and visually appealing materials for exterior projects in Southern California.

Each piece — posts, rails, and balusters — was individually cut, sanded, and assembled to match the exact dimensions and layout of this specific porch.

We never use prefabricated kits — every railing section is crafted and fitted on-site for precision and balance.

The posts were reinforced with metal brackets for strength, and the lower ends sealed with high-grade exterior caulk to prevent moisture penetration.

⸻

Step 3. Preparation and Priming — the Foundation of Durability

Proper surface prep is critical for long-lasting results. Each redwood element was:

• Sanded to remove roughness and open the grain,

• Treated with wood primer and sealer,

• Smoothed again after drying to ensure a perfect finish.

Only after this meticulous preparation did we move on to painting — ensuring the new coating would stay smooth, bright, and resistant to cracking for years to come.

⸻

Step 4. Painting and Final Assembly

We used premium exterior-grade paint formulated for UV and moisture resistance — ideal for Glendale’s sunny climate.

Each component was painted with two coats, allowing full drying between applications for even coverage and long-term protection.

After painting, all elements were assembled and securely fastened: posts, upper and lower rails, and balusters — each precisely aligned.

Finally, we added solar post cap lights to each column. These automatically charge during the day and illuminate softly at dusk, creating a warm, welcoming glow around the porch.

⸻

Step 5. Finishing and Quality Check

When installation was complete, we inspected every detail:

• All posts were checked for perfect vertical alignment and stability,

• Gaps between balusters were uniform,

• Paint finish was clean and even,

• The porch area was fully cleaned and ready for use.

The transformation was immediate: bright white railings contrasted beautifully with the greenery, giving the home’s entrance a refreshed, elegant look.

⸻

Why Painted Redwood Is an Excellent Choice

1. Strength and dimensional stability

Redwood is dense, straight-grained, and resistant to warping — even with temperature changes.

2. Natural resistance to decay and insects

Its natural oils protect it from moisture and pest damage.

3. Ideal for painting or staining

It holds paint smoothly and evenly, creating a flawless surface.

4. Eco-friendly and renewable

Redwood is a sustainable California-grown material.

5. Timeless beauty

Even under paint, redwood’s texture adds warmth and authenticity — enhancing curb appeal while maintaining a classic, handcrafted feel.

⸻

Precision, Craftsmanship, and Individual Attention

This Glendale project demonstrates how thoughtful craftsmanship can transform an entire home exterior.

We didn’t just replace the railing — we designed, built, and finished each section with care, ensuring the proportions matched the house’s style and the homeowner’s preferences.

Each baluster was individually adjusted, every corner leveled, and every joint sealed and smoothed before painting.

That’s what defines ProHands Handyman — attention to detail and pride in every project we take on.

⸻

The Result: A Porch with Character and Comfort

After completion, the front porch gained:

• A brighter, more open appearance,

• Strong and safe handrails,

• Warm, energy-efficient evening lighting.

Now, the home’s entrance feels welcoming, well-balanced, and clean — perfectly blending modern quality with timeless design.

⸻

Why Clients Choose ProHands Handyman

• Every project is custom-built — no shortcuts, no prefab kits.

• We work carefully and respectfully around your home and landscape.

• Painting, sanding, and installation are handled by one skilled team for consistent quality.

• We use premium materials designed for long service life.

• Most importantly — we work as if we were building for our own home.

⸻

Thinking About Replacing Your Porch or Deck Railings?

Whether you prefer natural redwood, composite, or metal systems, we’ll help you choose the best solution for your home’s architecture and local conditions.

📍 Serving Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, and the Greater Los Angeles area

📞 Call or text: 818-401-7766

💬 ProHands Handyman — quality, precision, and care in every detail.