Crowl Construction has developed a modern porch railing design utilizing rebar for horizontal safety balusters. It is a complicated process but it yields a refined, modern looking rail.

To minimize fastener penetrations through the finished cedar top rail use these brackets provided by National and available through Ward.

MiTec or Simpson lateral tie-back brackets should be used at critical post locations, especially stair rails and terminations of post runs.

Avoid mitres across the width of the top railing in favor of bypassing butt joints. HeadLok screws may be used for additional rigidity.