In September's column, I discussed how to integrate a deck into the overall design of a house. In this column, I'll focus on handrails — another element that if carefully thought out can add to a house's visual appeal. Railings serve an obvious and important utilitarian purpose. People lean against railings and children climb on them, so foremost they have to be strong. Understandably, this is often your first concern as the builder. But railings are also one of the more visible details on a house, so it pays to think about their aesthetic design as well. Horizontal Tie A railing creates a horizontal band that helps to visually
