DIY Network

i am interested in putting up porch railing. my home has a wrap around porch that is about 100'. my home faces the west and receives alot of sun in the afternoon here in southeast alabama. i have looked at composite materials but they fade, wood but it warps-or so i have been told. any suggestions on what to use. i have kids and would like for the porch to be used (ie kids will probably jump off the rails!!!!!). money is not going to be the determining factor, but it is a concern. thanks for your input,
steve

I'd still go with the composites - try to find a color that you like after it fades somewhat.

The only other material I can think of is wrought iron. The down side is it will get very hot to the touch if it faces the sun and will need to be painted and maintained to keep it from rusting. I would go with the composite. It may fade a little but it will stand up to the southern summers.

Composite or powder coated alumium. Powered coated will come with a life time warrenty againt rusting.
I've installed hundreds of composit rails and have never had anyone complain about faiding.
I mostly use Timber Tec.

go with a vinyl coated composite.... Lowes has Severe Weather, Timber Tech has one as well as Trex has their radiance rail. The pvc coating doesn't get as hot as composite and isn't going to fade (only available in white or lowes has a tan in severe weather) Cost will become an issue at first but unless you want to go wood and let it weather to a silvery gray... then upkeep and maintenance on a wood railing would be a major pain every year.