Balustrades
Not every porch has railings. On old porches the use of railings was a matter of common sense. If the porch was more than a couple of steps high, railings were used to keep everyone from falling off. These days, common sense may still play a role, but when it does it's probably accidental. In new construction, your local ordinances and the building inspector determine the presence or absence of railings, whether it makes sense or not.
Railings (sometimes called balustrades) consist of a top and bottom rail with balusters (spindles) installed between the two. The rails tend to be plain, but the
balusters are often more ornate. Turned models are common, and elaborate gingerbread versions appear on Gothic Revival houses and regional vernacular buildings. The more elaborate the balustrade, the more distinctive the porch.
And the more difficult maintenance and repair can be.
