Decker my Man,I could not have said it any better my very own self. Becides all the mold/mildew problems on the decking its the rail system that seems to completly fail in a few years/months. I usually go with TimberTech decking and build the rail with TT 2x4s,that is not go with the rail kits they make.Pretty good sucess with this far as the top/bottom rail spliting. The composite boys advertise a lot and fill the need for the Wallet that has had it with puting on finish/cleaning up a wood deck. Of course they cant deliver what they advertise but thats business thats progress. It might be different if composite was just starting out but after 20 years or so of pratice a Person would think they could get a little closer to their claims. John

Is there another another 1x4 on the other side of the 2x2 baluster, the sandwhich effect? If it's just one 1x4 that seems pretty flimsy to me. I would suggest using a 2x4 for the rails. If you have to sandwhich use 2x4, 2x2, then 1x4. This gives you 3 3/4" in width, about the width of the 4x4 post, actually 1/4" more. You could buzz off that 1/4" at the ends with a miter cut or sand it off with a sander for cleaner look than letting it stick out. A cap rail over the post makes for a stronger/straighter rail, I wouldn't complain about that. I know I alot of folks want to run the post up & put a fancy cap or design on them. Personally I like mine with the cap going over the post. I would use 2 - #8 2 1/2 or 3" screws, 1 into the 2x4 & 1 into the 2x2 about every 2' & 2 or 3 into each post. Al

Twig work [sometimes called branchwork] is far and above my favorite. I won't be getting nearly this elaborate with mine, but it gives you an idea: Somewhat simpler: these are both from logstairways.com

The problem is, that is literally the only spot for the couch. The other side of the room is the dining room and kitchen. The couch will always be in front of the railing. And I’m afraid that a railing may look funny when you’re coming up the stairs and see the back of the couch through the railing or when the railing is higher than the couch as our sofa is quite low.