DH says it looks like Wood Posts, C-Channel and Thin-walled mild Steel Tubing. Comes in 24' sticks & should be ~$1-1.20/ft for tubing. For $6K you should be able to take a class at Community College, but a nice welder and cutter, and still have $ left over.

Oh yes, he thinks it is powder-coated. Luck be with you.

Hi Holly321: thanks for the feedback.

We need about ~17' so by your estimate we should be coming in around $200-ish.

A $5800 mark-up on artisan labor???!!

Well.... You are talking materials + labor. And your Artisan is surely factoring in their time as well. And that labor/skill will be highly specialized, very meticulous. *And you will want that to look right (and be right!) * ...Meaning in that application, for aesthetics and safety, no room for error when all is all finished. I didn't mean to give you the idea that you wouldn't get what you paid for, nor did i intend to diminish the Artisan's work or skill in any way. Artisan's and those who create are very talented people whose imaginations and skills I deeply respect. But, it is a craft like any other: mural painters, knitters, glass mosiac makers, potters, dress makers, you get the idea.

If it is something that you are really interested in, it is possible that you could learn yourself (& save some $$), but on the other hand, if the craftsmanship of it doesn't do it for you, then you probly are better off paying someone with the skill.

I operate on the principle of 3 bids per job. Perhaps talk to a welder. Sorry I am not any more help. I hope this helps and good luck either a) learning a new craft or b) finding someone who can help you at the price point you want.

And btw, the post above was supposed to read "buy a welder" not but a welder. Autocorrect got me again!

Well we were able to find an local artisan who was able to come in about 40% less than the original bid.

& they have done several notable railings like this around my town. So very happy to have kept looking. Thanks for your feedback!

make sure you AHJ is going to allow it.

Rails that can be climbed and large gaps are safety hazards.

The spacing in your pictures look larger than allowed.

Already forwarded plans to county & got it back as ok!
Thanks brickeyee !

"Already forwarded plans to county & got it back as ok! "

They can still stop it if they decide it does not meet code.

Did they actually to a code check?

I'm going to need to replace my stair rail, trying to decide what I want and also suffering sticker shock. This is a cool option. Looking forward to seeing how yours turns out. Good luck and please keep us posted.