Alternatives

Sally, here is the alternative to busy pattern you didn't care for; the X with the square in the middle. I have not seen it up close but this is what it lloks like from a distance. as you can see from the picture of the gate it can be embelished if you want.

The other pictures of the deck railings I only just took this afternoon. I think it looks very good particularly in this slightly darker tone. (This is what your wood looks like when you paint it with deisel and engine oil.) However it may not work for us given the gaps between the columns which would serve as the frame for this design. The widest gap on these buildings between columns is 7 feet. Ours would be at least a foot and a half more. If we can make it work do you like it, and would you prefer it to the X and diamond shape in one of the pictures below.

Have a think and call me tomorrow your time around 7.00.