Adding A Planter Box Rather Than A Rail...
Latest Images! The boxes are done and look great. Next is gravel, sand, dirt and you guessed it, PLANTS!
We have a small concrete block wall near a small patio. Beyond the concrete block wall is a drop off that is easily high enough (perhaps 10' in some areas) that a rail is needed. But what options are available instead of a rail? One idea is a planter box. A planter box allows one to grow plants and thus have beauty that is beyond what the average rail can provide. A planter box does however block some view but also provides a wind block. In our case the trade off of some view (we can sit in higher chairs and regain that view) for a wind block (we can sit in lower chairs and be warm and extend the time we can be out on the patio) is well worth it for us. Having a large nearby growing space is also a major bonus. Note that each version is numbered as part of the name of the image.
"You can change the overall look or change the total function..."
for the stain. 
