[Crowbob]

That’s a good point about matching, Steve.

My tentative solution is to not try to match but rather to paint/opaque stain the added piece black/brown or whatever on both ends of the rail. That may not look too bad. I think the rail is red oak.

I’m also thinking I could use some kind of steel backing plate to firm up the joint.

I think i’m gonna start looking around for 1-1/2” thick solid oak slab or 2 X 12.