A car without seatbelts. A climbing wall without harnesses. A bike without a helmet. What do these have in common? They’re all missing vital safety features… and a deck without a railing would be right at home on that list. A deck railing is an absolute must, for reasons that are (hopefully) obvious. It’s a crucial safety feature that needs to be sturdy, but luckily there are plenty of options to also make it an aesthetically striking part of your outdoor space. Whether you want a sleek design or a more traditional look, choosing the right railing is key to your personal style. In this guide, we’ll give you a few pointers—safety and aesthetics—so you can make an informed decision you’ll be happy with.
Understand Your Needs
Before making any material or design selections, it’s important to understand your needs in terms of your deck railing. Here are the “big three” things you should take into consideration:
- Primary Function: Do you plan on prioritizing safety, visuals, or a combination of the two? If your deck is elevated or frequently used by pets and children, safety will likely be a priority for you. If those things aren’t a concern and you want to create a visual focal point, though, aesthetics may take precedence.
- Environment: When working with any outdoor project, it’s important to take weather into consideration. When choosing materials for your railing, keep in mind that their durability can be affected by rain, ice, direct sunlight, and more. Some materials deal with these things well, while others may need frequent maintenance because of it.
- Budget: Railing options cover a wide price range, so it’s important to set an amount you’re willing to spend. This process will generally help you eliminate several options you’re on the fence about.
Material Options
Now that you’ve identified your needs, it’s time to select what your deck railing will be made of!
Wood
- Pros: Wood railings are perfect for offering that natural, classic aesthetic that helps bridge the gap between nature-made and man-made. It offers versatility thanks to its ability to be stained, painted, or carved.
- Cons: Wood requires more maintenance than most other options, as it can warp, crack, or rot.
Metal (Aluminum, Steel, Iron)
- Pros: Known for its durability, metal has low maintenance requirements thanks to its weather resistant capabilities. In addition, it gives a sleek look that’s perfect for the more modern-minded.
- Cons: Metal options—steel and iron in particular—are often more expensive than other materials. With the exception of aluminum deck railing, they may rust if not treated properly.
Composite
- Pros: If you want low maintenance requirements and a range of style options, composite deck railings are the way to go. Composite materials are designed to mimic the style of wood without the upkeep requirements.
- Cons: Those with a keen eye can tell the difference between composite and wood, and feel composite lacks the charm of more traditional materials. In addition, composite deck railing options typically have higher price tags than metal or wood.
Glass
- Pros: If you want unobstructed views, a glass railing is a great option. Enjoy your scenic surroundings on your modern-inspired deck!
- Cons: This option will require more frequent cleaning to remove dirt and smudges (just think of how often you have to clean your windows).
Style and Design Considerations
Just as two cars with the same engine can look vastly different, two well-built decks can give off entirely different visuals as well. Let’s consider the options that will determine your railing’s appearance.
- Balusters and Spindles: These are the vertical pieces that connect top and bottom rails. There are plenty of designs you can choose for them, from traditional straight wood to stylish metal spindles.
- Top Rails and Handrails: When selecting your top rail, comfort and grip should be the priority. Go with a style that looks good, but also feels comfortable to the touch. After all, guests will likely be leaning on the railing frequently.
- Color and Finish: Perhaps the first thing most people notice about many things in life—be it a house, a car, a dog, etc.—is its color. A deck railing is no different. Select something that complements your deck and home well. As for the finish, we suggest one that offers good UV protection to prevent fading.
Installation and Maintenance
Once you’ve made all your selections, it’s time to install your railing! Should you do it yourself or hire a professional?
DIY Versus Professional Installation
If you’re handy and enjoy tackling home improvement projects, this is definitely up your alley. It could save on labor costs, but will take more time and effort. Another thing to consider is your skill level. You may love doing projects yourself, but this is a significant safety feature we’re dealing with. Be honest with yourself when considering a DIY project. Do you have the skills to do it right?
Conversely, professional installation will ensure the railing is installed correctly and follows any safety codes and regulations. The up-front cost may be higher, but the money you’ll likely save in maintenance costs over time will easily make up for it.
Maintenance Tips
Even if you select materials that boast low maintenance requirements, there’s still some upkeep that can be done to extend the life of your railing even more. Here are a few tips:
- Clean your railings regularly to remove dirt, grime, and other forms of debris.
- Conduct an inspection every season to make sure you aren’t missing signs of warping, rot, or other damage.
- Apply protective coatings and treatments as needed. This is especially vital for metal and metal deck railing installations, as it helps them last much longer.
Safety and Compliance
As we’ve said plenty of times already, safety should be your top priority; people won’t care how pretty your deck is if there’s a serious accident. It’s important to adhere to local building codes and safety standards.
- Building Codes: These will dictate requirements such as the height, spacing, and strength of the railing. For instance, standard regulations typically dictate that your railing needs to be at least 36 inches tall.
- Safety Standards: It’s important to ensure that the spacing between balusters is small enough that pets and children won’t be able to fit through. Your railing’s strength should also be able to withstand a large amount of weight and pressure without breaking or even bending.
It’s Time to Install Your Deck Railing
Making the right choices around your deck’s railing requires a careful balance of functionality, safety, and aesthetics—though those three things shouldn’t be equally weighted. Safety should always be a priority, especially on decks that are high above the ground. By considering your preferences, making smart material selections, and ensuring you’re in compliance with all safety regulations, you can make a decision that checks all the boxes!
Though a DIY project may be enticing, we recommend hiring the professionals to make sure everything is installed correctly and you have a deck that serves you well for years to come. Get in touch with us and we’ll help you along in the railing selection process!
