Deck railings: They’re beautiful, functional – and sometimes mandatory. If your deck is more than 30” off of the ground, you are required, by law, to add railings that are at least 42” high with gaps no larger than 3” apart in the interior structure, whether they be wooden slats, cables, glass or any other type of railing. If your deck is less than 30” from the ground, railings are not required because, well, you probably won’t be seriously injured falling from a height of two feet. You still may want to add railing though because people are clumsy.
Of course, railings are about much more than just safety. Railings are an important part of the overall style of your deck, and there are plenty of styles to choose from – from classic to modern and everything in between.
The Right Railing
What’s the right type of railing for your deck? The answer is – it depends. More specifically, it depends on the style of your deck, your functional needs, your view, your materials and your budget. Consider these variables before choosing your railing. With a little knowledge and a bevy of available options, you’re sure to find the right fit.
Let’s look at a few of the options available.
Wood – it’s traditional, it’s gorgeous and it gives your deck a natural look and feel. The best thing about wood, aside from its natural beauty, is its adaptability. Wood can be cut, milled, shaped and finished to create just about any custom look you can dream up.
The best woods for deck railings are traditional outdoor construction woods, like Redwood and Cedar. Both types of lumber are weather and insect resistant, and offer a natural look and feel that blends in with the great outdoors.
Whether you’re looking for a simple, easy-to-install solution or a more complex, ornate look, wood has you covered. Using 2×2 balusters, 2×4 and 2×6 top and bottom rails, and 4×4 posts, you can build a simple yet elegant railing design. If you’re looking for something more unique, wood can be milled into the design of your choice.
Basically, if you can dream it, wood can do it. Wood is resilient, but wood railings do require a bit of upkeep. A new finish and/or stain every couple of years will keep your wood railing looking new and fresh – and help keep it protected from the elements.
If you’re looking for affordability, flexibility, easy installation and virtually no maintenance, composite deck railing is a great option. There’s really only one tool you need to upkeep your composite railing – a garden hose.
Just like composite decking solutions, railing from manufacturers like Trex, Fiberon and TimberTech offer comprehensive options at an affordable price point. Composite railing has slick design features that keep connecting hardware hidden to create clean lines throughout your deck. It offers almost endless varieties of styles and colors, and can even be custom-curved using J&W Lumber’s Trex Bending Machine (the only one like it in Southern California).
Composite decking can mimic the look of both wood and metal, and comes in shapes and sizes that would be cost-prohibitive with these materials. If you’re looking for a unique, effortless solution, composite railings are for you.
Strength. That’s the word most often associated with metal. From the “Ironman” competition to the “Man of Steel,” metal is the definition of strength and resilience. Metal cannot be eaten by termites, split with an axe or destroyed by the elements. If you’re looking for strength in your deck railings, you could do worse than metal.
Metal, though, offers more than just brute strength – metal railing is elegant and classic. It’s often said of today’s homes and cars that “they don’t make ‘em like they used to.” With metal, you can make them like they used to. Thanks to the sturdiness of metal railings, you can get the same level of strength with less material – meaning you’ll get a less obstructed view through your railings.
There are a variety of different metal railings available, from heavy wrought iron to lightweight and flexible aluminum, with unique style options from companies like Railing Dynamics, Avalon and Trex. Best of all, metal railing is easy to install, thanks to factory welded infills and pre-designed posts and rails.
The newest, and most popular, option for decks is cable railing. You may have noticed it popping up more and more over the last few years, especially in modern homes with spectacular views. Why spoil a great view? With cable railing, you don’t have to. You’ll enjoy virtually unobstructed views while keeping your deck railing up to code. Your deck will have a far more “open” feel than traditional railing options, making it feel like part of its surroundings. Whether you have a view of the ocean, the mountains, the woods or simply of your backyard, cable railing will ensure that you don’t miss a thing.
When it comes to the look and feel, the world is your oyster. You can use wood or metal posts in conjunction with cable railing. Atlantis Rail Systems offers solutions for both. Of course, there is no staining or sealing cable rails. An easy wipe or hose down will do the trick. If you want style options and a closer connection to the nature surrounding your home, cable railing is your best bet.
Now that you have a primer on deck rail solutions, it’s time to get started on that deck. To learn more, visit one of our showrooms to talk with our decking consultants.