Trying to select the right deck railings for your home?
Railings have an important safety function, but they also present an opportunity to complement your property with your own personal style.
From classic wood railings to modern glass panels and affordable aluminum pickets, you have a wide range of railing options to choose from.
Your railings have a major impact on your home’s overall aesthetic and the functionality of your outdoor spaces.
To help you find the best deck railings for your outdoor living space, this guide shows you key factors to consider, then compares different deck railing materials and styles.
Top Factors to Consider When Choosing Railings
Safety
Deck railings play a crucial role in keeping your home occupants safe – especially elevated spaces frequented by children and pets. Invest in a durable, high-quality railing system rather than opting for cheaper alternatives. Quality railings withstand harsh weather conditions without losing durability, cracking, or warping. Look for durable materials like powder-coated aluminum, tempered glass, composite, or stainless steel. Consider installing an aluminum gate at the top of your stairs for additional safety.
Material Selection
Selecting the optimal deck railing material requires careful consideration of aesthetic appeal, safety features, climate suitability, maintenance needs, and your budget constraints. Opt for materials that can withstand your local climate conditions, including heat, humidity, and exposure to salt in coastal areas.
Aesthetic Appearance
Your deck railing plays a big role in your home’s overall aesthetic.
When choosing a deck railing, aim for harmony with your home’s architecture, personal preferences, and surrounding landscape.
Different materials offer distinct aesthetics, from the classic warmth of wood to the modern sleekness of glass or aluminum.
Some homeowners choose matching railing and deck tones for a cohesive look, while others play with contrast for a more striking appearance.
Select a design style that complements your home’s architectural design – whether it’s traditional, modern, or rustic.
Maintenance
Choose a railing material that suits your lifestyle and maintenance preferences. For example, while wood railings offer a classic look, they may require more upkeep than low-maintenance options like aluminum or vinyl.
Wood railings typically require the most maintenance, including regular staining or painting to prevent deterioration from moisture and UV exposure.
Composite, vinyl, and powder-coated aluminum are some of the lowest-maintenance deck railing options and only require minimal cleaning.
Long-term Cost
The cost of different railing styles varies depending on the material chosen, with wood typically being more affordable initially but requiring more maintenance over time.
Aluminum and glass railings may have a higher upfront cost but offer long-term savings due to their durability and low maintenance requirements. Wrought iron has both a high upfront cost and higher maintenance requirements.
Ultimately, the cost-effectiveness depends on factors like longevity, maintenance needs, and your own personal taste..
Be sure to consider the long-term investment value of durable, low-maintenance materials like powder-coated aluminum.
Building Code Requirements
Adhering to local building codes and safety standards is non-negotiable to guarantee the safety of your family and guests.
Confirm that the railing system you choose meets all relevant safety standards and building codes to mitigate any potential hazards and keep you in compliance.
Pay attention to:
- Height, Load Bearing Capacity, Spacing: Ensure the railing meets specific requirements regarding height, spacing of balusters, and load-bearing capacity to prevent accidents and ensure the well-being of your family and guests.
- Mounting Options: Consider whether side or fascia mounting is necessary based on structural considerations and local regulations. Some jurisdictions with high humidity and precipitation require fascia mounts to prevent the lag bolts from compromising the waterproof membrane of the deck board.
Choosing the Best Deck Railing Material for Your Space
| Wood | Composite | Stainless Steel | Wrought Iron | Vinyl | Glass | Aluminum | |
| Strong & Durable | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Weather- resistant | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Color Choice | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Easy-to- Install | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Low- maintenance | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |||
| Affordable | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Wood
Wood railings complement your outdoor spaces with a timeless look, seamlessly blending with most natural surroundings.
With your choice of wood species like cedar, redwood, cypress, and pressure-treated pine, you can customize wood railings to match your home’s style.
Despite their initial affordability, wood railings require regular maintenance to prevent rotting and warping. Regular sealing or staining helps to prolong the lifespan of wood railings and preserve their appearance.
Composite
Composite railings, composed of wood and plastic fibers, offer strength and resilience against rot, mold, and insect damage.
Weather-resistant, they withstand diverse climates without warping, splintering, or fading. In sunny locales, dark-tinted composite railings may be vulnerable to UV damage over time.
Composite railings only require a simple hose-down or clean with soap and water to maintain their appearance.
Installation is straightforward, but once a color is chosen, it’s permanent, limiting future changes. With a higher initial cost and low upkeep, composite railings make a good longer-term investment.
Installation is relatively straightforward, making composite railings suitable for DIY projects.
Steel
Stainless steel railings are renowned for their exceptional strength and durability.
Capable of withstanding heavy loads and impacts without bending or warping, steel railings are often found in commercial and industrial settings.
Steel railings are suitable for harsh weather conditions, although extreme climates may cause warping or cracking.
While the clean and metallic look doesn’t always complement home architecture, steel railings also come with finishes like bronze or black, allowing some customization at a reasonable price point.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron railings offer timeless elegance, blending durability with intricate designs that complement classic architectural styles – but can appear dated in contemporary settings.
Wrought iron is resistant to corrosion and rust, but requires regular maintenance to uphold their integrity and prevent rusting – particularly against weather-induced wear.
Maintaining wrought iron railings involves regular inspections for rust, sanding down any rust spots, and applying a protective finish to prevent further corrosion and keep them looking pristine.
While durable, wrought iron railings come at a higher price point due to their intricate designs, complex production, and cost of materials.
Vinyl
Vinyl railings are a popular choice for homeowners due to their low maintenance and durability, resisting rot, warping, and insect damage.
Vinyl can withstand harsh weathering and UV rays, in some cases lasting over 50 years with minimal upkeep. Despite their cost-effectiveness, some find the appearance of plastic less appealing than wood, glass, or metal railings.
Vinyl railings tend to appear bulkier than glass or aluminum alternatives, and color options are generally limited to manufacturer choices. If you live in a high-temperature region, vinyl can be susceptible to sagging and breakage.
Glass
Known for unobstructed views and an elegant modern appearance, glass railings are one of the most popular options for balconies, decks, and outdoor staircases.
With glass railings you can customize the color of the deck posts, the bars, and choose between a topless or framed design.
Built with tempered glass and durable aluminum, DekSmart glass railings kits are safe, long-lasting, and difficult for children to climb. Our glass railing kits are lightweight, easy-to-install, and meet most local building codes across North America.
Aluminum
Boasting remarkable strength, durability, and weather resistance, aluminum railings have become the new standard for outdoor railings.
Modern aluminum railings are made with a powder-coated finish that resists corrosion, rust, and UV damage, while also offering a high degree of customization with custom colors and finishes.
The lightweight nature of aluminum railings allows for easy transportation, assembly, and installation, making them particularly suitable for DIY projects.
Powder-coated aluminum railings are generally low-maintenance, only needing a simple cleaning with soap and water to preserve their appearance.
Overall, aluminum railings provide a stylish and cost-effective solution without compromising on strength or longevity. While the initial investment may exceed the cost of materials like wood, their durability and low maintenance requirements make up for it over time.
Choosing the Best Deck Railing Styles
You’ll find a vast range of deck railing styles on the market. Let’s look at what makes each one unique. Outdoor living spaces.
Fascia Mount vs Surface Mount
Fascia mounts (side mounts) attach the railing to the deck’s edge, offering a cleaner aesthetic, ideal for small decks, and easier cleaning, but requiring careful installation and additional cost.
Top-mounted railings (surface mounts), while simpler to install and suitable for decks with overhangs, may obstruct cleaning and have visible hardware.
Ultimately, the choice between a fascia or surface mount system depends on the climate, visual preference, your deck size, and budget.
Glass Railing
If you’re looking to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space, glass railings offer several benefits.
Glass offers clear and unobstructed views and maximum visibility to enjoy your property’s vistas – without sacrificing strength.
Tempered glass railings are safe, durable, low-maintenance, easy to clean, and suitable for various outdoor settings, including pool areas, patios, staircases, and rooftops. Installation is straightforward, making them an ideal DIY solution.
At Century Aluminum Railings, we offer both framed and topless glass railing options to suit different needs.
For a traditional look with a sturdy top bar, choose our Glass Railings kit. For a more modern look with no top bar, choose our 10mm Glass Railings kit and maximize your views.
You can outfit our glass railings with 2 top rail designs, 7 color options with custom colors available, and optional privacy glass panels. For a unique look, some homeowners combine glass sections with picket railings or wood railings.
Topless / Frameless Railing
A topless glass railing system offers a modern and elegant solution to maximize visibility and enhance the aesthetic appeal of any indoor or outdoor space. With durable laminated or tempered glass panels and rust-proof aluminum supports, a topless or frameless railing system provides unobstructed views while keeping occupants safe and satisfying building code requirements.
Choose from your choice of glass panels and deck railing posts to perfect your home’s style. Rest assured knowing that our wind and shatter-resistant glass panels provide both safety and tranquility.
Century Scenic Glass Railings have a straightforward DIY installation process, allowing you to enjoy your view without the hassle of complex setup. With easy maintenance and customizable options, our Scenic Glass railing system is the perfect choice for creating an inviting, contemporary outdoor space.
Picket / Traditional Railing
Picket railings evoke a familiar and timeless aesthetic suitable for traditional, modern, or colonial-style homes.
Picket railings come in a variety of styles and materials, from ornate wrought iron designs to classic wood pickets and modern welded aluminum panels.
Aluminum pickets with a powder-coated finish come in a wide range of color selections and can withstand harsh climates. While generally low-maintenance, pickets require occasional cleaning and waxing to keep them in prime condition.
Cable Railing / Wire Railing
Cable rail systems are made up of thin, horizontal steel cables that connect to either metal or wooden deck posts. Tensioning systems ensure the cables remain taut and safe.
With a minimalist design, cable railings provide a sleek and contemporary look that maximizes airflow. Usually made with stainless steel cables and square balusters, cable railings are built to resist rusting and corrosion.
Cable railings are generally low maintenance and easy to clean, but you’ll have to periodically tighten the cable tension and check the stability of the deck posts.
Be aware that the horizontal design of cable railings may entice children to climb them, posing a safety risk.
Canada’s National Building Code dictates that infill cables under load cannot deflect more than 3 inches (76mm).
Vertical Railing vs Horizontal Railing
Vertical deck rail designs feature balusters or pickets oriented in a vertical fashion, perpendicular to the deck’s surface, for a traditional aesthetic.
With the flexibility to customize materials, colors, and spacing, you can find vertical railings to suit your personal style and preferences. Adhere to your local building codes regarding baluster spacing to prevent any safety hazards, particularly for small children.
Horizontal railing refers to any railing system with design elements that run parallel to the deck’s surface, creating a linear aesthetic.
Horizontal railings create a striking contrast against vertical architectural features and have the potential to visually expand a small deck by directing the eye along the lines.
Mesh Railing
Mesh railing systems provide a distinctive and contemporary alternative to traditional railing designs, offering a balance of privacy, airflow, and light penetration.
To achieve varying levels of privacy and airflow, you can customize the size of the mesh to your specific needs. Choose from different mesh materials like stainless steel or powder-coated aluminum, which are both durable and resistant to weather damage in harsh conditions.
Railing Design & Style Tips
Consider the View
For homes with nice views, Scenic Glass railings offer unobstructed vistas from decks and outdoor spaces.
If cleaning glass isn’t appealing, opt for thin picket railings to preserve your view while ensuring safety.
Balance Form & Function
When you choose a deck railing, be sure to balance looks with safety and utility.
For example, a glass railing with no top bar offers pristine views, but a top bar allows you to add planters, lighting, or a drink rail to create a more social space.
Century Aluminum’s Drink Rail Adapter Kit easily transforms your aluminum railing into a party-ready cocktail railing.
Think Long Term
When you consider the costs of different railing solutions, factor in their long-term durability and maintenance needs to understand the true cost of ownership. Quality railings with proven durability should come with a clear warranty to protect your investment.
Deck Railing Decision Recap
When you choose a railing style and material, take into account aesthetics, durability, maintenance, safety and code compliance.
Keep in mind that some building codes may explicitly recommend or discourage the use of fascia or side mounts for railings, while others may specify surface mount options.
At DekSmart Railings we build glass and aluminum railing systems for pro contractors and DIY homeowners at our factory in Summerland, BC.
For clear views and low maintenance, we recommend a modern glass railing system.
For a traditional aesthetic that’s more affordable, picket railings are a versatile choice.
Built with lightweight powder-coated aluminum and tempered glass, it’s easy to transport, fit, and install our railing kits on any site. If you’d like guidance in designing a railing system, contact a DekSmart representative in Canada or the USA.
