Different Types of Deck Railing

While safety is the main reason for deck railing, it can also enhance your home’s curb appeal. You can use different materials to achieve unique designs that will stand out.

Wood, composite and metal are all good choices for deck railing. Each has its own pros and cons, but it is important to follow local building codes.

Wood

Wood deck railings are the traditional choice and come in a wide variety of styles. They can be stained to complement your home and are usually the cheapest option. Depending on the species chosen, it can also be naturally resistant to rot and insects. Cedar, hemlock and redwood are popular options. They can be pre-treated or treated with a copper-based compound to make them more resistant to weathering and rot.

Hardwoods such as ipe and cumaru are very durable and can last up to 50 years with minimal maintenance. They are also more resistant to rot and insect damage than softwoods. Some builders bevel the tops of deck rail posts to soften their edges and create a custom look.

Glass

Glass railings give homeowners the opportunity to showcase their beautiful view. In addition, they can make a deck more inviting. However, glass can also pose safety concerns if it is not properly installed and maintained. The glass panels should be tempered and shatter resistant, and they should be anchored to the deck and frame with strong stainless steel hardware.

The front of a glass railing needs to be cleaned regularly to avoid smudges and fingerprints. While this is less of a concern than with traditional hardwood systems, it is something to consider when considering this type of system.

Before installing glass panels, it is important to build a deck frame and take precise measurements in order to custom order the tempered safety glass. Once the glass is ordered it can be delivered and lag mounted to the deck. This railing featured anodized aluminum posts and a glass infill panel that was side-mounted to the joists with bolt covers to conceal the hardware.

Cable

The thin stainless steel cables used in cable deck railing offer a sleek, minimal appearance and unobstructed views. They’re also nature-friendly, as birds can easily fly through them, unlike glass panels that often end up colliding with the flying animals.

Typically, the cable railing posts are made of stainless steel, as is the hardware that connects the cables to the post. Most of this hardware is known as swage fittings, and they’re attached to the cable using a process called “swaging.” This creates a tight connection between the fitting and the cable that can withstand incredible force.

The cables in a cable railing can be either bare metal or vinyl covered. The latter uses a low grade of steel with a vinyl coating over it. Over time, the vinyl coating cracks and wears down, while the underlying steel begins to rust. It’s important to use the right type of cable for your railing so it doesn’t look worn before its time or become unsafe.

Metal

Stainless steel cable railings are a modern style that look incredible with a variety of different deck boards. They are also easy to install and durable since they do not stretch out like other materials do. There are several construction types for the cables but 316L is most recommended due to its higher breaking point and more rigidity.

Metal deck railings can be made of iron, aluminum or galvanized steel and they are very customizable with a number of finishes. Look for models with a powder coating that resists rust. These railings are very long lasting and require very little maintenance compared to wooden railings.

They do not require painting or staining and they are also resistant to wood rot. They can be used in conjunction with wood for a more traditional look or they can stand alone. They are also light-weight which makes them easier to handle for the installers and reduces the stress on your deck.

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