You’ve picked out the type of material and design for your deck, and you’re ready for your contractor to start building—but wait! Have you put any thought into the safety feature of your deck?
Listen to the experts. Railings are such an important design feature that we recommend spending some extra time researching your options and allowing room in your budget for a railing that suits your taste and keeps you safe.
Let’s take a look at a few of your options, and some important factors to consider when choosing the right railing to compliment your new deck and surrounding property.
WOOD PICKET RAILING
For some styles of homes, the best and most classic option is traditional wood railings due to their timeless and elegant look. However, the annual upkeep of staining or painting a wood railing can be tedious and costly. Before you install wood railing on your deck, here are some pros and cons:
Pros
- Natural aesthetic
- Custom design options
- Staining color options
- Economic material
- $40–50 linear foot
Cons
- Regular maintenance
- Prone to rot
- Prone to mold
- Splinters
ALUMINUM PICKET RAILING (HORIZONTAL RAILING)
Aluminum makes a great alternative to steel as they tend to be less expensive than steel while sacrificing very little in strength and durability. This deck railing material is highly versatile with a sleek and stylish appearance unlike any other. Furthermore, aluminum railings like Trex® Signature, Fairway A-Series, and Fortress AI-Series offer a wide range of benefits.
Pros
- Does not rot, rust, or warp
- Lightweight, yet strong
- Minimal shrinkage and expansion characteristics
- Some suppliers accommodate custom colors
Cons
- More difficult to install than typical wood railings
- Can be expensive
- Subject to pitting
CABLE RAILING
Cable railings are a modern, low-profile railing choice for adding a bit of style to your backyard and preserving backyard views. You can select from a wide variety of post sizes, rail profiles, and hardware to create a railing system that perfectly matches your home’s aesthetic.
Pros
- Unobstructed views
- Very strong
- Does not corrode in harsh weather conditions
- Simple to install
- Modern appearance
Cons
- Typically, it only comes in stainless steel
- Costs around $250 per linear foot
- Becomes loose after a few years
- Discolors after a few years
HOG PANEL RAILING
Hog wire is a mesh-style fence typically used for animal pens but has gained popularity as a fencing material. Moreover, Wild Hog Railing is compatible with a large variety of posts, including wood, aluminum, and even composites.
Pros
- Half the cost of cable railing
- Nearly transparent for unobstructed views
- Relatively easy to install
- Offers strength that will last over time
- Flexible for unique, curved installations
Cons
- Can be too rustic looking for certain deck styles
- Price point is higher than other basic railing infills
MANUFACTURING COMPANIES THAT MAKE DECKS AND RAILINGS
No deck is complete without a railing, which is why companies like Trex and TimberTech have solutions for your deck and railing needs.
If you’re looking for a new deck build, or for us to beautify your existing deck, then you’re in luck. Crosby Home Services has three deck building services at varying price points. From basic to custom, we’re here to design your dream project.
Contact us today for a consultation!