When it comes to designing your outdoor space, choosing the right deck railing is a key decision that blends functionality, safety, and aesthetics.
Whether you’re building a new deck or upgrading an existing one, the railing you select will play a major role in defining the look and feel of your outdoor oasis. Let’s explore your options and the factors to consider when making this choice.
Wood Deck Railing: A Classic DIY Option
For the hands-on homeowner, building a wood deck railing from scratch using lumber is a time-honored approach. It’s a customizable option that allows you to craft a railing tailored to your exact specifications. However, traditional wood deck railings come with a catch—maintenance.
Wooden railings, especially those with intricate features like deck spindles, demand significant upkeep. Each spindle needs to be power washed or sanded on all four sides and then sealed to protect against weathering, rot, and insect damage. This tedious process can quickly become a chore, particularly for larger decks or multi-level structures.
Deck Railing Kits: The Modern Choice
Recognizing the hassle of wood maintenance, many homeowners are turning to deck railing kits as a practical alternative. These kits are available in a variety of durable materials, including steel, composite, aluminum, and vinyl, to name a few popular options.
Unlike raw lumber, deck railing kits come with pre-fabricated components that are ready to install with little to no altering required. This streamlined installation process saves time and effort, making it an attractive choice for both DIY enthusiasts and those hiring professionals.
Beyond ease of installation, deck railing kits are professionally engineered to meet most local building codes, ensuring safety and compliance. They’re constructed from low- to no-maintenance materials designed to withstand the elements, often backed by warranties that protect your investment for 25 years or more.
Whether you prefer the sleek look of steel, the lightweight durability of aluminum, or the wood-like appeal of composite and vinyl, these kits offer long-lasting beauty without the constant upkeep of traditional wood.
Safety First: Climbable Railings
One critical consideration before choosing a deck railing is safety, particularly if you have young children or pets. Many modern designs, such as cable railing, hog wire railing, and other horizontal infill styles, are considered “climbable railings.”
These visually appealing options feature horizontal lines or gaps that kids can easily use as a ladder, posing a significant fall risk. While these designs can add a contemporary flair to your deck, they can be restricted by local building codes for this very reason.
Before falling in love with a specific style, check with your local building inspector to confirm whether your chosen railing meets your local safety regulations. Opting for a design that prioritizes safety doesn’t mean sacrificing style—plenty of vertical baluster options and solid panel kits offer both security and sophistication.
Non-Climbable Deck Railing
AdvantageLumber.com has a lot of deck railing kits and options so if your local building codes don’t allow for railing that is considered climbable then we have options for you like the vertical cable railing shown below. Give us a call 1-877-232-3915 if your building code is limiting your railing options and we’ll be glad to help you find a railing design to meet your local building codes.
Making Your Decision
So, how do you choose the right deck railing for your home? Start by weighing your priorities:
- Aesthetics: Do you want a classic wood look or a modern, sleek finish?
- Maintenance: Are you willing to invest time in upkeep, or do you prefer a set-it-and-forget-it solution?
- Budget: While wood may have a lower upfront cost, durable kits could save money in the long run with warranties and reduced maintenance.
- Safety and Compliance: Does the design meet your local building codes and suit your household’s needs?
If you’re drawn to the charm of wood and enjoy woodworking, building a railing from scratch might be your path. But if convenience, durability, and minimal maintenance are your goals, a deck railing kit in steel, composite, aluminum, or vinyl could be the perfect fit. Whatever you choose, a well-selected deck railing will enhance your outdoor space for years to come—both in style and function.