Deck Railing Options 101

Deck railing comes in a wide range of materials, styles, and colors, giving homeowners and professionals plenty of options to achieve their desired look. Understanding the features of each option is crucial for making the best choices - and getting the sale.

Here's a look at some of the most popular types of deck railings and infill styles.

1. Cable Railing: Modern and Minimalist

Cable railing infills have grown in popularity for their simple and sleek design. The wire cables connect neighboring posts in a horizontal design or may be installed vertically between top and bottom rails. This design provides a safe perimeter without obstructing views.

Pros: Unobstructed views; minimalist design aesthetic; durable and safe
Cons: Higher cost; may be restricted by local law

2. Craftsman Railing: Privacy With Polish

The Craftsman style showcases how beautiful wood workmanship can look with traditional designs and gorgeous grain patterns. There's not so much a go-to craftsman rail design as much as it's an aesthetic that can be used to recreate the charm of expertly carved woods for the deck or porch.

A composite railing with natural grain textures and colors can provide a low-maintenance accent to a Craftsman-style home. You can also take advantage of additional composite features, like drink rails to add usability.

Pros: Durable design and craftsmanship; traditional look and feel
Cons: Higher costs for true craftsmanship; more maintenance for real wood railings

3.Drink Rails: Function and Flair

Drink rails provide a flat surface on top rails for people to set their glasses down on or lean back and relax while chatting on the deck. It's a simple addition that adds elegance and functionality. The flat top can also support decor, like simple railing planters or tea lights.

Pros: Adds additional functionality to the railing; colors and styles available to match the deck
Cons: Flat surface can collect debris

4.Glass Panels: Sleek and Stylish

Glass panels are another opportunity to install a stylish and contemporary railing without obstructing views. Its gaps are smaller than other popular railing infills, which can be a great perk for families with small kids or pets - just know that fingerprints and nose prints are part of the package.

Pros: Gapless designs provide a safe, solid barrier; unobstructed views; contemporary, high-end look
Cons: Costly to purchase and install; needs to be cleaned frequently; can heat decks with a greenhouse effect

5. Square Web Panels: Classic and Joyful

Square web composite railings offer a geometric design similar to what some manufacturers call Chippendale railing, featuring repeating diamond or square patterns. The simplified design won't overwhelm the home's look while still providing an interesting and elevated design. There's also an element of privacy without completely obscuring the view, which is great for backyard pool railing.

Pros: Interesting patterns to elevate the design; easy-to-install panels
Cons: May obstruct your view, unique design may be hard to replace

6.Wrought Iron Look: Simple and Sophisticated

The wrought iron look is a go-to for its timeless sophistication, but more often than not, a wrought iron fence is actually made of powder-coated aluminum. Real wrought iron is heavy and extremely vulnerable to rust. Powder-coated aluminum brilliantly mimics the style with less labor required to install and maintain the railing.

Pros: Timeless and sophisticated style; sturdy and decorative; aluminum alternatives require little maintenance
Cons: True wrought iron is heavy and prone to rust; powder coating on aluminum can be scratched

7.Composite Materials

Composite railings are a low-maintenance alternative to real wood railings without sacrificing any of the charm. TimberTech offers a real wood look and feel, and a variety of stunning colors to choose from; composite is an affordable and versatile material option for the deck.

Pros: Affordable, versatile styles, low-maintenance material
Cons: Not as durable as metal materials, limited ability to paint or repair

8. PVC Materials

PVC railings can withstand the elements and make an extra-affordable addition to the deck design. They're lightweight and smooth rather than grooved, so they won't look like wood, but they are easy to clean and care for. PVC railings from TimberTech are built with an aluminum core for enhanced durability, but other vinyl railings may not be as durable as composite.

Cons: Low-maintenance, weatherproof, affordable, versatile styles
Pros: Durability varies between manufacturers; doesn't have the look or feel of real wood

9. Metal Materials

There are a number of metals to use for railing, including steel, aluminum, and iron. Each has its own pros and cons, though powder-coated aluminum is typically the top metal railing choice for outdoor projects. It's more weatherproof, affordable, and low maintenance than other metals.

Pros: Weather-resistant and durable, lightweight, powder coating comes in a variety of colors
Cons: Powder coating may scratch; not recommended to paint over powder coating

10. Wood Materials

The beauty of wood can be hard to beat, though it's certainly not impossible. There's no shortage of wood material options, either. Ipe wood is top-of-the-line quality, and hardwoods are a craftsman's favorite, but pressure-treated lumber works well, too.

Wood decks and railings are stunning, but they also have the highest maintenance needs of any other railing type. Depending on wood preference and timing of the build, material costs can also get pricey.

Pros: Lower upfront costs, but prices vary; can be repaired and painted
Cons: High-maintenance material, vulnerable to rot and weathering

A customer's choice of deck railing type can complete the whole aesthetic, offering a seamless view or showing off an eye for design. TimberTech has unlimited railing design options to customize your deck style.

To learn more about TimberTech decking, railing, fastening, and accessories, visit www.timbertech.com.

This article was repurposed from the TimberTech blog. Weyerhaeuser Distribution is committed to delivering the reliable, consistent products you can rely on. Connect with your Weyerhaeuser representative today about outdoor living solutions available in your market.

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