Your deck is often a space for entertaining guests, cooking food on the grill, and relaxing in the sun. With the many different types of deck railings you can install, you can alter the look and feel of this structure by installing a new railing. We review the four most popular types in this article—find the suitable one for your tastes and lifestyle!
Wood Railings
One of the more traditional kinds of railings you can add to your deck is a wood railing. The best part about using this material is that you can alter the look and feel of your deck by making the wood look more rustic or contemporary. You can also stain this railing material to whichever color suits your home for a more customized look. However, they can splinter and crack, so you must maintain the wood to have a longer lifespan.
Metal Railings
If you like the industrial look of exposed metal, consider installing a metal railing on your deck. This is another popular option for deck railings because metal is durable and requires little maintenance to keep everything in working condition. Choose any metals ranging from wrought iron to stainless steel. Ensure you keep an eye on rusting, though, because this can affect the integrity of the railing.
Cable Railings
Do you like a cleaner and more simplistic look to your deck? Cable railings are your best option for this! You can install cables in vertical or horizontal fashions, and they’re almost maintenance-free—making them one of the easiest railings to clean and maintain on this list! When you’re installing cable rail fittings, ensure you’re taking the time to meet the proper configurations so that it’s in the correct position and it’s safe.
Composite Railings
The last type of deck railings you can install on your structure is a material called composite. If you’re working toward a more sustainable home, we suggest using this railing material because wood fibers and recycled plastic make it up. With composite, you won’t need to worry about water damage, and you’re helping the environment by repurposing recycled materials. This railing is resistant to wear and tear; plus, it’s sturdy and straightforward to clean.
When you’re deciding on a new railing for your deck, you have many options to choose from—wood, metal, cable, or composite. It will come down to your personal preferences and your willingness to maintain the material. Will you try the more traditional look with wood, or will you choose a more modern feel with cable?
Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
