Deck Railing Ideas

Deck railings can add a truly unique look to the outdoor deck space of any home. Deck railings can help your home look more elegant, more modern, more country—or any other aesthetic you are aiming for with your home’s interior and exterior design. Thankfully, it is relatively easy to have customized deck railing designs installed around your deck. Let’s take a closer look at some popular deck railing ideas that will have you planning for your next exterior home renovation project.

A Note on Railing Codes

It’s important to remember that any deck railings you want to be installed must abide by railing codes, which are the legal codes that define and regulate the practical aspects of deck railing such as size and material. For instance, railing codes state that decks cannot have openings that are large enough for children to slip through since deck railings can be high up and this can pose a serious safety hazard. If you are purchasing a deck railing from a manufactured kit, it is highly likely that the railings are going to automatically meet the railing codes on a local and national level. However, you will need to make sure that any railing you have installed in your home–pre-manufactured or otherwise–abides by these codes for legal and safety reasons.

Factors to Consider When Deciding on Deck Railing Ideas

There are many different materials you can choose from when it comes to deck railings. One of the most common materials is wood, but other materials such as metal, aluminum, glass and even cable are becoming more popular. When choosing materials, keep a few factors in mind that will help you make your final choice:

• Level of maintenance
• The overall aesthetic of the material
• Material cost
• Safety
• Sightlines

Some materials will require more maintenance than others. Wood material must be treated regularly to help keep it looking great and to stave off wood pests and general wear and tear; cables, on the other hand, are very low maintenance compared to a material like wood.

Cost is another factor to consider. Wood is the most readily available deck material and the least expensive, so it is likely your best option when you are on a budget.

Safety must also be paramount; if you have children or you know children will be frequently using the deck, it’s best to avoid clear materials like glass as they may frequently bump or run into the glass because they do not realize it is there. A more visible material such as wood, metal, or aluminum is a safer option for children.

Some materials are better for not inhibiting sightlines than others. For instance, glassworks well when you want a railing that doesn’t inhibit views but still provides a barrier between the deck and the ground below. However, if you have children, opting for a more visible material that doesn’t impede on sightlines—like cables—is the better option.

When it comes to deck railing ideas, don’t forget to consider the above factors. Be sure to contact our expert team for any of your deck railing questions. Mountian View Sun Decks has been providing Calgary and area homeowners with custom deck solutions for over 20 years.