Deck railing is much more than just a safety feature. With a wide variety of styles and accents to choose from, the right railing system will effectively complement the look of your deck and overall property to suit any lifestyle.
Select a railing style
There are a number of railing features on the market that are available for your deck. In order to decide on which style is best, you will need to consider several factors. What kind of budget do you have? Do you plan to install the railing yourself, and how much maintenance are you willing to accommodate? Do you want privacy or an open view? Are you looking for something modern, traditional or rustic?
Railing style options:
- Pressure-treated wood with metal pickets, wood spindles or glass
- Aluminum railing with glass or pickets
- Frameless glass panels
- Composite rail and picket
Benefits to each type
Pressure-treated wood railing is going to be your best-priced railing system – and it still has many insert options like metal pickets, wood spindles or glass panels. You can either custom build your rail or purchase a prefab wood product. This option will provide a more rustic feel to your deck, in addition to plenty of privacy.
Aluminum is easy to install with zero maintenance other than cleaning. The options are almost endless with pickets, glass, lighting, colours, post sizes and styles. It can have a modern or traditional look simply with the types of accessories one chooses.
Frameless glass panels – like Regal Ideas’ Crystal Rail – are 10 millimetre, no-iron glass sheets. These sheets are inserted into mounting brackets that are already pre-installed with LED lights. The glass panels help to illuminate the LED lights, giving them a glowing effect. The Crystal Rail panels can be installed by a seasoned do-it-yourselfer. This high-end modern look is maintenance free, aside from any cleaning required. There is a 100 per cent clear view through the railing as nothing blocks the line of sight aside from the bottom mounting brackets. If it’s privacy you seek, frameless railing is not a good option as it’s designed to provide an unobstructed view of your yard and landscapes beyond.
Composite is a maintenance-free product that comes in a few different colours and designs. It is easy to clean – simply wash it down when it gets dirty. Composite is made from recycled content that creates a permanent surface finish for lasting good looks.
Deck railing specs
Decks and deck railings have a number of building code requirements that must be met in every installation. Across Canada the building code requirements change, so it is very important to confirm your area’s specific deck railing codes.
As a general rule, all decks require a railing if they are over two feet off the ground. The railing height will need to be between 36 inches and 42 inches, depending on the deck height itself. The railing cannot have more than four inches of space between the spindles, posts, bottom rail or handrail. This measurement is to ensure nobody will get stuck trying to squeeze between them. Any glass used in railings must be tempered safety glass. Always check local building code requirements before you start your build.
Deck railing is not only a practical safety requirement, but it also adds a special look and feel to the deck and landscaping as a whole. Making the right choice for you comes down to personal taste, lifestyle requirements and your location’s building codes.
A special thanks to Regal Ideas for supplying the Crystal Rail for this project.
