Designing a Deck You’ll Love: Deck Railings
Building a new deck can be an incredibly exciting project – whether you’re finally getting rid of a shabby old deck or installing one for the first time, a new deck is, in many ways, like a new addition to your home. It represents an opportunity to create an outdoor (or semi-outdoor) space that you and your family can enjoy for many years to come. With that in mind, it’s important to think it through so that you’re happy with the end result!
Today, we’re going to be taking a look at some different options for deck railings in particular and how they can help you make the most of your new investment.
Types of Materials
Decks come in all shapes and sizes, and not every option is a good fit for every home (or homeowner). But just because you choose a wooden deck doesn’t mean that you need to select a wooden rail. First things first, it’s important to know what kinds of materials are available so that you can make an informed decision about what’s right for you.
- Wood. Natural and classic, wooden deck railings are a fairly common and traditional choice. Downsides include wood being naturally prone to warping and moisture damage.
- Aluminum. Aluminum railings are very durable and won’t rust; thin posts allow for more visibility of the yard around the deck without compromising structural integrity.
- Vinyl. Similar to wood in popularity, vinyl rails aren’t prone to moisture and warping like wood is. Vinyl is also available in a wide variety of colors and styles.
- Composite. An increasingly popular choice, composite materials combine the benefits of plastic-based materials like vinyl, with a more natural look (often replicating the appearance of wood).
Styles
One thing that goes hand in hand with selecting a material is choosing the right style for you. Deck railings can range from aesthetic to functional, and it’s important to make sure that your railing’s style is the right fit for your wants and needs.
- Sometimes classic looks are classic for a reason. A traditional material and style might not be extravagant, but if you’re looking for function, keeping it simple may be the way to go. And if you’re looking for an easy bit of aesthetic contrast, consider looking at colors to help improve your deck’s visual appeal.
- Traditional looks may be timeless, but maybe you have a love for a little extra pizazz. A sculpted aluminum rail can add a level of intricacy and detail to your deck that will make your new outdoor space one-of-a-kind.
- A curved railing may not come to mind right away because decks are often built with a lot of straight lines and angles. But especially with an elevated deck, a slight outward curve to the railing can add a feeling of extra space and openness that a straight rail might not provide.
- When it comes to function, your railing doesn’t have to be all about enclosing your deck. A functional railing can include added features like built-in seating, which will enable you to accommodate more guests without the need for additional outdoor furniture.
To Top It All Off
Decorating your railing posts with caps is a simple, inexpensive way to make your railing feel complete and polished. Similar to crown molding inside your home, you can choose from a wide range of caps that vary in their intricacy and elegance. And post caps don’t have to be all about aesthetics – functional elements, like integrated lighting, can really take your deck to the next level!