Whether you’re building a brand-new deck or making improvements to an existing one, selecting the right deck railings is essential for both safety and aesthetics. At Simpson Decks & Construction, we are your local experts in deck building and railing installation. To make sure you end up with the right deck railing installation for your deck design, we are sharing with you the process of choosing railings that meet building code requirements, enhance your deck’s visual appeal, and fit within your budget.
Understanding Deck Railing Requirements
Deck railings are more than aesthetic deck designs; they are critical safety features. Therefore, understanding deck safety requirements is a vital aspect of a deck railing install.
The easiest way to do this is to research the building codes and height requirements for deck railings in your region. While there are standard practices nationwide, each region may require slight variations. Due to this, you want to ensure you have the exact requirements to meet the safety code requirements for your location, including:
- Baluster spacing: the space between vertical bars so small children or pets can’t slip through
- Railing attachment: the construction and attachment requirements that prevent railings from giving way when leaned against.
- Handrail height: the appropriate height to provide stability and support.
- Non-Slip surfacing: the added grip material to prevent slippage when it’s wet.
Material Options for Deck Railings
Once you have your basic safety features top of mind, it is time to select the material for your deck railings. Here are the four most common options:
#1: PVC Railings (Recommended by Simpson Decks)
PVC railings are our recommended choice here at Simpson Decks, due to their durability, aesthetics, and favorable pricing.
PVC deck railings are highly weather-resistant, as PVC is resistant to rotting, warping, and splintering, making it an ideal choice for homes located in the Pacific Northwest. In addition to their durability, they are incredibly low-maintenance, requiring only occasional baths of soap and water to keep them clean and presentable.
PVC railings are available in a variety of colors and styles, making them an excellent choice for homeowners who want to customize their design to match new or existing aesthetics. Additionally, with their favorable pricing, especially when compared to other materials, and minimal maintenance requirements, PVC deck railings are a wise choice for a long-term property investment.
#2: Wood Railings
Another option that is common here in the Pacific Northwest is wood railings. Wood railings offer a traditional aesthetic, but they are far more difficult to maintain. Not only do wood deck railings require frequent staining and sealing, but they can also warp or rot over time, necessitating regular replacements as the railing begins to age in order to maintain the safety regulations of a deck design. Given the rising cost of wood materials, we typically don’t recommend this material for railings unless it is something the homeowners really want.
#3: Metal Railings
The next option of materials for deck railings is metal, typically aluminum, steel, or wrought iron. While they have a higher initial cost, they do require less maintenance than wood, although more than PVC. Metal railings are aesthetically pleasing, complementing modern home aesthetics while providing hardy durability to a deck design. As a homeowner, you just want to make sure that the metal material you go with comes with a rust-resistant coating to help prolong its lifespan.
#4: Glass Railings
Another option is glass railings. This sleek, contemporary aesthetic is the ideal solution for homes that want unobstructed views of scenic backyards or distant landscapes. Despite popular belief, glass railings are extremely durable, and it would take a lot to chip or crack them. The main concern, instead, is the higher upfront cost and the maintenance required to keep them clean. If you live in a windy, dusty, or pollen-prone area, you can expect to need to have a regular cleaning schedule.
Choosing the Right Style of Deck Railings for Your Home
When determining the right deck railing for your home, we suggest discussing the following with your deck design team:
- What rail style or material would best match the existing aesthetic of the home?
- How will the weather conditions of your property likely affect your material choice?
- What color or style would best meet your aesthetic preferences?
- What kind of view do you want to see from your deck, unobstructed or private?
- What post shapes and baluster spacing do you find the most aesthetically pleasing?
- Would you like to add customization options, such as lighting, post caps, or decorative elements?
- What level of care are you willing to provide to maintain your deck railing?
If maintenance is a concern for you, we highly suggest going with low-maintenance options. While they may be a bit more expensive upfront, materials like PVC or aluminum require very little action from the owner. Due to the lack of labor and maintenance, they often prove to be the more cost-effective choice in the long term.
Why Choose Simpson Decks & Construction for Your Deck Railings?
If you’re a homeowner looking to build or upgrade your deck railings with low-maintenance, durable options, we at Simpson Decks are here to help. Here at Simpson, we offer a wide range of deck railing options that will fit your style and budget. Additionally, we specialize in PVC railings for long-lasting, high-quality deck solutions, in addition to other traditional materials such as wood, metal, and glass.
If your current railings are damaged or faded, we can replace them with brand-new ones that seamlessly match your existing setup. Alternatively, if you are performing a brand-new deck design installation, with our expert guidance, we can assist you in selecting the safest and most stylish railings and provide professional installation to ensure proper code compliance and durability.
Don’t wait until summer when your deck is busy being used. Enhance your deck’s safety and style with the right railings today so you can enjoy it the rest of the year! Contact Simpson Decks & Construction today for expert recommendations and professional installation!