Do you have a PVC deck or plan on installing one but aren’t sure what railing to pair with your design? Deck railings are an essential component of any deck, adding crucial safety features and a sense of style to the overall design. When it comes to choosing a railing installation option, you want one that will enhance your design while adhering to premium safety standards. Let us share the best railing options for PVC decks and how you can install them.
Railing Types for PVC Decks: Aluminum vs Steel
Aluminum Railings
One of our favorite options for PVC deck railing is aluminum railings. Unlike other materials, aluminum is not susceptible to corrosion or rust. This means that it can hold up against brutal weather, from our frigid, snowy winters here in Washington to the slamming UV rays in the summer. On top of that, aluminum railings won’t warp, shrink, splinter, or twist.
Overall, aluminum railing installation is easy and cost-effective. With it being a lightweight material it is easier to ship, handle, and install, reducing cost and time. Plus, there are various style options, from traditional infill to glass.
Steel Railings
Steel railings are the tougher cousin to aluminum. The classic and heavier option, steel, is an excellent option for homes where you are a little more demanding on your home, making it the superior choice for durability. On the flip side, steel is not a great option to have around salt water, as rust can easily start and spread, even with powder coating.
We suggest aluminum railings for homes that will see a lot of foot traffic, especially rental units, and that aren’t on the beach. The steel will hold up for many years with little to no maintenance. Plus, similar to aluminum, there are various style options, from horizontal cables to ornamental fillings.
The Benefits of High-Quality Deck Railings
When it comes to deck railings, you should never compromise. Remember, you are responsible for your property, so the primary benefit of a high-quality deck railing is safety. These railings protect your family, guests, children, and pets from tumbling off your deck.
A second benefit is long-term value. If you decide to sell your home in the future, a high-quality deck railing will enhance your home’s overall appeal and increase resale value!
Lastly, deck railings add to the beauty of your home, whether acting as a statement piece to enhance your design aesthetics or blending into the surroundings to give you an unobstructed view.
Which Railing Type is Right for My Deck?
When it comes to choosing a product for your railing installation, you want to find something that not only meets your durability and logistical requirements but one that fits the aesthetic standards of your home.
Let’s look at a home with a view as an example. Many people often assume that a glass railing is the best option for homes with a view. Unfortunately, glass dirties quickly and frequently diminish the appeal of the view with water stains, fingerprints, and pollen dust. Thus, it creates a lot of work for a homeowner to simply keep it clean. If this sounds annoying to you, we suggest cable railing installation. Available for both aluminum and steel railing designs, cables are thin metal ropes that act as the rail between the main posts. Their thin, durable quality allows homeowners to see through to the view, hardly noticing their presence at all and rarely having to clean them, unlike glass.
Step-By-Step Guide for Railing Installation for PVC Decks
Railing installation is no small task, and it comes with building regulations. We highly advise against DIYing railing installations. Remember, decks require building compliance based on your specific local laws, and the safety of your deck is never something you want to “wing it” on. To give you an idea of what the professional process would look like, here are the basic steps:
1. Consultation with Your Design Team
The first step is to meet with your design team. Here, you will share your ideas, wants, budget, and requirements with them to form a baseline style for your railing installation.
2. Measurement of Your Deck Space
Next, the installation team will come out to measure your space and identify any concerns. Afterward, your project will be confirmed, the materials will be ordered, and the railing installation date will be scheduled.
3. Railing Installation Day
On the day of the railing installation, the team will start by mounting the rail posts. Afterward, they will proceed with prepping the deck rails to fit the railing sections. Next, they will attach the deck baluster connectors and secure the bottom rail to the posts with rail brackets or rail connectors. Lastly, they will attach the top deck rail, and that’s it!
4. Finish and Clean Up
Depending on the size of your deck and the complexity of the railing installation project, it could take your team a few hours to a few days to complete. Afterward, the team will perform a safety check to ensure that everything is safely installed. Then, they will clean up any tools and materials before they go.
Ta-da! A brand new deck railing for you to enjoy for years to come.
What If I Want to Replace My Current Deck Railing?
At Simpson Decks, we offer a full range of railing installation services designed to upgrade your outdoor living space. If your current railings are damaged or faded, we can replace them with brand-new ones that seamlessly match your existing setup. We will happily walk you through the process for removing existing railings and how a new installation will proceed. Whether your railings consist of wood, aluminum, or steel, our skilled artisans have the expertise to deliver flawless results every time.
Enhance Your Deck with Railing Installation from Simpson Decks
Are you ready to upgrade your PVC deck with our stylish and innovative railing options? Contact Simpson Decks and Construction today to explore our designs and schedule your professional installation.