Decking railing options
Deck Railing Systems - DecksDirect
General Railing FAQs
What Parts Make Up Deck Railing?
Deck railing is made up of (1) rails, (2) posts, and (3) infill, as shown below:
Rails are the long, horizontal bars - most railing systems will have a top rail and a bottom rail. Posts are the thick, vertical pieces that give your railing strength. Posts and rails create a square or rectangle; infill sits inside that square or rectangle. Infill can be balusters - smaller, vertical bars parallel to your posts. But railing can also use glass balusters, glass panels, or metal cables as infill.
What Types Of Railings Can I Choose For My Deck?
There are a wealth of options when it comes to deck railings. At DecksDirect, we research them all and select only the best, highest-quality options to carry in our warehouse. Here are the main railing options we carry:
- Metal Railing
- Cable Railing
- Glass Railing
- Composite Railing
- Vinyl Railing
- Wood Railing
How Do I Replace My Deck’s Railing?
Replacing your deck’s railing can instantly improve home safety, and an upgraded deck railing completely transforms the look and feel of your deck. If you’re interested in a railing refresh, here’s how to start:
- Measure the length of your current railings for an accurate estimate
- Explore your options in our Deck Railing Guide
- Give our team a call at 1-888-824-5316 to talk through the best options for your space, budget and timeline.
The great thing about railing replacement is that you can often spread out the cost and labor by breaking your project into phases. If you’re looking to replace an old, weathered wood railing, consider first replacing your infill with metal balusters for a sharp, contrasting look. Then you can replace your rails and posts later on without having to buy new balusters.
Where Can I Buy Deck Railing?
DecksDirect is the best place to buy deck railing. Here are three of the many reasons why:
- Get Real Service: We have a team of deck enthusiasts ready to learn about your railing needs and help you plan your project. When you call DecksDirect, you don’t get a phone tree robot or a pushy salesperson. You reach a real person who cares about getting to know you and then building you a railing project plan that fits your needs, timeline and budget.
- Get It Completely Fast: We ship 99.5% of our orders the same day they’re placed, and we reach most of the United States in three days or less. Don’t delay your project - we’ll make sure you stay on timeline!
- Get The Largest In-Stock Selection: We have the biggest in-stock selection anywhere. Period. Get the most choices when it comes to railing materials, styles, and setups, without waiting on back-ordered items..
You can always order online, or you can call us during regular business hours at 1-888-824-5316 and talk to a trained deck project planner. When you call DecksDirect, you reach a real person with a real passion for decking - not a robot or an automated system.
Railing Code
Do I Need To Have A Railing On My Deck?
If your deck is more than 30 inches (two-and-a-half feet) off the ground, you need a railing to meet building codes.
Even decks or patios shorter than two and a half feet can benefit from a deck railing, though they aren’t required in most areas. You should always check your local building codes to make sure your deck and railing are compliant.
How Tall Do My Railings Have To Be?
The International Residential Code (IRC) requires railings to be at least 36 inches high - that’s three feet from your deck surface to the top of the railing. Always check your local building codes, though, as some local or state authorities require taller railings.
The IRC requires stair railings to be 34 inches high, though you should once again check with your local building codes to make sure you’re in compliance.
What Is The Maximum Height Of A Deck Without Railing?
If your deck or patio is 30 inches or less off the ground, the International Residential Code (IRC) doesn’t require railings. Two important caveats: first, local building codes may have stricter requirements, so make sure you check with your local or state municipalities. Second, even if your deck is low enough to not require a railing, it may still benefit from one. Railings are important to keeping guests safe, especially children or pets. If you’re unsure if you need a railing or not, give our team a call at 1-888-824-5316 and we’d be happy to help you weigh the pros and cons.
Do I Need Railing On My Deck Stairs?
If your stairs are more than 30 inches from the ground at any point, the International Residential Code requires railings. Stairs shorter than 30 inches aren’t common, so if you have deck stairs, odds are you need to have railings.
Local and state authorities can have stricter requirements than the IRC, so it’s always important to check your local building codes to make sure your project is up to standards.
Choosing Your Deck Railing
What Type Of Railing Is Best For My Deck?
The best railing for your deck depends on how you use your outdoor space and what type of look fits your vision.
Metal, composite, and vinyl railings are sturdy, durable, and don’t require much regular maintenance. Vinyl is a bit more cost-effective, composite offers more color options and the look of natural wood, and metal railings are the strongest and most scratch-resistant.
Wood Railings provide a beautiful, rustic look, but also require more maintenance.
Glass and cable railing are the most eye-catching options and give your deck the most open view, though they cost slightly more and usually require a little more work to install.
What Is The Best Railing For My Lake View?
Glass railing and cable railing systems are the best options for opening up your view. If your deck sits near a lake or has a grand nature view, browse our glass or cable options to keep your view at center stage.
The colors you choose for posts and rails will also impact how much your railing either stands out or stays out of the way of your view. Snap a photo from your deck and give our team a call to tailor your railing color to your environment.
How Do I Make My Deck Railing Safe For Kids and Pets?
If children and pets will regularly be enjoying your deck, we’d recommend browsing our railing options that feature a coordinating gate. That will make it easier to secure your deck entrances and stairs to keep kids and pets safe. Fortress FE26 is an especially good option. Made of steel, it’s the strongest railing you’ll find, plus DecksDirect carries a prefabricated gate to complete your railing system. You can always give us a call to help design a deck project plan that will keep your loved ones safe in your outdoor space.
What Color Railing Should I Choose For My Deck?
When picking out a railing color for your deck, you should consider the colors of your house and decking, but also what you want your railing to do for your deck view.
You can try to match colors already present in your deck area: for example, white railing is a great visual accent to your deck if your house has white siding or a lot of white trim. But you can also look for different accenting colors: a trendy gray deck area will go great with sleek black railings.
If you have a view of nature, bronze railings have an amazing feature: the organic bronze color tone virtually disappears into the background, opening up your deck view.
These are just a few examples of how different railing colors can add different features to your deck. To pick a railing perfectly tailored to your space and priorities, give our team a call at 1-888-824-5316 to walk through all the options.
What Is The Most Cost-Effective Deck Railing?
Wood deck railing will usually be the most cost-effective option up-front, though you will have some recurring maintenance costs.
Vinyl railing is another cost-effective option, and will save you even more over the long run by being extremely durable and low-maintenance.
There are also several affordable metal and composite railing lines. You can always call our team at 1-888-824-5316 for a free consultation, running through our best-value railings.
What Is The Most Durable Type of Deck Railing?
Vinyl and metal railing systems will usually give you the most durability. Metal balusters, glass infill, and cable railing are all highly-durable infill options. At DecksDirect, we prioritize long-lasting and low-maintenance options, so every railing you’ll find in our selection is built to last. To learn more about the best railing system for your local climate, give our team a call at 1-888-824-5316.
What’s The Best Brand Of Deck Railing?
At DecksDirect, we only carry high-quality railings we can recommend with confidence, so any brand you find in our selection makes a premium product that you can trust. Among our brands, Trex is one of the best-known decking and railing brands in the nation, and TimberTech tends to be very popular with contractors and pros.
Installing Railing
How Hard Is It To Install Deck Railing?
Installing deck railing is easier than you might imagine. Many metal railing options come in pre-welded panels so that all you need to do is attach them to your deck surface.
Other metal, vinyl or composite railing options require some assembly, but are easy enough for the average DIYer to put together with ease. DecksDirect sends out detailed installation instructions with every purchase, and our team is always available by phone to help out with any install snags or questions. With one of our knowledgeable guides on the phone, even most glass and cable railing options are very doable for deck owners of all experience levels.
Give us a call and we’ll learn more about you and your experience level, then help connect you with a railing system and project plan that fits your skills and experience.
What Is The Easiest Type of Deck Railing To Install?
Metal deck railing systems with pre-welded panels will be the easiest to install: that includes the Fortress Al13 Home, Fortress FE26 and Fortress AL13 Pro railing lines. The pre-bracketed posts in the Fortress FE26 and Fortress AL13 Pro lines add even more simplicity to installation.
You can always give our team a call at 1-888-824-5316 for free recommendations on the best railing options that you’ll be able to install based on your experience level with home and deck projects. We love to help connect customers with the perfect project for them.
How Do I Attach Railing To My Deck?
Each deck railing system will have its own set of installation instructions, including guides on how to connect posts securely to your deck surface. Depending on your setup, you may have to install some blocking underneath your deck. (You can read more in our Railing Guide here). You can also browse our post anchor options for more ways to secure posts to your deck floor.
Deck Railing Style Guide | What Railing Matches Your Home?
Finding The Right Deck Railing For Your Home's Architecture
Over the past ten years, deck railing design options have exploded. Decks used to be limited to a small, rectangular area off of your home that was constrained in space and crafted completely from the common lumber of your region - in other words, every deck in the neighborhood was made from roughly the same cookie-cutter template.
Now, though, decks are a complete outdoor living area - like any other room of your house, minus the walls. Just as you decorate each room of your house in a style that's distinct, yet part of your overall home's aesthetic, you can now tailor your deck's style to fit perfectly with the rest of your home.
Whether your home has the carefree feel of a beach bungalow or the refined country styling of a modern farmhouse oasis, you can craft your deck to extend those intangible qualities through your outdoor space. One of the best ways to do it is to pick a deck railing that matches your home's architectural style.
At DecksDirect, we help thousands of homeowners each year to revitalize their decks - so we know the best railing options, and the home styles they work best in.
Whether you’re starting from scratch with new construction or breathing new life into an older outdoor space, here’s a railing style guide that will help you select the perfect railing system for your home and gain a complete space you’ll wish you added years ago.
If you have any questions along the way, don’t hesitate to give one of our experienced deck project planners a call at 1-888-824-5316 or send us an email at hello@decksdirect. com. With the largest selection of premium deck products in the country, we know the products, brands, and styles that can take your deck to the next level.
DecksDirect: we're here to help you build a better deck.
Understanding Different Railing Materials & Types
Metal Deck Railing
Lightweight, durable, and versatile, powder-coated metal railing is rust and corrosion-resistant for a long lifespan and easy maintenance. There are a ton of steel and aluminum railing lines with different looks, designs, colors, and sizes to match a range of house styles.
Key Advantages of Metal Railing
- Strong and stable even as temperatures change
- Incredibly low-maintenance
- Stylistically versatile
- Lots of DIY-friendly options
Metal Railing Resources
- Metal Railing Guide
- Browse Metal Railings
Cable Deck Railing
Cable railing refers to any railing with stainless steel cables running between vertical posts and horizontal rails. Cable railing can use wood, metal, or composite for the posts and rails to hit a variety of stylistic looks, though cable is generally a very modern, low-profile aesthetic. Cable railing was developed in coastal regions to emphasize a deck with a view, and remains one of the best options for opening up your deck view.
Key Advantages of Cable Railing
- Creates wide-open deck views
- Modern, unique styling
- Lots of customization options
- Can use existing wood or metal posts
Cable Railing Resources
- Cable Railing Guide
- Browse Cable Railings
Composite Deck Railing
Traditional deck railing looks with modern low-maintenance appeal: Composite railing is a contemporary solution for homeowners who love the classic look of wood railing but don't want the regular maintenance and upkeep demands. Composite railing is made from a mix of natural wood fibers and recycled plastics, capped with a tough PVC shell.
Key Advantages of Composite Railing
- Classic, traditional looks
- Low-maintenance and long-lasting
- Lots of color options
Composite Railing Resources
- Composite Railing Guide
- Browse Composite Railings
Glass Deck Railing
When it comes to deck railing, glass is the luxury show-stopper option. Glass railings are classy, modern, and give your deck an extravagant feel. They create some of the best deck views possible, and can use metal or composite posts and rails. Glass is also strong and versatile, with the option to use full glass panels or sleek glass balusters.
Key Advantages of Glass Railing
- Premium, luxurious looks
- Opens up amazing deck views
- Strong and low-maintenance
Glass Railing Resources
- Glass Railing Guide
- Browse Glass Railings
Vinyl Deck Railing
Vinyl railing delivers a very specific look in a low-maintenance package. Crisp vinyl systems look amazing in northeast Cape Cod styles or with the grand architecture of Colonial homes in the south. Vinyl railing typically has a metal framework inside for reliable strength, with sleek vinyl surfaces that are easy to keep clean.
Key Advantages of Vinyl Railing
- Distinctive Cape Cod or Colonial looks
- Easy to maintain
- Keeps railing costs low
Vinyl Railing Resources
- Vinyl Railing Guide
- Browse Vinyl Railings
Wood Deck Railing
There's something tried and true about the traditional styling of wood deck railings. Pairing the elegance of wood posts and rails with sleek metal balusters creates a timeless look and cuts down on the maintenance typically associated with wood railings. Wood railing kits can deliver a variety of styles to fit a range of house looks.
Key Advantages of Wood Railing
- Looks range from traditional to timeless
- Lots of baluster style options
- Earthy and natural aesthetic
Wood Railing Resources
- Wood Railing Guide
- Browse Wood Railings
Matching Your Home's Architectural Style with Your Deck Railing
The Craftsman Home
Easily one of the most popular designs in America, the Craftsman style of home was created in response to the mass-produced goods and buildings that emerged after the Industrial Revolution. They began appearing in the last years of the 19th century and remained popular well into the 1930s and beyond.
The Craftsman architectural movement wanted to emphasize hand-crafted goods and ideas, returning to the values of human labor and imagination. Focusing on simplicity in its form, the use of local materials, and reliable construction, the Craftsman style aimed to return to uniquely crafted and decorated surfaces that express creativity.
Common Features of Craftsman Homes
- → Natural materials such as brick, wood, and mixed stone
- → Low, pitched roofs with exposed beams or rafters
- → Wide front porches
- → Overhanging window eaves
What Deck Railing Works for this Home
Metal Railing
Craftsman homes tend to focus on simplicity, which makes sleek metal railing an ideal style choice. Metal railings come in black, bronze, or white options that mesh very well with the various natural materials like stone, wood, and brick that characterize Craftsman homes. Metal railing systems can also be installed between existing stone columns, a key detail of Craftsman homes, for a clean look between eye-catching areas.
Our Recommendation:
Key-Link American Aluminum Railing would look ideal in a Craftsman home.
It's posts and balusters are stylish and uncomplicated, and the quality craftsmanship of the intricately-detailed top rail ties in perfectly with the hand-crafted qualities of a Craftsman home.
Composite Railing
Another great railing selection for a Craftsman style home would be a durable composite system. Composite railing systems generally feature wide, substantial post sleeves, which would be a nice stylistic tie to the exposed beams and rafters of Craftsman style homes. Composite railing systems also allow a lot of freedom to choose color combinations that complement your home's exterior.
Our Recommendation:
Trex Transcend Composite Railing is a great fit with Craftsman architecture.
When it comes to deck railing, Trex Transcend is the king of colors - posts and rails come in a huge range of colors to tie to the natural elements around your home and deck.
The Ranch Home
Originating in rural areas of the Southwest and Western regions of America during the second half of the 20th century, Ranch style homes can now be found in every neighborhood in the United States. This style blends modern architectural ideas with stylings from the American West to create an informal and casual living space.
While this structural design really took off with a booming population of homeowners after World War II, it came back in style decades later in the 1980s and 1990s. A younger generation increasingly wanted to build the Ranch style homes they remembered from their youth, but with more contemporary additions. Varying rooflines, sunken living rooms, and cathedral ceilings have made this style of home become more popular than ever before throughout the nation.
Common Features of Ranch Homes
- → Single story layout
- → Long, low-pitch roofline
- → Attached garage
- → Simple floor plans
- → Wide window eaves
What Deck Railing Works for this Home
Metal Railing
The low-key profile of Ranch style homes means you’ll also want to keep your deck or patio railing simple as well. Ranch-style homeowners will want to look for a metal railing line that is slim and almost fades from view when installed.
Our Recommendation:
Fortress AL13 Aluminum Railing would be an amazing choice to accentuate the Ranch style
AL13 is a no-frills metal railing with clean lines and slim, subtle balusters. The bonus with Fortess AL13 is that the system comes in pre-welded panels for easy DIY installation.
Cable Railing
For a bolder deck railing choice, you can pair the clean flat lines of a Ranch style home with the sweeping lines of horizontal cable railing. This can make a Ranch home feel larger, while also opening up the view from the deck.
Our Recommendation:
Key-Link Horizontal Cable Railing would be an outstanding choice with a Ranch style home.
With no bottom rail, Key-Link's horizontal offering keeps its lines clean and thin. Plus, the gorgeously-crafted top rail hints at the southwestern flair of the Ranch style's beginnings.
The Tudor Home
Emerging late in the 19th century, around the same period as the Craftsman style, the Tudor architectural movement also rejected mass-production of goods and drew on simple designs. Reminiscent of cozy European cottages, the Tudor Revival style of home was a popular choice in the colder Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States up until the late 1930s.
The Tudor model resurfaced as a popular style again throughout the 1970s and 1980s as homes aimed to be more minimalistic yet large and unique. With elaborate layouts, a solid stone and masonry foundation, and a mix of neutral brown, red, and white tones, the Tudor style delivers an old-world charm with great appeal.
Common Features of Tudor Homes
- → Decorative half-timbering in either vertical or diagonal directions with stucco or stone between
- → Tall, narrow windows
- → Steeply pitched roof, often with multiple overlapping
- → Stone chimney
What Deck Railing Works for this Home
Composite Railing
A composite railing line is a great choice for any Tudor home, as the category can be as decorative or as minimal as needed to match the accompanying home.
Our Recommendation:
TimberTech Classic Composite Railing is a perfectly versatile choice for Tudor architecture.
The TimberTech Classic Composite system allows you to choose between one of four top rail styles, so you can dial in exactly how traditional or minimalist your deck should be to match your home.
Metal Railing
Metal railing pairs clean, minimalist lines with a handcrafted feel that fits the coziness of Tudor homes.
Our Recommendation:
AFCO Pro Aluminum Railing is a truly timeless blend of a traditional top rail with a modern material, ideal for Tudor homes.
AFCO's rounded-off top rail is totally traditional, and choosing the textured bronze finish can really tie with any half-timbering detail on a Tudor home.
The Modern Home
First appearing on the American landscape in the mid-20th century, Modern homes are distinctly recognizable for their clean lines and minimalistic design. Drawing from a wide range of architectural influences from around the world, modern or contemporary style homes tend to blend a variety of building materials together to create a completely singular building.
Generally, contemporary homes focus on creating a connection to the nature surrounding them, while emphasizing sustainability. With this architectural style, homeowners are able to pick and choose the characteristics they love for a truly individualistic home.
Common Features of Modern Homes
- → Flat or low-slope roofs
- → Large, horizontal windows
- → Blending of mixed materials on the exterior
- → Open floor plans
- → Either a monochromatic color scheme or a color palette with distinct contrast
What Deck Railing Works for this Home
Glass Railing
Modern or contemporary style homes are often angled towards a futuristic look with lots of transparency. That makes glass panel railing a great stylistic fit. Glass railing connects a modern home to the nature outside it while also providing that state-of-the-art feel.
Our Recommendation:
Trex Signature Glass Railing is a great fit with modern homes for a clean, consistent look.
Trex nails simple, unadorned beauty with the slim Signature top rail, and full glass panels between minimal posts open up sweeping deck views.
Cable Railing
The clean lines and industrial look of cable railing make a beautiful match with modern style homes. And like glass railing, cable rail opens up stunning views that invite the surrounding nature into your deck space's aesthetic.
Our Recommendation:
Feeney Custom DesignRail is a great modern option because of how customizable it is.
Tons of style and color options mean you can tailor Feeney Custom DesignRail to fit a monochromatic home or to hit the perfect color contrast of your exterior.
The Colonial Home
The American colonial architectural style began at the beginning of the 17th century as colonists started creating settlements along the Eastern seaboard. The style has remained popular in the centuries since, reflecting the grandeur, importance, and nostalgia of the Colonial Era. Traditional and very symmetrical, Colonial and Colonial Revival style homes are typically rectangular or square-shaped with evenly spaced sections.
Generally consisting of a straightforward two-story building, Colonial-style homes will often feature a small, covered porch at the entryway, supported by columns or decorative pilasters. Building materials typically consist of stone, brick, or classic clapboard siding, though these materials are rarely blended together and are instead used singularly. With an incredibly simple style, many Colonial homes have added colored double-sided shutters to give a touch of detail.
Common Features of Colonial Homes
- → Evenly spaced windows with shutters
- → Multi-pane windows arranged symmetrically
- → Symmetrical dormer windows
- → Grand entryway supported by columns, or portico
- → One to several large brick chimneys
What Deck Railing Works for this Home
Vinyl Railing with Columns
For a grand Colonial porch or entryway, an ornate vinyl railing system is a wonderful match. The traditional squared-off rails and bright white finish of vinyl is a classic look - plus, vinyl railing looks great with ornate, turned balusters like you see above.
Our Recommendation:
Durables Ashington Vinyl Railing with AFCO Aluminum Columns will match your Colonial porch or deck perfectly.
Durables features a range of vinyl railing options that would fit various Colonial homes. The Ashington system includes decorative white balusters to deliver the look of hand-crafted wood. Fluted AFCO Columns bring a totally traditional look, while smooth round balusters add some smooth, curved lines to the squared-off angles of Colonial architecture.
Composite Railing
A substantial composite railing system is a great match for the grandeur of a Colonial-style home. Composite railings typically feature wide post sleeves and bright white rails. They'll also pair great with round or square columns, a staple of the Colonial look.
Our Recommendation:
Trex Select Composite Railing modernizes the Colonial appeal for a timeless porch or deck look.
The classic white rails with sleek black aluminum balusters create an eye-catching contrast that fits with the lasting style of Colonial architecture.
The Cape Cod Home
Originating in the New England region of the United States in the mid-17th century, the Cape Cod architectural style had a huge revival period from the 1930s to the 1950s. A Cape Cod structure is typically a single-story cottage with an open upper floor. This straightforward design has its roots in practicality: the harsh winter climates of the Northeast led builders to conserve heat by creating low-ceilinged rooms centered around a large chimney.
Constructed from local materials such as cedar, oak, and pine, Cape Cod style homes generally feature a clapboard or shingle siding. Roofs are usually steep-pitched and gabled to keep snow from accumulating during long winters. Symmetrical dormer windows are often featured to bring the warmth of natural light into the upper-level attic. Uniform window shutters are also a common detail to hold back biting winter winds.
Common Features of Cape Cod Homes
- → Steep, gabled roofs
- → Wide, central chimneys
- → Symmetrical shuttered windows
- → Clapboard or shingle exterior siding
- → One story size with ample attic space
What Deck Railing Works for this Home
Vinyl Railing with Columns
Vinyl railing has a very distinctive look that perfectly accents the Cape Cod style. The simple, geometric look of vinyl railing matches the simplicity of a Cape Cod home, and makes a front porch look expansive and inviting. Once again, decorative columns make a great added accent piece.
Our Recommendation:
Durables Vinyl Railing with AFCO Columns will accent the functional charm of your Cape Cod home
Durables Vinyl railing comes in a variety of styles, from the really traditional decorative balusters shown above to the more timeless look of white rails and black aluminum balusters.
Metal Railing
A metal railing system can add an understated look to a Cape Cod home’s front porch or back deck. Metal railing is typically straightforward, strong, and functional, reflecting the underlying themes of Cap Cod architecture with a sleek, elegant appearance.
Our Recommendation:
Key-Link American Aluminum Railing would shine in a Cape Cod setting.
Key-Link American railing is elegant and high-quality, adding some "Wow"-factor to a Cape Cod setting.
The Queen Anne Home
The Queen Anne style, sometimes called Victorian-era styling, appeared in the United States around the 1860s. Picturesque buildings with unique and ornamental details, Queen Anne homes are often vibrantly colorful. Typically built from brick or common stone, the walls of a Queen Anne home are decorated to create textured contrasts from the rest of the structure.
The roofs of a Queen Anne home are steeply pitched and asymmetrical, often gabled and featuring dormer windows. Turrets, decorative trim, and bay windows are common features that combine to create a visually complex look. This style of home will generally feature a prominent front porch that will often curve into a wrap-around for a complete view.
Common Features of Queen Anne Homes
- → Steeply pitched roofs
- → Cylindrical tower-like structures
- → Decorative wrap-around porches
- → Varied, asymmetrical roofs
- → Decorative brackets and posts
What Deck Railing Works for this Home
Composite Railing
To match the rich and ornamental style of a Queen Anne home, we'd suggest a customizable composite railing system. Composite railings are substantial and traditional, with plenty of color and style options to contrast with your home's individual styling.
Our Recommendation:
TimberTech Classic Composite Railing is an amazing choice that would fit a huge range of Victorian style homes.
To mesh with the really traditional architecture, we'd suggest one of TimberTech's more traditional top rails, like the stately T-shape of the Trademark top rail.
Metal Railing
The brick or stone textures of a Queen Anne home will look great with a smooth metal railing system that leans into the complex visual appeal of Victorian architecture.
Our Recommendation:
AFCO Pro Aluminum Railing is a beautiful blend of modern material and traditional styling to suit a Queen Anne home.
The rounded-off top rail of the AFCO Pro Metal Railing is classy and traditional, and AFCO's beautiful powder-coating makes for a gorgeous textural contrast with the other elements of a Queen Anne home.
Terrace railings, options and basic nuances - sdelayzabor.ru
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Contents
- 1 Purpose of the terrace railing
- 2 What is the building envelope?
- 3 Requirements for the manufacture of deck railings
- 4 Selection of materials for timber construction
- 4. 1 Soft woods
- 4.2 Hardwoods
- 5 Do-it-yourself installation of wooden railings
- 6 Installation of metal railings on the terrace
Terraces in a country house are designed primarily for comfortable pastime. Such an extension is not only an additional resting place, but also decorates the exterior of the house with its appearance. For safety, the terraces are fenced with railings. A special charm is created if such a railing is made of wood. Below we will consider how to make a terrace fence with your own hands, what materials are better to use, what nuances need to be taken into account in the process of performing work. nine0010 White terrace railing
Purpose of the terrace railing
Several purposes of the railing can be listed:
- Decoration of the building and the entire area. The railing for the terrace made of wood looks especially impressive.
- Ensuring the safety of people. The railing will not allow a person to fall if he suddenly loses his balance. If there are children in the house, then the relevance of this approach will be even higher.
- Increasing the level of comfort and coziness. Agree that being on a fenced area is much more pleasant. nine0015
- The fence complements the house, makes a single composition with it.
- The sturdy railing can act as a backrest if you lean on it while relaxing.
- Such a platform can be a place for placing flower arrangements or any other elements of the interior of the estate.
What is a building envelope?
The railing on the veranda or on the terrace is a combination of several elements:
- Bearing posts. Usually they, like all other elements, are made of wood. Pillars can have a different section, thickness, shape. The height of the pillars can also be different. If there is a canopy above the terrace, then the pillars are the supports for this canopy. It is on the pillars that the primary attention is drawn when looking at the fence. nine0015
- Handrails made of wood or other material. These are the upper parts of the railing, located in a horizontal plane. They can be made narrow or wide. In the latter case, it will be possible to place flowers or any other objects on the handrails.
- Vertical protection sections or individual balusters. Their shape can be completely different.
- Additional planks connecting vertical balusters.
Requirements for the manufacture of terrace railings
There are several mandatory standards to ensure the safety of people on structures such as terraces and open verandas:
- The railing on the terrace must withstand a load of at least 100 kg. This is necessary so that even a person of solid build can freely rely on them. All load-bearing elements must be securely fastened to the floor.
- Handrails must be free of burrs. They must be polished to perfection.
- The height of the railing must be at least 50 cm. It is better if the railing is 1 m high.
- The distance between adjacent balusters should not exceed 15 cm. This is all the more important if small children live or visit the house.
Choice of materials for wood construction
Handrails are most often made of wood. However, cases of using forged elements and wood-polymer composite material are not uncommon.
Wrought-iron terrace railingWhen choosing wood for a railing, you should be guided by your financial capabilities and the availability of one or another type of wood. Usually both soft and hard woods are used. Soft types are easy to process, have a low cost. Hard rocks resist moisture well, are considered more durable. We list the most popular of them:
Softwood
- Pine. Inexpensive material, well processed. Requires moisture protection.
- Spruce. Before its use, heat treatment of wood is carried out. Otherwise, the material will not last long.
- Larch. Its structure contains natural antiseptics, so it does not need additional impregnations.
Hardwood
- Oak. Durable and weather resistant. nine0014 White fir. It is well processed, unlike oak, but it is practically not inferior in strength.
- Ash. Over time, the air loses its density due to moisture and ultraviolet radiation.
But birch, linden, alder and maple are undesirable for creating open fences. High humidity affects their structure, which is why they can quickly warp.
Do-it-yourself wooden railing installation nuances
Usually, all fencing elements are made on woodworking machines or purchased ready-made. Before installation, they are treated with impregnations. If you need to make the wood darker or give it some shade, use stain. The order of work will be as follows:
1. Preparation of project documentation. A detailed drawing, which will indicate all the elements of the future design with dimensions, can significantly facilitate and speed up the construction process.
2. Floor preparation. It can be made from boards, parquet boards or other materials. In some cases, wooden flooring is laid on a concrete base. Or only a stone or concrete floor is used.
3. Marking for the installation of support poles is being made. nine0010
4. Drill holes of the required diameter for the anchor bolts.
5. Support posts are mounted on the floor using anchors with threaded studs. First, corner supports are installed, and only then - internal pillars. The distance between the posts is 1.5 m.
6. A railing is installed over the supporting posts. They are attached to the poles with self-tapping screws, bolts or strong glue. It is better to use several types of fasteners at once to ensure the safety of the structure. At the same time, fasteners should not be conspicuous or create any difficulties. nine0010
7. Barrier sections or balusters are being installed. In some cases, additional horizontal slats are used to improve the aesthetics of the fence.
8. If there are gaps in the structure, they are filled with mounting foam. After hardening, dry foam is cut off, and these areas are covered with decorative strips.
Installation of metal railings on the terrace
Often your house is decorated with a terrace with wrought iron railings. They emphasize the style of the building and site, are not afraid of precipitation and temperature changes, are more durable and strong. Such fences can be made from different materials:
- Aluminum structures. They are distinguished by their low weight, resistance to any influences, lack of care.
- Wrought iron railings attract with a variety of designs, unusual shapes, and their luxury. They are famous for their durability and originality.
- Stainless steel railings attract with their unsurpassed appearance. Resistant to all types of influences, durable.
The installation of metal fences consists of several stages:
- Marking the floor of the terrace with the designation of the places for the installation of metal supports.
- Installation of supporting posts. Metal poles are attached to the floor with bolts or anchors. The welding method is also sometimes used if metal embedded elements are prepared on the floor.
- When all supports are fixed to the floor, the handrails are attached.
- Installing the metal sections between the supports.
- Additional processing of the finished fence is carried out, if necessary. nine0015
The choice of material for the construction of the terrace railing depends on your preferences and possibilities. Wooden railings will provide maximum naturalness and environmental friendliness of the design. Polymer composite will add durability to the fence. Metal railings will decorate your terrace in a peculiar way, being the embodiment of reliability and constancy.
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Terrace and stair railings: functionality plus aesthetics
Terrace railings
A terrace is a structurally simple addition to a building. It is comfortable and harmoniously complements the image. The standard option is adjacent to the side of the house or located at some distance. The ergonomic light roof protects from the sun and rain, but it is not required. Terrace railings are made of WPC, other wood materials, metal. They are aesthetic and interesting. Each owner of the building can choose a special shape, determine the height or decide which color will look more original. nine0010
The model is solid or lattice. It assumes a sea of space and the presence of fresh air. Usually, light furniture is installed on the terrace, enjoying unity with nature. Therefore, decorative fences made of WPC and other materials are so special and diverse.
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Porch railings nine0010
The porch is not only a tribute to tradition or an additional platform leading to the house. This is a functional extension that creates a climate buffer, allowing you to stop in front of the door and conveniently close the umbrella in inclement weather. It will protect the front door from dust. Sometimes they build a spacious porch with a small bench - such a structure resembles a miniature veranda or terrace.
This seamless transition from outdoor space to a cozy home or office is only completed with a porch railing. Such an addition can be a decorative option or protecting from gusts of wind, but in any case it will ensure safety: there will be no accidental falls. nine0010
Handrail for stairs
If railings and railings are not necessary for the porch and terrace, they perform more of a design task, then a staircase without such an addition can be dangerous. This is a support for tired employees or households, the elderly or children. And the railings are wooden, other variations give a sense of security to everyone who goes up or down the steps.
Plus, it is a decoration of the interior or facade of the building. Such elements are installed in production in accordance with safety standards, and in homes they help to find balance in unexpected situations. Stair railings are a decorative necessity, therefore, when designing structures, such elements are laid initially, with full calculations. nine0010
Railings and barriers: materials
Fences can be made of different materials that are safe and suitable for processing, installation. Which railing to prefer is decided by the owner of the building. Most popular:
◇ Wooden railings and railings. Natural material, pleasant to the touch. It is beautiful and looks respectable, but it requires careful care, we easily ignite if there is no additional processing. Subject to insect invasion, does not tolerate moisture. nine0216 ◇ Metal railing. Rugged and representative. Forged and stamped models are popular. They are beautiful, but they heat up in the sun, become icy in winter. Differ in significant weight therefore the facilitated design, or the steady basis is necessary. Some consumers prefer practical stainless steel railings.
◇ Glass, polycarbonate, rope fantasy options are an interesting solution for those who love the illusion of open space.
◇ Natural or decorative synthetic stone is a special decoration for an unusual decor. nine0216 ◇ WPC railing is a versatile construction based on wood material, incorporating the best properties of natural raw materials, but devoid of its shortcomings.
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The aesthetic appearance of each product gives the designs a special flavor, so the final decision is made after the main points are thought out and calculations are made. nine0010
Material selection
Everyone chooses the option that he likes. There are designs from expensive price segments or worthy positions with environmentally friendly additives, reliable and attractive - for example, railings for a terrace, stairs or porch made of WPC.
For a high-tech interior, metal can be organic. When placed outdoors, it is wiser to abandon wood in favor of materials that are easier to care for.
Benefits of WPC railings
The composition of the WPC is environmentally friendly. These are finely dispersed chips and sawdust of natural wood plus safe binders - non-combustible polymers. Proportions: 50% wood flour, 30% polymer blend, 20% dyes and stabilizer, which give tone and improve the properties of the material. Benefits of WPC railings and railings:
◇ Hygiene.
◇ Endurance - resistance to moisture, no fungus formation.
◇ Operating temperature range from -45 to +75 °C, tolerates sudden changes without damage. nine0216 ◇ Preservation of appearance, WPC does not lose color and does not crack.
◇ Geometry with smooth planes.
◇ No additional care is needed, only cleaning from dust and dirt.
WPC can be improved: sawing, drilling, screwing screws into it and performing other operations - all that are performed when assembling wooden structures. An additional plus is the variety of design solutions, colors.
WPC railing installation: quick and easy
WPC handrail installation available for craftsmen. Support pillars are fixed on the basis of the terrace, stairs, porch. This is not a flooring or logs, but a foundation or a metal frame. WPC poles for the terrace, other components can be purchased immediately complete with the base material. Mounting and decorative fittings - wood-polymer composite supports, brackets, accessories for poles, handrails, all types of fasteners, balusters. We recommend collecting WOODGRAND fences in the following order:
1) Metal supports/mortgages are installed under the WPC posts (fixation on the base)
2) WPC posts are installed immediately with skirt and cover
3) The lower railing is mounted between the posts, and U-shaped clamps for balusters
are mounted on it 4) Balusters
are installed 5) Attach the top railing, with pre-installed U-shaped clamps
WOODGRAND is a domestic manufacturer of WPC fences, producing boards to size and using natural wood raw materials. Our managers are ready to answer any questions and help you calculate the amount of material and components.