Our Guide To Deck Railings: Glass, Iron, Wood and Beyond

One of the most important details of a new deck installation is the railing! Apart from serving as an important safety feature, the railing sets the tone for the entire deck and plays a crucial role in functionality and budget throughout the deck project. This guide, put together by the team at Wood Country Building Services, has all the information you need to decide which type of railing is right for your backyard.

Glass

A glass railing is perfect for porches with a view! It’s a popular choice for elevated decks, as you can still enjoy the view while seated. It also provides a complete barrier with minimal gaps, great for households with pets or small children. As a bonus, it serves as a wind barrier, making it suitable for upper-level decks.

Be warned that glass will need to be cleaned frequently, as anyone touching the panels will leave smudges, and the wind will blow debris onto the panels. It also poses a risk of birds flying into the panels. To prevent this, be sure to display owl scarecrows, holographic decorations, or other bird deterrents.

Iron

Iron railings are a timeless design choice that many people love for their classic look and sturdy construction. They’re not as common as they used to be, as modern railing choices have come into the spotlight, but they are perfect for people who value the vintage look. Iron railings are very heavy to install and don’t hold up in extreme weather as well as other metal options, so be prepared for higher installation and maintenance costs.

Wood

A classic choice, wooden railings are standard in many neighbourhoods. They are typically more cost-effective to install and can be upgraded easily by sanding down and repainting the planks. As most decks have wooden floors and support beams, wooden railings blend seamlessly into the rest of the deck for a smooth finish. You can also use the same wood stain and extra wood planks to repair and maintain the railings as the rest of the deck, keeping maintenance cost-effective and easy.

That being said, expect to maintain the railing with sanding, staining, and replacing pieces as they rot and splinter. Wood will deteriorate over time, depending on the type of wood and weather conditions.

Cable

One of the more modern options available, cable railings provide a sleek look. Like glass, they also provide an almost unobstructed view when seated on the porch. They are known for their elegant vibe, but run at a higher price point because of it. As cable railings have more gaps than most options and are flexible and easier to bend, they might not be right for households with small children and pets, especially on elevated decks.

Composite

Get the wooden look with a fraction of the maintenance with composite! This material holds up better under extreme weather and is more durable than genuine wood. Because it doesn’t splinter or rot, composite is great for mimicking wood grain. If you have your heart set on a genuine wooden railing, this type of material may not be for you. It also isn’t designed to be repainted, which is a feature you may miss from genuine wood.

Aluminum

As far as metal railings go, aluminum has become one of the most popular and standardized options. It’s one of the more durable options, withstanding scratches and dents as well as extreme weather. It’s lightweight and easy to work with, which means it’s generally customizable and comes in a variety of colour and style choices. It also runs at a lower cost than other options because it’s easier to install.

Vinyl railings are another option to consider, and they often come with an aluminum centre, designed to enhance the durability of the vinyl while keeping the sleek, modern vinyl appearance.

Aluminum railings provide a standard metal look, and generally fit well into any outdoor living space.

Picking The Right Railing

Whether you’re prioritizing function, aesthetic, or price, you’re sure to find a railing that completes your new deck perfectly! No matter what makes a deck the perfect outdoor living space for you, you’re now ready and informed to finish it off with a gorgeous new railing.