Composite vs Wood Railing

For decades, wood was widely considered as the most popular option for railings. However, as a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution, wood leaves a lot to be desired. Termites and carpenter bees can compromise the structural integrity of a wooden railing.

The elements are tough on wood, too. Rain, snow, and hot summer sun over the years can take its toll on wood railings. Those temperature fluctuations cause wood to expand and contract, resulting in warped railings. This can also cause wood to splinter and chip its paint. To properly maintain wood railings, you’ll find yourself frequently repainting and replacing them, which is both time-consuming and costly.

How to Clean Composite Deck Railing

Deck railings are bound to get dirty. It goes with the turf of being outside. However, with regular upkeep, a low-maintenance deck railing can be easily cleaned with soap and water. For homeowners who enjoy entertaining on their decks, this can eliminate worry about stains from greasy BBQ or muddy children’s handprints becoming a permanent fixture on your deck railing. Composite won’t stain like wood and once the composite railing is installed, there is never a need to sand, paint, or stain your railings.

However, it’s still a good practice to do a deeper clean once or twice per year to keep your composite deck and railings looking their best. To clean your composite railings, simply spray them with a soapy water mixture and use a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush to scrub dirty spots. Using soft bristles ensures a deep clean without being too abrasive on the surface of your composite railings. For the best results, wait for a dry, sunny day when you can remove everything from your deck and thoroughly clean the decking boards and your railings.

If you live in a snowy climate where your deck is buried during the winter months, you may find a little extra cleaning is in order come spring. A Shop-Vac can remove leftover debris like matted leaves and dirt. Otherwise, some soap and a soft-bristled brush are usually enough for general cleaning.

Composite Railing on Wood Decks

Can you mix a composite railing with wooden decking? Technically, you can mix materials although you may not care for the results. For starters, it’s tough to match the color of wood with composite. You can paint or stain a wooden deck, but color-matching is a tricky art. It’s also easy to scratch paint and stain, so if you install the deck railings after you’ve treated your deck, you run the risk of damaging your deck’s appearance. Additionally, composite materials are fade-resistant, which makes for fresh, consistent coloring throughout the years. By comparison, wooden decking may fade. Even if you initially have a perfect match between your composite railings and wood decking, years of use and exposure to the elements can leave your wood decking several shades lighter than your composite railings.

Best Composite Railing Systems For Your Home

There are plenty of choices when it comes to choosing composite railings to suit your lifestyle and climate. Brands like Trex have a variety of color and style options to match any type of deck.

Composite railing can be incorporated with other low maintenance options, such as glass and aluminum for a modern, low maintenance option. In areas where you want to make the most of your surroundings -- such as the view from a deck overlooking your swimming pool or waterfront property --  try using glass or mesh panels in place of traditional balustrades.

Cable wire-style railings and railings that make use of traditional spindles are other options that can work with your composite decking of choice. There are many options for composite railings and our deck railing ideas gallery can help you find your perfect design.