Deck Railing Systems
Railings for your deck are an essential part of your deck, making it both functional and safe to use. Deck railing and handrails can certainly add polish, personality, and a distinctive touch to your deck. However, their primary function is to prevent slips and falls when climbing deck stairs while providing a safety barrier on elevated portions of your deck.
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Deck railing systems must follow building codes, just like the deck itself. They're designed to keep children and pets from falling between the balusters, meaning any spaces between deck rail components must be 4 inches or less.
A professional contractor can install a deck railing system for you. However, if you're handy and have a free Saturday afternoon to spruce up your deck, take a look at some resources to help you with a DIY project that not only beautifies your deck but also helps keep your family safe.
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Deck Railing Types
5 Cable Railing Ideas to Inspire Your Deck or Porch Railing
Cable railing adds a modern touch for those looking to add a unique twist to their deck or porch. These top ideas offer inspiration and guidance on cable railing for your deck.
Deck Railing Types
Cocktail Railing Considerations & Ideas
A cocktail rail is the ideal enhancement for a deck railing. Explore what to consider when introducing a drink rail to your deck.
Railing Codes
Deck Railing Height Requirements
Understanding deck railing height is important for meeting code requirements. Learn how high you should build your deck railing.
Deck Railing Parts
Parts of a Deck Railing
We discuss the different components that compose a wood deck rail system. Learn about rail posts, top and bottom rails, balusters and a top cap.
Deck Railing Types
How to Install Metal Deck Railings
Metal deck railings can add a sophisticated and modern look to your deck. Learn how to install metal and aluminum deck railings
Deck Railing Types
Cable Railing Ideas & Alternatives For Decks
Cable rails are a modern looking rail system that preserves views. Learn how to install cable rails to meet building codes.
Deck Railing Types
Vinyl Deck Railing Reviews, Comparisons, & Costs
Compare Vinyl Deck Railings to wood, aluminum, and composite. Find reviews and cost information to help choose the best deck railing for your home at Decks.com.
Deck Railing Types
DIY Deck Privacy Ideas: How to Build a Deck Privacy Screen
In some deck design situations, you may feel that it is important to block certain views to increase privacy. This can usually be achieved by building a privacy wall or fence.
Deck Railing Types
Everything You Should Know Before You Buy Cable Deck Railing
Learn how to transition from traditional wooden railings to sleek, minimalist cable rail systems, enhancing your deck with modern aesthetics and unobstructed views. Our guide illustrates the variety of cable systems available and helps you determine the best option for your needs.
Glass Railing
Glass Deck Railing Ideas and DIY Installation Tips
All glass panels used for deck railings must be safety-tempered and shatter-resistant. Learn how to install glass railing panels and get ideas for your deck.
Deck Railing Types
How to Choose the Right Deck Railing
As one of the most visible elements of a deck, railings add support, safety and style. Get tips for choosing the right deck railing at Decks.com.
Deck Railing Types
Composite vs Aluminum Deck Railing
Composite and aluminum railings are great low maintenance alternatives to traditional wood. Learn the differences between these materials with Decks.com.
Deck Railing Types
Best Aluminum Deck Railings: Reviews & Benefits
Aluminum deck railings are a great low maintenance option for any home. Compare different materials and find the best aluminum deck railing system for you.
Deck Railing Types
How to Build a DIY Deck Railing Planter Box
Railing planters are an easy way to add some color to your deck without taking up space. Follow these simple steps and get started on your railing planters today.
Deck Railing Types
Low-Maintenance Composite Deck Railing Options
Composite railing systems offer a low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood railings. Learn why composite is the best railing system at Decks.com.
Deck Railing Types
Top 18 Deck Railing Ideas & Designs
Railings add the finishing touch to your deck. Get inspired by these deck railing ideas and styles from Decks.com and make your outdoor space unique.
Deck Railing Types
How to Build & Install an Outdoor Deck Gate
In this easy-to-follow guide, we explain the process of building a deck gate and installing it on your deck.
Railing Codes
Deck Railing Codes
Learn about the building codes that regulate guardrails. How high do rails need to be? What are the rail infill requirements?
Deck Railing Parts
How to Install Deck Rail Balusters
Step-by-step instructions on installing deck rail balusters. Learn how to install metal balusters with connectors.
Deck Railing Parts
Deck Stair Handrails
Learn about the code requirements for installing a grippable handrail for your deck stairs.
Railing Codes
How to Install Deck Stair Railings
Step-by-step instructions for how to install deck stair railings. Learn about the code requirements and construction tips with images.
Deck Railing Types
How to Install Composite Deck & Porch Railings
Composite deck and porch railings offer a low-maintenance option for railings. Learn how to install composite railing and get ideas for your deck at Decks.com.
Deck Railing Parts
Deck Rail Post Attachment
Step-by-step instructions for installing rail posts to your deck frame.
Deck Railing Types
5 Cable Railing Ideas to Inspire Your Deck or Porch Railing
Cable railing adds a modern touch for those looking to add a unique twist to their deck or porch. These top ideas offer inspiration and guidance on cable railing for your deck.
Deck Railing Types
Cocktail Railing Considerations & Ideas
A cocktail rail is the ideal enhancement for a deck railing. Explore what to consider when introducing a drink rail to your deck.
Railing Codes
Deck Railing Height Requirements
Understanding deck railing height is important for meeting code requirements. Learn how high you should build your deck railing.
Deck Railing Parts
Parts of a Deck Railing
We discuss the different components that compose a wood deck rail system. Learn about rail posts, top and bottom rails, balusters and a top cap.
Deck Railing Types
How to Install Metal Deck Railings
Metal deck railings can add a sophisticated and modern look to your deck. Learn how to install metal and aluminum deck railings
Deck Railing Types
Cable Railing Ideas & Alternatives For Decks
Cable rails are a modern looking rail system that preserves views. Learn how to install cable rails to meet building codes.
Deck Railing Types
Vinyl Deck Railing Reviews, Comparisons, & Costs
Compare Vinyl Deck Railings to wood, aluminum, and composite. Find reviews and cost information to help choose the best deck railing for your home at Decks.com.
Deck Railing Types
DIY Deck Privacy Ideas: How to Build a Deck Privacy Screen
In some deck design situations, you may feel that it is important to block certain views to increase privacy. This can usually be achieved by building a privacy wall or fence.
Deck Railing Types
Everything You Should Know Before You Buy Cable Deck Railing
Learn how to transition from traditional wooden railings to sleek, minimalist cable rail systems, enhancing your deck with modern aesthetics and unobstructed views. Our guide illustrates the variety of cable systems available and helps you determine the best option for your needs.
Glass Railing
Glass Deck Railing Ideas and DIY Installation Tips
All glass panels used for deck railings must be safety-tempered and shatter-resistant. Learn how to install glass railing panels and get ideas for your deck.
Deck Railing Types
How to Choose the Right Deck Railing
As one of the most visible elements of a deck, railings add support, safety and style. Get tips for choosing the right deck railing at Decks.com.
Deck Railing Types
Composite vs Aluminum Deck Railing
Composite and aluminum railings are great low maintenance alternatives to traditional wood. Learn the differences between these materials with Decks.com.
Deck Railing Types
Best Aluminum Deck Railings: Reviews & Benefits
Aluminum deck railings are a great low maintenance option for any home. Compare different materials and find the best aluminum deck railing system for you.
Deck Railing Types
How to Build a DIY Deck Railing Planter Box
Railing planters are an easy way to add some color to your deck without taking up space. Follow these simple steps and get started on your railing planters today.
Deck Railing Types
Low-Maintenance Composite Deck Railing Options
Composite railing systems offer a low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood railings. Learn why composite is the best railing system at Decks.com.
Deck Railing Types
Top 18 Deck Railing Ideas & Designs
Railings add the finishing touch to your deck. Get inspired by these deck railing ideas and styles from Decks.com and make your outdoor space unique.
Deck Railing Types
How to Build & Install an Outdoor Deck Gate
In this easy-to-follow guide, we explain the process of building a deck gate and installing it on your deck.
Railing Codes
Deck Railing Codes
Learn about the building codes that regulate guardrails. How high do rails need to be? What are the rail infill requirements?
Deck Railing Parts
How to Install Deck Rail Balusters
Step-by-step instructions on installing deck rail balusters. Learn how to install metal balusters with connectors.
Deck Railing Parts
Deck Stair Handrails
Learn about the code requirements for installing a grippable handrail for your deck stairs.
Railing Codes
How to Install Deck Stair Railings
Step-by-step instructions for how to install deck stair railings. Learn about the code requirements and construction tips with images.
Deck Railing Types
How to Install Composite Deck & Porch Railings
Composite deck and porch railings offer a low-maintenance option for railings. Learn how to install composite railing and get ideas for your deck at Decks.com.
Deck Railing Parts
Deck Rail Post Attachment
Step-by-step instructions for installing rail posts to your deck frame.
Deck Railing FAQs
Read answers to frequently asked questions about deck rails and deck railing systems for your outdoor slice of heaven.
Choose a deck railing using several steps, such as:
- Review your finances and set a budget. Your budget will determine the size and materials of the deck railing.
- Research the possible materials. Deck railings can be made from wood, composite, metal (typically steel or aluminum), vinyl, or even stainless steel.
- Determine the height of your deck. The height of the deck will tell you if railings are optional or required. Typically the threshold is 30” from the deck surface to the ground, but check with your local code office to be sure.
- Check your local building codes. These will determine the structure, height, and width of the deck rails.
- Think about accessibility. If a family or friend has mobility challenges, or you get significant snow or ice in the winter, think about an ADA-compliant secondary handrail.
- Choose your style and color. You have dozens of options for colors, even if you're painting or staining a wood deck railing system. If you're in for a trendy style, consider rod railing or even glass railing.
Vinyl or composite deck railing systems are the easiest to install because they come in simple-to-use kits that work with any other materials on your deck. Vinyl and composite deck railings offer durability and low maintenance over the life of your deck. Kits may offer the simplicity of snapping parts together for a snug, tight fit with minimal fasteners, nuts, bolts, and screws without using saws or cutting tools.
Many iron and aluminum railing systems come in pre-assembled panels that can also be easy to install.
Pressure-treated wood represents the most affordable deck railing system on the market today, but not when you include the cost of maintenance over the years. Wood deck railing costs an average of $15 to $25 per linear foot, depending on your location. Trex Composite railing can save you money over the long term at around $35 to $55 per linear foot.
Yes, because composite deck railing has the appearance of wood to give your deck a classic look without all the rot, maintenance, or weathered appearance you’ll get with wood. While composite may cost a little more, it can last longer than wood while maintaining its structural integrity. Composite deck railing is also eco-friendly!
Do you have any more questions? Feel free to contact us, and we'll answer as best as we can.
More Helpful Resources
Explore Articles by Topic
Footings
Information related to installing frost footings for decks
Framing
Learn structural framing methods
Decking
Learn about wood and composite decking materials
Stairs
An in-depth look at the complex issue of how to build stairs
Railings
How to install guardrails and handrails to meet IRC code
Features
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights
Design
The basics of deck design
Planning
Learn about permits and working with contractors
Porches & Patios
Build a covered deck to enjoy all seasons
Ledger
Proper attachment techniques
Care
Maintain your deck to maintain your investment
Materials
An overview on water drainage, benches, planters and lights