Deck Railing Ideas To Transform Your Home

Deck railing is so important to a deck’s architecture that the style of railing establishes the deck’s overall design. Whether you’re building a new deck or renovating an existing one, a unique railing design can dramatically improve your home’s appearance. Old railings can make your deck look dated, and replacing railings or balusters is a fast and easy upgrade.

Deck railings can either be purchased pre-manufactured or custom-built on the site. With so many resources available today, it’s easy to find inspiration for an amazing deck design. Here are some of our favorite ideas, and important things to keep in mind:

Deck Railing Should Enhance Your Home’s Design and Location:

Whether your deck railing is on a front porch or a backyard deck, choose a design that’s in keeping with your home’s architectural style and location. Many older decks have plain or outdated railings, and replacing them with a more stylish design is a low-cost way to give your yard a dramatic makeover. For example, on a house with a traditional facade, upgrading plain wood railings to a classic wrought iron design is an instant boost to its curb appeal:

For wooded locations, consider dark stain colors or wood and iron combined. Darker tones blend into the landscape and create a smooth transition between the house and surroundings:

On this traditional home, white posts and railings conform to the home’s architecture. However, steel cables were chosen instead of balusters to preserve the garden views:

Plain metal railings with simple post caps are the perfect complement to this home’s mid-century lines and stone facade. Planters in front of the deck provide a barrier of green:

For homes with expansive views, glass or plexiglas railings are a popular choice. They’re available in manufactured kits and can be framed in wood, vinyl, or aluminum:

Upgrade Your Deck Railing For A Backyard Makeover:

Upgrading the design of your deck’s railings while performing repairs is like giving your yard a mini-makeover. Stock railing components like posts and balusters can be upgraded with additional carpentry to create stunning designs. On this railing, larger posts and caps have been combined with closely-spaced balusters for an elegant result:

A horizontal slat forms Craftsman-style squares on this stained-wood railing.

Cable railings have become an increasingly popular way to update a tired deck design. The steel cables reduce maintenance and provide open views of the yard. This modern look is an instant style update for any yard:

Does your deck have unattractive views, or neighbors who are too close for comfort? A deck railing that provides privacy is a great solution. Turn a section of railing into a solid fence, or even better, add built-in seating:

A custom bench along the railing of this deck landing creates an instant seating area. The cable railings add a modern touch:

Manufactured vs. Custom Deck Railings:

Whether you choose manufactured deck railing components or a custom-built railing will depend on your deck’s design and budget. There are some instances when a custom-built option is the only appropriate solution, like this mahogany railing on a historic home:

However, pre-built railing sections are available in a wide range of styles and are typically less expensive than custom carpentry. Trellis inserts and ornate iron balusters are elegant upgrades to the deck railing on a traditional home.

If you choose synthetic wood, wrought iron, aluminum, or glass and steel, your deck railing will be assembled from manufactured parts. Posts, handrails, and decorative post caps come in a tremendous variety of materials and styles. Look for quality features like marine-grade stainless steel cable and integral low-voltage lighting.

Prefabricated rail sections are easily installed around existing deck posts during a renovation. Durable aluminum railings that resemble wrought iron are just one way to completely transform an outdated wooden deck:

Manufactured railings also comply with most building codes, and specification sheets are available to show your local building inspector. There’s no need to hire an architect to draw and submit plans for approval, saving you time and money.

Upgrading your deck railing to one of today’s high quality, stylish designs will help to reduce maintenance in the future. Vinyl or composite railings and powder-coated steel and aluminum balusters won’t need to be re-sealed or painted. A low-pressure wash every season is all you’ll need to keep your deck railing looking beautiful.

Tempered-glass or plexiglas panels can be washed with soap and a squeegee to preserve the view. Many steel railings are made from marine-grade stainless steel and are virtually maintenance-free.

Did you find some inspiration for your dream deck? Let’s get started planning your deck design project. Call our deck specialists today at 1-877-SEALADECK so we can bring your ideas to life.