21 Deck Railing Ideas for a Stylish Outdoor Space

Deck Railing Components

Before we look at deck design ideas, let’s take a quick look at the parts that make up a deck railing system. Railing options include posts, post caps, top and bottom rails, and infill panels or balusters; you can combine different materials, styles and colors to create the best deck railing for your home.

 

The materials and colors of a railing design work together to create a look that complements the home and landscape. Ornate handrails and white post caps add extra detail to a traditional home:

Timbertech AZEK Composite deck rail with post cap lighting

Low-profile posts and a wide drink rail create a versatile deck design that’s ideal for entertaining:

TimberTech AZEK Drink Rail composite top rail

 

Traditional Deck Railing Ideas

A traditional railing style usually includes taller wood posts with decorative post caps, and a top rail with a curved profile. This classic white railing and deck are made from durable composite material that resembles a wooden deck, and has a matching gate:

Timbertech AZEK Composite railing in white

A stylish black finish gives this traditional style composite railing system a farmhouse look:

TimberTech Deck Stairs & Premier Rail, Black Composite

Aluminum baluster panels in black provide contrast against composite deck posts that blend with this home’s greige siding:

Timbertech AZEK posts with Impression aluminum infill panels

Decorative Railing Infill Panels

Decorative infill panels are an upscale touch that adds interest to a traditional home design. This porch and pergola has square web infill panels to give the railing a classic cottage look:

TimberTech PVC Railing square web infill panel

Chippendale style infill panels have complex fretwork design that’s found on many historic homes:

Chippendale infill panels in a PVC porch railing

Modern Deck Railing Ideas

Modern porch railings have a sleeker look, with features like level posts and a continuous top rail. This railing combines black and white with natural wood tones for low-key modern style:

Timbertech composite deck railing with black aluminum balusters and drink rail

Stainless steel cable rail offers a minimalist design that allows clearer views of the landscape. This backyard deck frames the horizontal cables with black composite railing:

TimberTech AZEK Composite posts and drink rail in black

This outdoor space uses wood tones and black-framed cable deck railing to create the ideal complement for a mid-century modern home:

Timbertech AZEK deck in English Walnut with cable deck railing

A sleek aluminum railing kit in dark bronze is the ideal choice for a modern farmhouse style home:

TimberTech Impression Rail Express in Dark Bronze

Another stylish modern deck idea is to eliminate the railing and use a built-in bench to create a safety barrier instead:

TimberTech AZEK Decking with bench, English Walnut

Clear View Railing Designs

Some of the most beautiful outdoor living spaces are the ones that are close to nature. The spindles and pickets of old-style wood deck railings may provide a short privacy screen, but they also block the view. Instead, consider using glass infill panels or steel cable deck railing. This deck combines traditional white posts and top rails with clear glass panels for a clear view of the wooded backyard:

Timbertech AZEK Composite posts and rails with glass infill panels

This DIY homeowner chose to remodel their deck with sleek black railing and glass panels, for a modern look that provides an unobstructed view:

TimberTech AZEK Composite in Dark Hickory, with glass railings

Cable deck railing is an easy DIY deck solution that works beautifully with almost any style of architecture. This deck enjoys open views of the backyard, while white posts, caps and rails tie it to the traditional look of the home:

Cottage style porch with Timbertech AZEK Composite & steel cable deck railing

Built-In Bench Railings

A built-in bench is a stylish alternative to a typical deck railing. Benches not only provide extra seating, they break up long expanses of horizontal railing and may include features like planter boxes and lighting. This homeowner chose a bench to add interest along the railing and create an extra seating area:

TimberTech AZEK Composite in Tigerwood and Mocha

This backyard deck maintains open views by using a long bench instead of metal deck railing:

TimberTech AZEK Composite decking in Mahogany

Modern deck boards made from PVC can be bent into curves to create custom deck designs. A semi-circular bench is the perfect surround for the fire pit on this deck:

TimberTech AZEK Advanced PVC Decking in Mahogany, Coastline and Dark Hickory

Custom Deck Rail Lighting

Lighting is another design feature that helps to create standout deck railings; of course, all deck stairs should be lit for increased safety. TimberTech offers a range of built-in lighting options for your deck:

• Riser lights to illuminate stairs
• In-Deck lights emit a soft glow to delineate deck edges
• Accent lights for general lighting on posts
• Post Cap lights to softly illuminate each post
• Under-Rail lighting to frame the deck with a soft glow

Post cap lights and accent lighting on these stairs add style while improving safety:

Timbertech AZEK Railing Lights

When used along the entire railing, lighted island caps and accent lights help to create a cozy outdoor ambiance after dark.

TimberTech AZEK Composite Drink Rail in White

This deck makes the most of its glass panels with the glow of LED Under-Rail lighting:

Timbertech Impression Rail with Under-Rail lights

Where To Buy TimberTech Deck Railing By AZEK

Here at Ring’s End, we offer an unparalleled selection of building materials both in-store and online throughout Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York. We’re proud to offer TimberTech products because we know that homeowners have confidence in the 30-50 year product warranty.

In addition to the expertise provided by our Ring’s End sales representatives, an architect or designer is a great help when planning a custom deck. They can supply creative design ideas, as well as produce a deck design that meets local building codes and provide plans for the contractor. With thoughtful attention to color and some expert help, your new deck will be a stunning addition for all to enjoy.