Deck & Porch Railings
Railings are the most visible aspect of a deck as they are seen from the deck proper, from the yard, and often from a home’s interior. At Ring’s End deck showrooms, you can assess many railing options that can add style and functionality to your deck. Railings are also an important safety feature; our experienced sales people are great resources for learning how proper railing materials and design can add safety and stability to your deck.
Types of Railing
Balusters
Balusters are the vertical members that connect the bottom rail to the handrail. They come in square, round and turned profiles and are available in many materials.
Cable Railing
Made of weather-tough stainless steel, cable assemblies are a popular infill option to ensure an unobstructed view coupled with durability and ease-of-maintenance. Available in both horizontal and vertical layouts.
Fiberon Railing
These prefabricated systems are available in many size modules. A Rail kit refers to many of the man-made products.They come with all necessary railing components and hardware as well as detailed instructions for ease. Other options may require items to be bought a-la-cart.
Materials
Composite
Composite railings, available in many styles and colors, are extremely durable, as they resist rot, mildew, insect infestation, and fading.
IPE Hardwood
IPE hardwood railing gives the beauty of genuine wood with the advantages of natural resistance to wear, rot, splintering, and insects.
Pressure Treated
Weather and the constant forces of nature are wood’s worst enemies. In the 1920’s Karl Wolman invented a way to infuse wood with chemicals to make the wood resistant to rot as well as insect and fungus damage. Wolman’s process forces preservatives into the wood under very high pressure, hence the name pressure-treated lumber.
PVC
Extruded Cellular PVC can be cut, coped, milled, and drilled just like wood without the maintenance and weather-related problems wood railings can entail. This material is an excellent choice for detailed classic designs.
Red Cedar
Cedar is a popular decking material here in the Northeast. It is easy to work with and weathers beautifully, and it provides a non-toxic wood for bare feet and hands.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel cables are a wonderful solution for enhancing a view and adding a contemporary look to a deck. They can be used in place of balusters with wood, synthetic, or metal handrails and bottom railings.
Features Of Railing
Lighting
Adding lighted post caps, under-rail lighting, or riser lights extends the time you can enjoy your deck and increases safety for your family and friends.
Curves
Certain railings, such as Intex’s Hampton line, can be bent to a custom radius for maximum architectural versatility.
Infill Options
In place of standard balusters, one might choose decorative openwork panels, steel cables, even clear acrylic panels.
Lattice
Lattice not only is used to screen the empty space between a raised deck and the ground; it can also be added to railing in order to provide a privacy screen.
Post Caps
These moulded objects can ‘top off’ deck or fence posts, adding visual impact and definition to a railing system. They can also be equipped with lighting, either hardwired or solar.
Rails / Handrails
Handrails are the horizontal members forming the top of a railing system or a graspable railing that attached to a railing. Available in many profiles, materials, and colors they add safety, stability, and beauty to a deck. Bottom rails are the horizontal member that is raised 4" above the deck surface that give support for the balusters.
How to Choose Deck Railings
Usually people select railing materials that match decking materials: wood rails with wood decks, composite rails with composite decks. Sometimes, though, a contrasting material provides an aesthetically pleasing experience, as does a contrasting color. As you plan the deck railing, consider how unobstructed a view you want, ease of maintenance, and what extra features – such as lighting or privacy lattice. That may increase your enjoyment of the deck. Remember to comply with applicable building codes. For safety reasons, these often specify the height and spacing of balusters. HOA codes can also limit railing materials and colors to conform to the neighborhood aesthetic.
Remember to comply with applicable building codes. For safety reasons, these often specify the height and spacing of balusters. HOA codes can also limit railing materials and colors to conform to the neighborhood aesthetic.
