For deck railings, lots of options besides wood pickets
If you’re building or rebuilding a deck that’s more than 30 inches off the ground, chances are the local building codes are going to require that it have a railing around it.
For most people, the first material that comes to mind for building that railing is wood, but there are lots of other options worth considering, as well.
Metal: Aluminum, steel and other metal components can be used to make sturdy, weather-resistant and attractive railings.
Some of the many options include vertical rods of copper or anodized aluminum combined with horizontal wood rails; curved or bent metal bars or straps screwed vertically to horizontal wood rails; welded wrought iron in any number of designs; and even decorative brass or copper panels.
There are aluminum railing systems available in several baked-on enamel paint colors, and you’ll often find them in do-it-yourself kits through lumber yards and home centers. The aluminum railings also can be used with wood pickets or glass panels for lots of design flexibility.
Steel cable: This railing option is strong, lowmaintenance and blocks less of your view. Cable systems such as Cable Rail offer all the components you need to custom make a cable railing, including stainless steel cable and all the necessary fittings.
With the growth in popularity of composite decking materials has come an increase in the number of railing components and accessories in the same material. You can now find posts, pickets, rails and other parts that can be used alone or in conjunction with wood to create beautiful, lowmaintenance railings to match any type of deck.
Glass: Have a beautiful view that you don’t want to obstruct? Tempered glass panels might be just the thing. Glass deck rails are constructed using glass panels that are set between posts of wood, metal or other materials, tied together with a supporting top rail.
In order to provide proper support and wind resistance, the glass needs to be of the proper thickness for a given square-footage of area; exposed edges must be ground smooth; and the glass must be tempered. Glass railings require careful design to be strong and safe, so consult with a licensed architect or engineer for advice.
Canvas: For a strong and colorful deck railing, canvas offers another option. You can find canvas in a variety of colors and patterns, and most upholstery shops can cut it into panels for you. Have them seam the edges and set in metal grommets, and you can then string the canvas using rope stretched between metal eyebolts which are set in a wood or metal framework.
Wire, wire mesh: For certain applications, you can create a railing using wire mesh, which is sold by the roll. The mesh is woven or welded into a grid, and is available both galvanized and vinyl coated in different heights, lengths, wire sizes, colors and grid patterns. The mesh can be attached to a wood or metal framework, using hooks, staples, rope or wire lashing, or other methods, and the attachments can be hidden using wood molding strips.
Lattice: Lattice panels set into a wood or aluminum framework can create a railing that offers additional privacy and wind blocking. You can use the lattice alone, or combine it with wood, metal, cable or other materials in alternating panels to vary the overall look of the finished railing. Wood lattice is available in a couple of different thicknesses and grid sizes, and can be painted or stained as desired. There are also several vinyl lattices on the market in various colors, which look great and are virtually maintenance free.
Siding: Wood siding, either matching or contrasting with what’s on your house, offers yet another alternative, especially if you’re looking for maximum privacy or wind-blocking characteristics. You can use the siding alone, or combine it with a top or middle section of lattice, metal rods, cables or other materials.
Code considerations: The building codes require that deck railings be designed and constructed to meet specific requirements for strength.
Most codes also require that gaps in the railing — between vertical pickets, for example, or between the bottom rail of the railing and the top of the deck — be designed so that a 4-inch sphere cannot pass through the gap.
Before designing or constructing any deck railing, check with your local building departments for specific requirements.
Have a home repair or remodel-ing question for Paul? He can be reached by email at improvingyourhome @ykwc.net.