Deck railings are an important part of any deck layout. They accent the rest of your deck and provide a perimeter to prevent people, especially children from falling and getting injured. Railings also provide support to those climbing the stairs whether they are going up or down.
Deck Railings
Another benefit of deck railings is helping people safely walk in inclement weather like ice, high winds, etc. Our Grand Rapids deck builders can efficiently install quality railings to complete your backyard deck.
It is important to note the design of your deck will partially determine what kind of railing you should get. If you have a straight rectangular deck then you will need a straight railing. Some people have a curved or wavy deck and they will need a railing that follows that shape.
Railing Materials
Similarly, you will want the material you choose for your railing to either exactly match your deck or complement it. For example, if you have a wood deck you will probably have a wood railing. Glass railings tend to go well with composite decks.
One of the most common railing materials is wood because it is more affordable and can be painted unlike other options. Wood railings are also available in a variety of natural colors. They are however more vulnerable to damage and various weather conditions than alternate options.
While they tend to be more expensive than wood, composite railings are becoming more common. Like composite decks, composite railings are a mix of recycled plastic and wood fibers. They are able to resist weather damage and rot better than wood.
Metal railings have a lot of benefits including being durable and not needing much upkeep outside of being treated for rust. However, metal is a great conductor so it will likely be hot to the touch in summer and nearly frozen in the winter. Aluminum is a good choice if you live in a colder climate because it is strengthened by the extreme cold.
Maintenance
Similar to your deck, your railing will need maintenance too. What kind of material your railing is made of will determine what kind and how often it needs maintenance. Wood deck railings will need to be resealed every 1 to 2 years and re-stained every 3 to 4 years. Staining and sealing help prevent water damage and work against damage from the sun.
If you have had your deck for a long time or maybe it is just losing its luster, then it might be time to paint it again. Painted wood generally lasts longer than sealed wood because paint tends to offer more UV protection. You can fix loose nails and other minor problems yourself, but leave all the major repairs to a professional to avoid injury.
Request a Free Quote
Are in need of a new deck railing? Our expert Grand Rapids deck contractors would be more than happy to build you one. Give us a call today at (616) 608-9713 to get a free quote. All we do is deck replacement and installation!