Decking Railing Ideas

Decking railing ideas can be found in a variety of places online and at your local library. Many websites offer free deck plans that include railings and home improvement books often feature pictures of railed decks. For homeowners that are only concerned with finding the best looking railing, they should consider hiring a craftsman to design custom rails.

Deck railings are often chosen on the basis of material and aesthetic value. While each railing material has its own distinct beauty, certain materials are more likely to complement particular styles.

Metal is a long lasting material that can be purchased preformed or customized to fit your particular home. In general, metal railing is made of either wrought or cast iron. Cast iron is usually ornate and is very brittle. Wrought iron is more flexible, making it easy to bend thin strips into complicated shapes. Metal railing is often preferred in masonry homes. Historical masonry homes may already have cast iron railings on a porch or the roof that can be matched by a craftsman to maintain a seamless appearance.

Glass allows for a view with little visual distraction. This makes it ideal for homes that were constructed to take advantage of the scenery. Glass is also prized for modern homes, where a clean, uncluttered design ethos is desired. New tempered glass makes it very safe for use in railings, but it often must be installed by a professional. Glass is also often paired with metal for long sections of railing to increase stability.

Homeowners often avoid wood railings because of the maintenance requirements. While wood does require more care than other materials, it is also an excellent choice for a homeowner that would like to install a railing without assistance. Wood is easy to work with and inexpensive, reducing the effects of small mistakes. It is also the most versatile of railing materials, and can fit almost any architectural style if properly cut and prepared.

Composite railings are often made to mimic wood’s appearance. More expensive than lumber, composite railings often come in kits for easy installation and to avoid wasted materials. Advances in technology can also create railings that are incredibly delicate in appearance, but almost as strong as metal. Once installed, a quality composite railing will require only power washing once a year to maintain its appearance.

While many custom wood and metal railings can add beauty to the home, many homeowners would rather be enjoying their deck rather than working on it. For this reason, deck designs and railings are often created that require little upkeep or regular maintenance.

The largest determining factor for the amount of work that a deck railing will require is the material from which it is constructed. In general, wood is the most difficult railing material to maintain. Glass may also be undesirable because it requires constant cleaning.

Metal and composite railings are the easiest to maintain in theory. However, it is important to choose a high quality railing if maintenance is a concern. Composites that are low quality have degraded and faded over time. Metal that is merely painted and not powder coated may peel and chip over time, requiring regular painting, just like wood. However a high quality product will require little more than some basic cleaning once a year to maintain its appearance.

Homeowners who are having difficulty picking a decking railing idea may want to talk to a professional. A contactor who has installed hundreds of railings over the course of a career will usually talk candidly about the appropriate style and material choice for the home. A craftsman who makes custom railings would also be an excellent choice for a homeowner who would like guidance.

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