Wood Deck Railing Options

Straight Wood

• Choose a traditional straight railing if you prefer function over design. This standard wood deck railing features plain balusters placed at 4- to 6-inch intervals. It's frequently made in cedar and redwood but can be purchased in other wood types and composite materials to complement your wood decking. While it lacks detail, it serves as a protective border for the perimeter of your deck.

Turned Wood

• Wood railings do not have to be plain to be functional. A wood deck embellished with a turned wood railing can enhance an older style home, such as a Victorian. Rail posts and balusters can be custom carved to accent your home's unusual exterior architecture. Add built-in flower containers or antique finials to make your new wood deck blend with the original design of your home.

Glass

• While a glass or acrylic railing may not appeal to everyone, this railing is an option well suited for a contemporary home. The clear panel railing ensures your view of the pool or backyard landscaping is not blocked. It also provides a barrier to keep children and pets safe when on the wood deck. You can either choose a wood or metal frame that surrounds the transparent paneling. Consult an architect for design options as this is generally not a do-it-yourself installation project.

Composite

• A composite railing made of vinyl is an affordable, low-maintenance option as it does not need periodic sanding and painting like wood railing requires. Composite railing is usually available in various, though limited, colors. Depending on the manufacturer, different style options are available from a standard straight railing to a more decorative railing design. Since manufacturing and disposing of the product releases toxic chemicals into the waste stream, it's not an environmentally-friendly railing option.