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Planning your perfect outdoor space wouldn’t be complete without settling on the best deck stairs and railing to enhance the look and ensure your safety. Depending on the height of your deck, railing may be mandatory. When it comes to materials, consumers are faced with a variety of choices, each with advantages and disadvantages. Here are a few things to know about deck railing options.
How to Choose a Deck Railing
There are three things to consider regarding deck and deck stair railing: material, price, and features. For the materials, you can choose railings made of glass, aluminum, wood or composite. Each material has its price and characteristics. For example, glass is beautiful and durable and allows light to pass through, but it is expensive. Wood is the cheapest and most natural option, but it requires the highest level of maintenance.
To choose the right material, you must consider the characteristics you need and your budget. Railings are primarily for safety, so you need to consider who uses your deck and check with your local authorities for specific requirements.
Why Choose Aluminum Railing?
Aluminum railing is an excellent choice if you want durability and low maintenance. The material is resistant to rust, fading and corrosion, which is crucial in harsher climates like Canada.
Aluminum deck railing can easily last up to 20 years and even up to 50 years with proper maintenance. Caring for them requires only a simple cleaning with a non-abrasive soap.
The material is very lightweight, which could be an important factor to consider during construction, especially if it’s a DIY project.
Aluminum offers a modern look with a wide range of options in terms of colours and more.
Since aluminum is 100% recyclable, it is an eco-friendly alternative. The manufacturing process requires less energy compared with other materials. Moreover, some aluminum railings are made locally, making them an even more appealing alternative.
The price is often cited as the main disadvantage of aluminum railing. It’s indeed more expensive than wood and composite but lasts longer and requires less maintenance. It’s also less expensive than glass.
Are Glass Balcony Railings Safe?
If you’ve stood on a tenth-floor balcony with a glass railing, you may have wondered if the glass deck railing was safe. After all, glass can break so easily. It’s true that glass can be fragile, but rest assured that glass railings are not made from the same quality as your drinking glass.
The glass used for railing is extremely strong, making it a perfectly safe option, as long as you respect regulations regarding deck railing heights. In the case of an accident, this type of glass doesn’t shatter into sharp pieces. Similar to a windshield, it breaks into harmless little cubes.
The main advantage of glass railing for decks is the beauty and the way the light shines through. It’s the perfect choice if your deck faces a lake or a spectacular garden, as you can enjoy the view. If you want to let light in but still have privacy, the glass can be tinted or frosted. Glass railings are effective at blocking the wind, which is why they are often found on balconies of high buildings.
In terms of maintenance, glass railings are similar to windows or mirrors; they simply need to be cleaned from time to time.
Glass railing can be expensive, depending on the number of panels needed and whether framed or unframed panels are used. However, it can easily last for decades and may be covered by a warranty.
Is Wood Deck Railing a Good Option?
Wood deck railings offer natural beauty at the most reasonable price. It’s important to choose a type of wood that is well-suited for decks, like red cedar, for example. Depending on the sourcing, wood can be environmentally friendly.
Wood is very flexible in terms of design, allowing you to pinpoint exactly what you want for your outdoor space.
The main disadvantage of wood for deck railing is maintenance. Over time, wood deteriorates more than other materials, and you will need to do maintenance or repairs at some point.
Is Composite Good for Deck Railing?
Composite deck railing is also a great option. Although more expensive than wood, it remains affordable, especially considering the low maintenance it needs. This material is sturdy, which makes it particularly suited for railing.
You can find composite in a variety of colours and textures to match the appearance of your outdoor space. It is resistant to rot and insects and won’t require much maintenance over time, which makes the investment worth it. It’s the perfect balance when you want the look of wood without extensive maintenance and can afford a higher initial investment.
A well-chosen railing is necessary for safety and compliance, but it can also add extra aesthetic appeal and value to your home. Contact us if you have other questions regarding which material to use or if you want to choose a specific material. We’ll be happy to help you get railing that complies with local regulations and beautifully complements your deck.