FEATURE Story By Chase Moritz
CHOOSING a deck railing in a contrasting color can provide an eye-catching pop. Shown here is Envision Distinction composite decking in Spiced Teak with an A210 three-rail aluminum railing with vertical balusters.
9 questions to help
customers choose the best deck railing
F
ew outdoor living spaces are complete without the perfect deck railing, and the range of materials and styles available ensures there’s a look for every need. But with so many options, how can your customers choose the ideal deck railing for their project? The easiest way to narrow down deck railing selections is to answer a simple series of questions that cover the railing’s required functionality, a buyer’s desired tastes, local codes, and other factors. Once that process is complete, the possibilities are much more approachable.
lar PVC railings also can be used, but may require a larger post sleeve at the angle. The degree of angles is much more limited with vinyl railings.
What Is the Ideal Deck Railing for the Project?
Deck railing materials and styles vary in price. From a materials standpoint, in general vinyl tends to be the most affordable, then steel, then composite and cellular PVC, and then aluminum. In terms of infill styles, square balusters tend to be more budget friendly and then round balusters. Glass panels and cable railing are on the more expensive end of the spectrum. But you also can mix and match to meet both budget and style needs; for example, choose white vinyl top rails with black aluminum balusters for a more custom look. Or if cable rail is desired but out of the price range, horizontal balus-
The first step is to consider which railing will best fit the project’s parameters. Focus on these questions:
1. What is the required height in your area? The code will call for 36” or 42”.
2. Does the deck have a lot of angles?
If there are level runs with angles, certain styles of railing will be more user friendly. Aluminum railings, for example, are the easiest to install on level angles. Composite or cellu-
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n Building Products Digest n May 2022
3. What are the surroundings like?
Is there a view or openness they want to maintain? This will eliminate certain bulkier rail styles while moving lower-profile options to the top of the list. This can also inform the style of infill they want to use for the project.
4. What is the project’s budget?
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