Feature Story

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

Few 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.

What Is the Ideal Deck Railing for the Project?

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 cellular 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.

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?

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-

5. Where is the project located?

Coastal areas need railing materials that can withstand the salty moist air, so vinyl, composite, and aluminum are a better option than steel.

What the Are Preferred Aesthetics?

Of course, aesthetics play a critical role in deck railing choices. From a taste or trends perspective, consider these questions:

6. Will the deck be used into the evening and therefore need lighting?

This is an important question because a two-piece top rail will provide the most labor-friendly application of LED wiring. A two-piece design also makes it easier to access the lighting in the future should it need to be repaired.

7. Will the deck be used for frequent entertaining?

If so, a drink rail may be a great fit, as it provides a flat surface for placing drinks and small plates.

8. What is the style of the home?

Though there are no official rules, certain types of railings pair better with particular home styles. For example, an ultra-modern house will likely look best with sleeker, slimmer top rails and balusters or with cable rail infill. A curvy, more ornate top rail or more robust baluster is well suited to a traditional house style.

9. Is the desired look bold or blended?

In the early days of composite decking, projects often matched the deck with the railing, choosing composite railing in the same or similar color as the deck boards. Today, it’s trendy for railings to provide a pop of color and to choose deck railing material based on preference, rather than only to match the composite decking. The choice the customer makes comes down to personal preference, and there are few right or wrong answers. This is where on online deck visualizer tool comes in handy—you and your customers can experiment with decking and railing colors and styles to see what appeals and looks best.

If your customers are still having trouble choosing a railing, it rarely fails to look for examples. Look to your manufacturer partners for tools and inspiration, including deck visualization software, case studies, and idea galleries.

– Chase Moritz is director of marketing & communication for composite decking/ railing manufacturer Envision Outdoor Living Products (envisionoutdoorliving.com).

FOR DECKS WITH A VIEW, customers may prefer infillstyles that don’t obstruct the line of sight. Shown here: Envision Distinction composite decking in Rustic Walnut paired with A310 aluminum railing and horizontal balusters.