While deck flooring options are pretty standard, usually either wood, composite boards, or perhaps stone, deck railings are where you can really let your style and creativity shine.
Plain, run-down deck railings can make your entire house look dated. Updating your deck railings is a fairly simple way to make your home look stylish and more modern.
Whether you're updating an existing deck or building a new one, consider different factors. For updates, assess the deck's design and flooring to choose a railing that matches your house.
If constructing a new deck, consider your home's architectural style to ensure the deck complements it effectively.
1. Wire Railing
This beautiful, spacious deck gives a modern twist to a traditional classic. The decking and rail posts are made of traditional wood, but the balusters have been turned on their sides and replaced with wire.
This is a perfect option if you want to give your deck a lighter feel or if you have a gorgeous view you don't want to block.
2. Metal Balusters with Solar Post Caps
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All decks can use some extra lighting at night, and this one has it built-in. The rail posts are topped with solar light caps, which provide a finished look and coordinate with the balusters.
The traditional wooden balusters have been replaced by metal rods. The wood and metal combination modernizes this otherwise traditional deck.
3. Less is More
Sometimes the best rail is no rail. If your deck is fairly low, it may not need any rails at all. This streamlined deck is close enough to the ground that it doesn't need rails for safety.
Eliminating the rails allows the beautiful landscaping around the deck to steal the show. This deck's simplicity fits in with the house's modern style.
4. Glass Panels
Glass panels are modern and sophisticated, seamlessly complementing any deck finish without obstructing the view. Because they are made from tempered safety glass, they are safe for homes with small children or pets.
This type of glass is stronger than regular glass and, if broken, shatters into small, non-sharp cubes instead of dangerous shards.
5. Partial Railing
Where you put your railing can have as much impact as what type you put up. These homeowners have opted to put a railing on only one side of their deck.
This provides a safety barrier on the most dangerous side of the deck, right at the edge of the water, while still leaving an open feel.
Though they've gone with a traditional design and materials, this deck definitely feels updated and custom because of its unusual design.
6. Powder-Coated Metal Railing
Besides enhancing your deck with a modern touch, metal railings offer additional advantages. Their powder coating makes them highly resistant to corrosion and weathering.
Metal rails will last long after the wood has rotted away. They are also low maintenance, requiring very little upkeep. This deck looks stunning, with metal rails that enhance this beautiful view.
7. Criss Cross Rails
These crisscross rails have been painted dark brown to complement the tropical feel of the landscape. While crisscross rails add a custom look to almost any deck, the unusual color makes them stand out even more.
It's more common to see this type of railing painted white, but this gorgeous deck shows that when it comes to color, there's no single option.
8. Stone Wall
If your deck is stone, a stone wall may be the best option for a railing. This amazing stone wall, topped with a wooden cap, gives this otherwise plain cement deck a timeless feel.
The organic, individual stones contrast beautifully with the simple square cement tiles of the deck floor.
9. Built-In Seating
If you often entertain and need extra seating, consider converting your deck rails into built-in benches.
This not only maximizes space but also enhances functionality, as seen in this deck where ample seating surrounds the rails, with a firepit placed nearby to draw guests closer.
The extended seating, however, ensures that anyone who doesn't want to get too close to the firepit still has a place to sit comfortably.
10. Stone and Metal
This luxury home showcases an upscale deck that combines beautiful stonework and intricate metalwork.
The curves of the metal balusters contrast stunningly with the heavy stone rail posts. The flat rail post caps and finished bottom rail give this deck a sophisticated feel.
11. Rustic Minimal
This charming deck lets the forested lake view take all of the glory. It features a minimalist rail with simple rail posts. There are no balusters to come between you and the forest. It almost feels like you're in a treehouse.
This is a wonderful example of a deck that blends in with its surroundings. The homeowners let the environment dictate the style of the deck.
The result is an effortless and beautiful deck that feels like it's part of the forest around it.
In Closing
A deck is a huge part of a home's personality. Whether you live in a high-end luxury condo or a charming cottage, you can design a deck that fits your home.
By carefully choosing your options and taking advantage of the style of your house and its surroundings, you can create a deck that adds value and comfort to your house.
It’s great that you talked about how deck railings are where you could really let your style and creativity shine. We are planning to build a deck on our property and we are now shopping for the necessary materials. We want our deck to look good, so we should probably get Westbury verticable railings.