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Installing a Deck Railing

Installing a Deck Railing

October 28, 2015

Deck Railings

Deck railings are not only a must have safety feature for your deck, they also add value and curb appeal to your home. There are several deck railing options to choose from. Updating your current deck railing gives your home a new and enhanced appearance.

Deck Railing Options

Many believe that deck railings need to match the material and color of the existing deck. This is not the case. You can use contrasting colors and different materials for your deck railings. Doing so gives your deck a unique and appealing appearance. But of course using the same material for you entire deck is an option as well. It is a good idea to take a look at deck railing options in order to decide which type of deck railing would work best for the style of your home.

For a traditional style home the most common choice is wood railings. When choosing wood for your deck and deck railings, keep in mind that there are still several types of wood to choose from depending on your needs and preferences:

  • Pressure Treated (PT) Lumber: the benefit of pressure treated lumber is that it is readily available and inexpensive. On the downside, pressure treated lumber is susceptible to splitting and warping.
  • Cedar: is moisture resistant which makes it less likely to suffer from splitting and warping, as compared to pressure treated lumber. Because it is a softer wood, it is prone to scraps from furniture. The downside of cedar is that it is more expensive than pressure treated wood. But the lifespan is much longer, around fifteen to twenty years.
  • Redwood: like cedar, redwood boasts some of the same benefits, such as durability due to being virtually weather resistant. Redwood also naturally resists termites. The color of redwood is also beautiful. Because of its great advantages, redwood is more expensive than other types of wood.
  • Composite Wood: is an artificial wood made of recycled materials and plastic. The benefits of composite wood is that it is easy to maintain, will not crack or split, and lasts a long time. Composite wood has become more and more popular over the years due to its ease of maintenance. It also comes in a variety of colors and textures.
  • Wrought Iron: gives you a different look from wood. Wrought iron railings with a wood deck give an elegant appearance. The benefits of wrought iron is added durability compared to wood, and iron can be molded and shaped into different types of intricate designs.
  • Stainless Steel: like wrought iron, stainless steel is durable and low maintenance. It is a great look for a modern home. The downside with stainless steel is that it is more expensive than wood or vinyl.
  • Vinyl: vinyl is a moderately priced option with a modern look. Vinyl is a great option because it is weather resistant. Vinyl is also versatile in regards to style options and colors.

Add a unique accent to your home with the addition of stylish railings. Contact Quaker State Construction today to speak with one of our experts.