Which Deck Railing Material is Right for You?
Deck Railing Materials | February 23, 2023
When it comes to deck railings, there are many different materials to choose from. While there are several great materials that can be used to create an outdoor living space for your home, each material has several unique characteristics to consider before making a final decision. As a leading provider of quality railing products for homes of all sizes and styles, the team at Vista Railing Systems knows how difficult it can be to choose a material for your railing system. That is why we have compiled some information on 4 popular options to help you determine which deck railing material is right for you and your home.
Read our tips for a smooth deck railing installation.
4 Popular Materials for Deck and Patio Railings
The following railing materials are commonly used for decks and patios of all sizes:
1. Aluminum
Aluminum has become an extremely popular choice for decks and patios due to a combination of lasting durability, lower cost, and low maintenance requirements. In addition to being used for pickets, aluminum is commonly used in conjunction with other materials to create a complete railing system. For example, glass and cable railing systems often utilize aluminum frames and posts for optimal durability. In addition to lasting durability and minimal maintenance requirements, aluminum deck railings are available in a variety of colours. This allows you to select the ideal option based on your home’s siding and other exterior elements.
2. Glass
When it comes to view preservation, it is difficult to beat the transparency of a glass railing system. While glass is commonly regarded as fragile and unsafe, the safety tempered glass used for railing systems is extremely durable and resilient. Glass railing systems are also a great choice for blocking cold wind and maintaining a consistent temperature on your deck as they impede airflow. Glass panels are often used in conjunction with aluminum posts and frames to hold the panels in place. While framed glass railing systems utilize a frame and posts, frameless systems eliminate the top and bottom rails to further increase visibility and provide a minimalistic look.
3. Stainless Steel Cable
If you are looking for a combination of view preservation and enhanced airflow for your deck, stainless steel cable railings are the ideal choice. Since cables are so slim, they allow unmatched airflow for your deck to keep it cooler in summer. This material is highly durable and can be used in conjunction with aluminum or wooden posts for optimal safety and appeal. While some people view steel cables as flimsy or unsafe, they are extremely durable and safe when installed and tightened properly.
4. Wood
Wood is a classic deck railing material that provides a rustic appearance and cost-effective functionality for your deck. While some decks use a combination of wooden posts and wooden pickets, most modern systems use wooden posts and frames with cable infill or aluminum picket infill. This allows homeowners to get the look and warmth of wood with the added safety and longevity of steel or aluminum.
To learn more about our aluminum railing products or to inquire about our other deck railing solutions, get in touch with the team at Vista Railing Systems. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our products.
When it comes to deck railings, there are many different materials to choose from. While there are several great materials that can be used to create an outdoor living space for your home, each material has several unique characteristics to consider before making a final decision. As a leading provider of quality railing products for homes of all sizes and styles, the team at Vista Railing Systems knows how difficult it can be to choose a material for your railing system. That is why we have compiled some information on 4 popular options to help you determine which deck railing material is right for you and your home.
Read our tips for a smooth deck railing installation.
4 Popular Materials for Deck and Patio Railings
The following railing materials are commonly used for decks and patios of all sizes:
1. Aluminum
Aluminum has become an extremely popular choice for decks and patios due to a combination of lasting durability, lower cost, and low maintenance requirements. In addition to being used for pickets, aluminum is commonly used in conjunction with other materials to create a complete railing system. For example, glass and cable railing systems often utilize aluminum frames and posts for optimal durability. In addition to lasting durability and minimal maintenance requirements, aluminum deck railings are available in a variety of colours. This allows you to select the ideal option based on your home’s siding and other exterior elements.
2. Glass
When it comes to view preservation, it is difficult to beat the transparency of a glass railing system. While glass is commonly regarded as fragile and unsafe, the safety tempered glass used for railing systems is extremely durable and resilient. Glass railing systems are also a great choice for blocking cold wind and maintaining a consistent temperature on your deck as they impede airflow. Glass panels are often used in conjunction with aluminum posts and frames to hold the panels in place. While framed glass railing systems utilize a frame and posts, frameless systems eliminate the top and bottom rails to further increase visibility and provide a minimalistic look.
3. Stainless Steel Cable
If you are looking for a combination of view preservation and enhanced airflow for your deck, stainless steel cable railings are the ideal choice. Since cables are so slim, they allow unmatched airflow for your deck to keep it cooler in summer. This material is highly durable and can be used in conjunction with aluminum or wooden posts for optimal safety and appeal. While some people view steel cables as flimsy or unsafe, they are extremely durable and safe when installed and tightened properly.
4. Wood
Wood is a classic deck railing material that provides a rustic appearance and cost-effective functionality for your deck. While some decks use a combination of wooden posts and wooden pickets, most modern systems use wooden posts and frames with cable infill or aluminum picket infill. This allows homeowners to get the look and warmth of wood with the added safety and longevity of steel or aluminum.
To learn more about our aluminum railing products or to inquire about our other deck railing solutions, get in touch with the team at Vista Railing Systems. We can be reached through our online contact form and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our products.
