How to Choose the Best Railing for Your Deck By MKW Services

When you build or upgrade your deck, one of the most important items you’ll need to consider is choosing the right railing. Railings are not just there to look pretty—they also help keep you safe by preventing people from accidentally falling off the deck. Plus, railings are a key part of your deck’s overall look and style, so you want to choose something that matches your style and needs. There are several types of railings to choose from, including wood railings, aluminum railings, and glass railings. Each of these railings has its own benefits and unique features. In this article, we’ll take a look at the different types of railings, go over their pros and cons, and give you some ideas on how to choose the best one for your deck.

Why Do You Need a Railing?

Before we talk about the types of railings, let’s quickly talk about why railings are important in the first place.

Safety: A deck railing helps keep people from falling off the edge, especially if your deck is high off the ground. Even if your deck is low to the ground, a railing can provide extra security and stability when going up and down your stairs.
Compliance: Here in Ontario, according to the Ontario Building Code, all decks greater than 24” in height require a 36” guard rail.
Style: Railings can also be an important design feature. They can add style to your deck and even complement the colour of composite decking you choose.

Types of Deck Railings

Now that we know why railings are so important, let’s take a look at the most common types of deck railings: wood, aluminum, and glass.

1. Wood Railings

Wooden railings are the most traditional and classic option for decks and usually built from pressure treated wood or cedar—depending on which is used for the decking. A wood railing is typically the most affordable option compared to aluminum or glass.

Pros of Wood Railings:

Tried and True: Wood railings have been used for many years and are the most common out there.
Customizable: These railings are usually cut and built from lumber and can be cut installed in many variations—as long as it complies with the guidelines in the OBC.
Affordable: Wood is typically less expensive than other materials like aluminum or glass, so it’s a good option if you’re on a budget.

Cons of Wood Railings:

Maintenance: Wood railings require regular maintenance to keep them looking nice and functioning well. You’ll need to repaint or restain the wood every few years, as wood can get weathered over time, especially if you live in a place with a lot of rain, snow or harsh sunlight.
Durability: Wood can sometimes rot or warp, especially if it's exposed to a lot of moisture or snow. You need to make sure the wood is treated properly and take care of it over the years.

Many of our clients choose to combine wood railings with black metal balusters (the vertical pickets). The black metal balusters add a sleek, modern look while still keeping the natural feel of wood and staying affordable. This minor upgrade can really make a plain and simple deck stand out.

2. Aluminum Railings

If you’re looking for a more modern, low-maintenance option, aluminum railings are a great choice. Aluminum railings are engineered, powder coated, and rust-resistant that can look great for years to come.

Pros of Aluminum Railings:

Low Maintenance: Aluminum railings don’t require much maintenance. Unlike wood, they don’t need to be repainted or restained frequently. Aluminum is also rust-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about the rusting out over the years.

Durability: Aluminum railings are designed to last a long time. They can withstand the elements without rotting, rusting, or warping.

Variety of Colours: Aluminum railings come in a variety of colours, so you can choose a colour that suits your taste. We typically install them in white, brown and black, but they are available in many other custom colours.

Cons of Aluminum Railings:

Cost: Aluminum railings tend to be a bit more expensive than wood railings, though they still cost less than glass.
Less Natural Look: If you’re looking for a natural, rustic feel, aluminum may not give you the look you want.

3. Glass Railings

Glass railings are becoming more popular, especially for decks that have a view. These are a great option if you have a waterfront view or a beautiful backyard. They offer a clean, modern look and don’t block the view, so you can enjoy the view around you while still being safe. There are two main types of glass railings: aluminum-framed glass and frameless glass.

Aluminum-Framed Glass Railings:

These railings have glass panels that are framed with aluminum posts and rails. The glass panels are clear, providing you an unobstructed view. These are typically interchangeable with the aluminum pickets mentioned above.

Pros of Aluminum-Framed Glass Railings:

Clear View: Glass railings give you a clear, unobstructed view, making them a great choice for waterfront homes or beautiful backyards. You can enjoy your views without anything getting in your way.
Stylish: Glass railings are modern, elegant, and sleek. They give your deck a high-end look.
Low Maintenance: Like aluminum railings, glass railings don’t require much maintenance. The glass panels are easy to clean, and the aluminum frames are powder coated to prevent rust.

Cons of Aluminum-Framed Glass Railings:

Cost: Glass railings are typically more expensive than wood or aluminum railings.
Cleaning: Glass panels can get dirty, especially if you live in a dusty area or have pets. You’ll have to clean them occasionally to keep the view clear.

Frameless Glass Railings:

Frameless glass railings are made entirely of glass panels without the aluminum framing. These railings are attached to the deck using metal brackets called spigots that hold the glass securely in place. Since there is no aluminum framing, the glass is thicker.

Pros of Frameless Glass Railings:

Unobstructed View: Since there is no frame, frameless glass railings offer a completely clear view with no obstacles. This is the best option if you want to maximize the view from your deck.
Modern, Elegant Look: Frameless glass railings are very modern and sleek, making your deck stand out.

Cons of Frameless Glass Railings:

Cost: Frameless glass railings are usually the most expensive option.
Installation: Installing frameless glass railings is more complicated than other types of railings. Whereas aluminum railings often have instructions with them or are available online.
Maintenance: Like aluminum-framed glass, frameless glass requires occasional cleaning to keep it looking its best.

How to Choose the Best Railing for Your Deck

When it comes to choosing the best railing for your deck, here are a few things to consider:

Budget: This is usually the most important factor. How much do you want to spend? If you’re on a budget, wood railings are the most affordable option. If you want to spend more for a modern look or low maintenance, aluminum or glass might be better choices.
Style: What style do you want for your deck? Wood railings offer a traditional and natural feel, while aluminum and glass are more modern and sleek. If you want to enjoy the view without obstruction, glass railings are the way to go. Wood railings work well with wood decks, and aluminum or glass railings typically look more suited for composite decks.
Maintenance: Are you willing or able to maintain the railing? Wood requires more maintenance, while aluminum and glass are much easier to clean and maintain.
Views: What views do you have from your deck? Are you in a subdivision with a fence 20ft away or are you on a waterfront?

Conclusion

Choosing the best railing for your deck really comes down to your personal preferences and budget. Wood railings are affordable and customizable but require regular some maintenance. Aluminum railings are low-maintenance and modern, while glass railings are perfect if you want a clear, unobstructed view of that breathtaking waterfront. By thinking about your style, budget, views, you can choose the perfect railing to go with your deck and home.