The Best Deck Railing Styles and Design Ideas for 2024

Aside from their primary function, your deck railing choice makes a big part in how your outdoor space looks and the general style.

Whether you're redoing an existing deck railing or adding a new one, this is a good time to think of the perfect match for your outdoors. In both materials and styles, you have many to choose from!

In this article, we have the best railing materials and ideas for you to start considering.

Deck Railing Materials

Every deck railing material has its pros and cons. It all eventually depends on your personal preference, budget, and the style of your outdoors.

Wood Deck Railing

Wood deck railings have been used for a very long time.

For starters, it's typically more affordable than other materials. Homeowners also like it for its aesthetic features. Wood has a timeless, classic elegance that fits most landscape designs.

It could also be painted however you'd like to get the perfect look. It's also very malleable, so it's easier to achieve any style you'd like with wood.

However, wood requires more maintenance than a lot of the other materials. Wood is also susceptible to rot, staining, and mold.

Due to this, it's not as durable as other materials.

Cable Railing

Cable deck railing is rapidly rising in popularity. It checks the most important categories like low maintenance and durability.

Many homeowners also prefer its minimalistic beauty that can match modern home gardens well.

It's lightweight and flexible as well.

However, when it comes to safety, this low-maintenance material doesn't have enough integrity to provide enough safety against serious falls.

Also, not all local building codes allow horizontal deck railing. Installation is also slightly more complex.

Compared to iron balusters and wood rails, cable railing systems are more expensive.

Vinyl Railing

Vinyl railing systems require very low maintenance. It's also valued for its aesthetic qualities, especially since it comes in various color options.

Vinyl is also lightweight and strong.

Vinyl railing systems are also some of the most affordable on the market.

On the other hand, vinyl railing fails slightly on the durability front in comparison to other materials.

Especially in climates with more extreme weather elements like extreme heat or cold. However, in moderate climates, and for its price, it's decently durable.

Steel Railing

Steel railing systems are some of the most durable. and long-lasting. Steel is very strong, making it the best railing for safety.

It's heavy enough to try at-home installation, though. Steel also happens to be one of the most, if not the most, expensive material in the market.

Aluminum Railing

Aluminum metal railing systems aren't as strong and durable as steel, but they are a pretty great alternative.

It's more malleable, and also more lightweight. Aluminum is also a less expensive decking rail than steel.

It's low maintenance, can be treated for extra protection against corrosion, and comes in multiple color options.

Composite Deck Railing

Composite deck railings are among the best railing options if you want the classic feel and look of wood balusters but with less maintenance and long-lasting features.

They aren't as hard to maintain, are easy to install, and are great for the environment, but composite railing systems are also more expensive.

Another disadvantage of composite rails is that they fall short a bit on strength as well.

PVC Deck Railing

While Vinyl is a strong contender, you have more options with synthetic plastic polymers. However, while there might be some differences in colors and aesthetic qualities.

All PVC railings ultimately have the same pros and cons as Vinyl.

Glass Panels Deck Railing

When it comes to modern beauty, it's hard to compete with glass panel railings.

Among its other great features are strength and durability. However, glass is pricier than most.

And while it won't require the maintenance of wood, it's also not as low maintenance as aluminum and composite. It'll have to be cleaned regularly enough.

It'll also require much more carefulness when you install it, so it'd be hard to install it DIY.

Deck Railing Ideas and Designs

Once you determine what material you want to purchase, it's time to consider ideas for the style and design of your deck railing.

Here are some of our favorites!

Wrought Iron Railing

Wrought iron makes a classic, timeless design.

While you might not want exactly wrought iron, Aluminum for example can be designed in very similar ways to achieve the railings' look.

Geometric Design Railing

Deck balusters could still have a very playful look.

With the right material, you can achieve a geometric design that would fit perfectly with your garden.

Multiple Color Railing

You don't have to stick to just one color. With the right combination of colors, you can have the top rail in one color with the rest of the rail in another.

Deck Railing With a Pergola

Getting a porch pergola with your deck railing that matches in color and look is a great way to add character to your outdoors.

Deck Railing With Lattice

Lattice panels could be the perfect finish for your deck balusters.

Lattice panels can come in different materials and are weaved together beautifully.

Curved Deck Railing

If you want to do something different for your rail to stand out while still getting that classic look, then curved deck railing should be your choice.

It's not a huge difference but has a huge effect on the look of your deck/porch and garden.

Traditional White Deck Railing

While all the other ideas are great in their own right, there's nothing wrong with going back to the classics!

Traditional white deck railings are beautiful, especially if the rest of your garden has traditional aesthetics.

Choosing a deck railing style is a big decision. After reading this article, you should have a better idea of what your deck railing options are. However, it's perfectly normal to still worry about how your choice would look after the actual installation.

That's why our 3D design services at Shrubhub.com are perfect for you. You get to see how exactly your landscape will look like, in daylight and during the night, after your renovations. And lucky for you, we currently offer a 70% discount on all our design services. All you'd need to do is sign up here!

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