Choosing Deck Railings
Railings are a vital feature for balconies and decks, keeping children, pets, and even adults safe. That’s not all, though. Railings can also be beautiful pieces of design that complement your home’s style, making your space more enjoyable while potentially increasing your property’s value. Depending on what kind of balcony railings you choose, they might even become a primary design element in your outdoor space. There are many considerations to keep in mind when selecting the right railings for your property.
The Vancouver area’s climate, which can be very damp in some seasons, immediately makes some materials more practical than others. Regulations and building codes are also high on the priority list—after all, you don’t want regulators ordering you to take down a beautiful new railing system! Professionals can make that part easy since they’re already experts in regulations regarding baluster spacing, railing height, and more. Better yet, a professional knows how to balance regulations and beauty so that your railings are safe and attractive at the same time.
Popular Outdoor Railing Materials
There are multiple popular railing materials, each with its own pros and cons. Aluminum railings are a particularly good option given their low maintenance needs, ability to withstand moisture, and style versatility. You can even customize the colour with various coatings. Aluminum is lightweight, making transportation and installation easier. It’s also a good choice for anyone who cares about the environment since it’s easy to recycle.
Other popular options include glass, steel, wood, and composite. Glass is gorgeous and stays beautiful with regular cleaning. Steel is very strong and, with proper care, resists the effects of moisture and time. Wood offers timeless appeal, though it benefits from protective treatments in wet weather. Composite is a well-balanced option that offers both durability and aesthetic appeal.
Stylish, Practical Design: Deck Railing Ideas
The material you choose will limit which railing design styles are available to you, with some materials offering greater versatility than others. Aluminum, wood, steel, and composite are all suitable for picket railings. From there, you can make design choices regarding railing positioning, spacing, and more. Your railing system can even incorporate multiple materials to achieve the perfect look, like using one material for the railings and another for the balusters. Experts will have experience combining multiple materials without reducing a system’s sturdiness.
Glass railing systems are the perfect design for those who want to preserve beautiful views. Though most people think “modern” when they think of glass railing systems, they can suit a wide variety of architectural styles. Customization options include both framed and frameless styles. You can also select frosted glass if clear versions aren’t right for you. Frosted glass can disguise grime a little better than clear glass. It provides a bit more privacy and softens the look of a railing system.
