Railings often add the finishing touch to any deck and porch and are also the most important component purely for safety reasons. There are a variety of different railing types and materials available and we can help you choose the perfect type to fit your style and budget.

Porch and deck railings come in a variety of materials, including composite, PVC, wood, and aluminum. You can also choose between different infill and top rail designs for specific, complementary looks. The most popular lumber used for deck railing frames is PT (pressure treated). Most PT lumber is made of soft wood, usually southern yellow pine, that is quite affordable compared to other species. The pressure treated application protects yellow pine against the elements.

Deck and porch railings, or balusters, are available in a wide range of materials to complement your deck choice including pressure treated, cedar, synthetic, wrought iron, coated aluminum and more. Baluster design styles include square, Chippendale, sunburst, baroque, column, basket, twisted and more. A new look that’s becoming more and more popular is horizontal cable railing balusters. Metal railings can be made from steel or iron. It is a more expensive type material for outdoor railings, but it is a real winner for durability and strength.

On a railing, balusters are the smaller, vertical pieces that run from your top rail down to your bottom rail in between the thicker posts. Deck balusters are sometimes called spindles or pickets. Balusters come in all shapes and sizes: round, square, flat, and even specially-shaped decorative balusters with unique designs. Deck and porch  balusters can be made of a wide range of materials including metal (even copper) and wood. Metal balusters are stronger than wood, and will last longer exposed to the outdoor elements on your deck. Beyond that, metal carries a couple more distinct advantages. Metal is easier to mold into decorative shapes, and comes with a wealth of color options to create the exact look you want. Plus, metal balusters will require less regular maintenance than wood. Copper metal balusters can turn to a stunning natural green patina over time.

Post caps add a unique element of design to any deck or porch. You can choose a wide variety of post cap designs and styles including wood, metal, glass, and even solar post caps. The best post caps are typically made from ASA resin, which is an impact-resistant plastic that offers a high level of UV resistance. With colors molded into the material, you won’t have to worry about fading, and the increased durability means that your deck posts will be protected for a very long time. Metal post caps are also available in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and finishes, so it’s easy to find one that matches the other hardware on your deck or porch. This is where our builders’ expertise can help when choosing the best post option. Metal posts are also resistant to rot, insects, and weather damage.

Post caps add a touch of style to railings. If you have a composite railing, for example, steel or aluminum post caps can help create ornate detail to heighten your porch or deck’s aesthetic appeal. Those with flat pyramid caps nod to contemporary lines and contrast with soft angles to add an attractive finish.

The ideal deck post opening size is between 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch larger than the width of your post. This allows the post cap to sit snugly atop your post without blowing over and away in the wind. Atlanta Decking craftsmen will ensure your deck caps are securely fastened to deck posts.

Atlanta Decking & Fence offers a large selection of post caps that come in a wide variety of materials (wood, copper, and metal), and styles (Gothic, round, plateau, pyramid, finial, and more). We’ll help you choose the perfect porch and deck railing and posts to complement your new deck! 

Contact us today for a free deck railing consultation by clicking below or calling us at 770-781-4641.