There is no mystery to the purpose of and outdoor railing for your deck or stairs. Their reason for being is to provide safer conditions for people using the stairs or enjoying a deck. So, how do you know if you need them?

The clearest reason is if your local community’s building codes require them. If the deck is deemed high enough off the ground to create a safety issue, you’ll be required to install a railing. Many of our customers opt to include them for peace of mind, even if the deck is, say, only 24 inches off the ground.

But railing decisions aren’t just about safety. They are truly an important feature of the overall deck and stair design.

While a railing doesn’t seem like the most exciting component of a deck, it doesn’t mean that it has to be boring or unattractive.

At Atlanta Decking & Fence, our railings and balusters (‘pickets’) come in a range of materials. Railing choices include pressure treated lumber, PVC and cedar, and, along with wood, baluster materials can also include copper and coated aluminum. There are a variety of design styles to choose from: square, chippendale, sunburst, baroque, column, basket, twisted and more. Some customers opt for post caps that add a unique design element to their deck.

Wood and Aluminum Outdoor Railings

With a wide range of style options, wood railings are typically less expensive but do require regular cleaning, staining or painting to retain the wood’s integrity and good looks.

Copper railings have become a very popular choice in recent years since they natural weather over time. Copper balusters turn to a beautiful greenish patina — providing a perfectly natural complement to the outdoors.

Aluminum railings are durable, require little maintenance and because of their slimmer profile (vs. wood) provide a cleaner vista of your yard and landscaping. Aluminum comes in a wide variety of design choices with traditional styles that appear as if they are made of elegant wrought iron.

How to Choose the Outdoor Railing That’s Right for You

In our years of experience building decks, we always consider railings an integral part of our overall design. As we discuss options with our customers, we consider a wide range of factors to ensure that railings do their jobs functionally as well as aesthetically. We also ensure we are current with local building code requirements so that the job is done right the very first time. Don’t hesitate to tap into our expertise when it comes time to build your new deck and/or outdoor stairs. Contact us today to begin designing your one-of-a-kind wood deck.