19 Deck Railing Key Points You Want to Know
Depending on the type of railing, you can turn your deck into something polished and outstanding. Before you choose a deck railing, you need to consider different deck railing ideas that will enable you to come up with informed choices and decisions.
KEY POINTS
- How To Compare Deck Railing Costs?
- How Far Apart Can Posts Be On A Deck Railing?
- How To Secure A Railing On A Deck?
- Are Cable Deck Railings Safe?
- What Is A Cocktail Railing On A Deck?
- Why You Should Install A Deck Railing
- What Are The Things To Think About When Considering A Deck Railing?
- Deck Railing Ideas For Your Next Home Improvement Project
- What Is The Process For Designing Deck Railing?
- What Are The Best Materials To Consider For Your Deck Railing?
- Why Is Compliance With Building Codes So Important?
- How Is The Deck Railing Going To Be Used?
- How High Should A Deck Railing Be?
- Does A Deck Need Railing?
- Is Cable Deck Railing Worth It?
- What Is The Cheapest Deck Railing?
- What Is The Cost Of Deck Railing?
- The Cost Of Glass Deck Railing Vs Cable Deck Railing
- Conclusion
Feel free to browse our design articles blog and our image gallery to get design ideas.
InlineDesign will show you various deck railing ideas. They will work hand in hand with you to ensure that your choice of deck railing systems matches your taste, preferences, needs, and budget.
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1. How To Compare Deck Railing Costs?
Yes, Deck Railings enhance and adds to your Deck's safety, look and feel, so do not forget to consider when designing your Deck. Inline Design suggests keeping cost comparisons between entry-level Railing designs allowing you to understand the cost differences between Railing materials, maintenance, support structure, and hardware needed to install. Naturally, when you start your final design, additional features will be included, which will impact the overall costs.
2. How Far Apart Can Posts Be On A Deck Railing?
According to the IBC (International Building Code), the maximum recommended distance between the deck railing posts is 6 feet when using solid infill like wood. Posts shouldn't be more than 4 feet apart when using cable infills to compensate for the cable deflection.
The structural integrity of the Deck Railing is depended on the posts the will support the Railing structure. For your Deck Railing to be safe, having proper Deck Railing post spacing is critical. Post spacing is dependent on the material of the post, the height of the Deck Railing, and the infill. The International Building code defines this spacing as 6 ft on center, with local building code often having more stringent spacing requirements. The 6 ft on-center distance is for a 4x4 wood post; this does not consider infill between the posts.
This distance becomes 4 ft on center when installing a cable Railing infill because of the 4 in sphere requirements. Rod or bar infill Railing systems also adhere to the 4 ft on-center rule. Glass Railing can be 6 ft on center, but you need to remember the weight of the infill that is being installed. The International Building Code defines this distance on stairs to be 5 1/2 ft on center.
2018 International Residential Code (IRC) : Chapter 3 : Building Plan
3. How To Secure A Railing On A Deck?
Remember to consult your local building codes while planing your new Deck Railing. Check for the height, distance between posts, and attachment requirements. Over the years, the local rules have constantly changed for attachment hardware and post height, making Deck Railings more robust and safe.
This knowledge allows for planning the location of the Deck Railing posts, so you understand the support structure required to mount a sturdy frame for the Railing system. To layout, your Railing posts start at the corners or ends, measure the distance between the posts and evenly place as possible, remembering not to place any further than 4 ft apart. A consistent pattern of the posts will only enhance the over esthetics of any Deck Railing.
Once the Post layout is complete, the Deck's substructure can be designed to support the post layout. Then using the attachment hardware recommended in your local building codes, you can mount the Deck Railing post to create a solid and robust Railing system.
4. Are Cable Deck Railings Safe?
Today's cable Deck Railing systems are some of the safest and most durable guardrails available from a structural standpoint. Due to the increased popularity of these systems, cable Deck Railings are held to tighter standards than traditional vertical picket and glass Railings.
A cable Deck Railing is a reasonably simple project and can be installed with a wide variety of different cables and hardware. This does not mean you should without using a qualified supplier and follow all building codes. Utilizing the manufactures instructions and supplier tips will guide you through a safe installation of your new Deck Railing.
5. What Is A Cocktail Railing On A Deck?
"Cocktail Railing” or “ Drink Rail” is a popular trending topic nowadays in the home renovation circle. It is a flat wide surface that functions as a top rail and support for “Cocktail Drinks” in a Deck Railing System, without compromising sturdiness. Cocktail Railing keeps homeowners safe while they enjoy the view sipping their coffee, drinks or wine with family and friends.
6. Why You Should Install A Deck Railing
One of the reasons why deck railing have become popular is for safety purposes. The choice of deck railing is based on the safety components. Cable deck railing and other materials like glass, wood, and metal are excellent in preventing you from falling off the deck.
The deck railing installation must aligns with building codes to ensure that the safety standards are met. InlineDesign guarantees that safety and building code compliance are met when installing deck railing posts and the entire deck railing systems.
Depending on the deck railing ideas you followed, you can significantly improve your deck and home's aesthetic feel and ambiance as a whole. Deck railing kits are meticulously designed to ensure that the railing suits the overall theme of your home. These details include the railing brackets, deck railing parts, and proper technique for installing deck railing posts. These things work hand in hand to ensure that all pieces of the deck railing systems are in harmony.
7. What Are The Things To Think About When Considering A Deck Railing?
There are a few essential things to think about when installing deck railing: material, location, maintenance, use, environment, and sight-lines.
When installing deck railing, you can use various types of material. These include metal, stainless steel, glass, or wood materials. However, for the post alone, the best option is stainless steel. The best options for infills for an unobstructed view are glass or stainless steel cables for your deck railing.
Some people working on a new deck railing DIY project forget to consider location. Your site location will help determine the correct type of materials used in your deck railing and can significantly affect your choice of deck railing materials.
Regularly cleaning Deck railing brackets, posts, and infills will keep them in excellent condition. Understanding that every material requires care and maintenance routines is essential. Easy to keep and maintain materials, such as stainless steel, will allow you more time to enjoy your deck railing. In contrast, glass deck railing or wood materials require a lot of maintenance.
8. Deck Railing Ideas For Your Next Home Improvement Project
When planning on installing deck railing systems, it is essential to consider the design and overall aesthetic. Deck railing ideas are vast, and without thorough planning, you could easily get lost in designs along the way.
Inline Design is one of the premier companies providing top-notch deck railing systems. They work hand in hand with you to ensure that plans and materials blend naturally to achieve overall functionality without compromising aesthetic and maintenance requirements.
When working in a tight space, minimalist designs can open up an area and blend into the environment with the combined use of metal and wood. Deck railing that include luxury and minimalism are packed with decorative elements to take the design details to new heights.
Continuing on the luxurious theme baroque designs can be the perfect design approach. A wavy flowy design is an ideal design for decks that look plain and simple. These styles of decks need skills and expertise to execute the plan properly.
Another great way of making your deck appear clean-looking and professionally designed is by installing end caps. End caps don't just add aesthetic value but also improve the deck's functionality.
Round end caps produce a smooth, finished look, while Decorative Funnel-shaped ends caps create style and elegance. Lighting embedded in end caps is a popular choice creating a smooth, ergonomic, and sophisticated finish. Flat end caps give a finished appearance for a post or handrail and can be quickly installed.
9. What Is The Process For Designing Deck Railing?
The entire deck railing system design needs to be considered when installing deck railing. The mounting of deck railing posts, handrails and installing all fittings are only part of assessing if it is a DIY project.
With simple railing designs, the installation process can be straightforward. If the railing design is too complicated, working with professionals like Inline Design can be a great benefit.
A DIY type can quickly start a cable or glass deck railing DIY project working with the standard measuring scheme, cutting, drilling, and securing the system. Working with professionals that understand how to work with different deck railing materials, posts, and deck railing brackets, can assist in getting the job done in a quick, efficient, and timely manner.
10. What Are The Best Materials To Consider For Your Deck Railing?
It isn't easy to distinguish which deck railing ideas or deck railing systems are the best choice. Your deck railing ideas transitioning to design will depend on your taste, needs, budget, and personal preferences. It is essential to understand the nature of different types of deck railing systems when making these decisions.
With are so many different types of railing materials, each will be having pros and cons when considering design, functionality, and installation. It is essential to understand the nature of different deck railing systems to develop choices that suit your needs, wants, and budget. When looking at the most common deck railing materials, your options would be metal, wood, or glass.
Glass deck railing systems are common, especially for decks that want a modern and sophisticated look while preserving the view. Glass Railing can be somewhat expensive, with much of the cost made up is reduced maintenance and lifecycle of the railing.
Another excellent material is aluminum and is highly durable. Wood is also commonly used in designing deck railing. It is perfect for decks that want to achieve a classic look yet require yearly maintenance to keep their appearance. For decks railing made from wood materials, make sure to pay close attention to your choice of wood. Aluminum and wood railing both have limited life spans.
Stainless steel is the preferred material for deck railing systems because it is sturdy, durable, and flexible with a long lifespan. Stainless steel will not rust or corrode while being more environmentally friendly, and it is 100% recyclable.
The correct choice should be able to withstand extreme weather conditions, especially for outdoor deck railing. Inline Design will walk you through the best available materials for deck railing systems.
11. Why Is Compliance With Building Codes So Important?
If your house has a deck, it is necessary to install deck railing posts and handrail brackets to meet the building code requirements. Every city or state has unique building codes. Navigating Building code requirements is one reason why many homeowners ditch the idea of a DIY deck railing.
You will need to understand these codes beforehand to correctly design and install a cable railing or Glass Railing system. At Inline Design, the deck railing specialists are familiar with the materials choice and the building code requirements. They assist in choosing the deck railing material, crafting the design, and guide you through the installation process. They work well with any materials such as glass, metal, and wood, to name a few.
12. How Is The Deck Railing Going To Be Used?
Is it going to be used in areas with high traffic? If yes, you have to choose a metal deck railing such as stainless steel that is resistant to dings, nicks, and scratches.
Open sign lines are ideal for deck railing with views. Incorporating the proper posts, infills, and handrail brackets are essential considerations not to obstruct the view.
For more information about the different types of railing for your deck, do not hesitate to contact Inline Design by visiting CableRailing.com. It is one of the premier companies when it comes to deck railing systems. They know what types of railing materials to use for a particular location, construction codes, and budget. They come up with exceptional deck railing designs without compromising functions and budget.
13. How High Should A Deck Railing Be?
36" for residential per the IRC (International Residential Code) measured from the ground level to the top of the rail. 42" for commercial and some residential like California. No opening should allow a 4" sphere to go through.
14. Does A Deck Need Railing?
Any deck higher than 30" above ground needs to have a safety railing. Deck railing needs to be at least 36" high per the IRC and 42" high for commercial applications measured from the floor to the top of the handrail.
15. Is Cable Deck Railing Worth It?
Cable deck railing is worth the investment because of the low maintenance running cost.
16. What Is The Cheapest Deck Railing?
Wood has been the cheapest deck railing. But when you start looking at the maintenance cost, Stainless Steel is a better choice.
17. What Is The Cost Of Deck Railing?
Deck Railing cost varies between $50 to $500 per linear foot depending on the material used. Wood is the cheapest material. Stainless Steel costs the least in maintenance.
18. The Cost Of Glass Deck Railing Vs Cable Deck Railing
Glass Railing is an excellent choice for deck railing since it doesn't rust or rot. But Glass Railing upkeep cost is higher than Cable Deck Railing. Glass Deck Railing is more expensive than Cable Deck Railing.
19. Conclusion
Always plan your glass deck railing while planning your deck that way, you can make the best design choices. And, of course, make sure that the railing meets your local building code. For ideal results, invest in high-quality materials. Use a professional to help with the design and an experienced contractor when installing your railing.
