Decking Designs

Get a lot of decking design ideas here!

A well-made deck railing can often be the differentiating factor between a beautiful deck and a dull, shoddy one. In modern times, a railing has assumed much more importance than merely being a structure aimed at providing support and safety. A railing, be it a staircase railing or a deck railing, contributes significantly towards the beauty of its immediate surroundings and enhances the overall look of the architecture. On that note, let us take a look at some interesting ideas.

Interesting Ideas for Deck Railing

Deck railings are available in a variety of designs and material types. You can have wooden deck railings, metal deck railings, baluster design railings, etc. The type of deck railing that you eventually select will depend upon the location of the railing, its surroundings, and of course your spending limit. Installing a deck railing can be a great home improvement option for homemakers to consider. Here are a few deck railing design ideas for you to consider.

Metal Deck Railings

Metal railings have a sense of royalty about them regardless of where you install them. For example, you can have an iron railing that is either entirely made out of wrought iron, or you can combine it with wood to create a dual effect. One of the main drawbacks of iron as a railing material is that it tends to get affected by moisture, atmospheric chemicals and changing weather conditions. However, these problems can be lessened to an extent through certain chemical treatments and by using powder-coated iron. Also, metal railings can be quite heavy, so you should make sure that the floor or the deck is strong enough to sustain the weight of the railing.

Cable Deck Railings

What can be better than a spectacular view of a lake or a mountain vista along with the cool breeze flowing along? Well, this can happen only if you have cable railing installed on your backyard deck. Being outside means standing on the deck and enjoying the cool air around and witnessing the grandeur of the nature. However, when it comes to installation of cable railing, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, if you want to eliminate the task of a regular maintenance after installing cable rails, it is best to use the marine grade stainless steel cables. These cables are not susceptible to corrosion and hence stay intact for a longer period. Secondly, there must be tight tension between the cables while installing them as they won't loosen up and sag after a few years. Thirdly, the posts used for cable railings should not be made of composite materials. A good amount of strength is required to hold and maintain the tension between the cables, which lacks in composite materials. Wood instead, would be the best material to keep the railing in place and safe for longer duration. Lastly, a top rail is a good option for cable railing system because it serves the purpose of hand rest as well as a tea/ coffee holder. It also helps to maintain the tension between the posts and prevents them from pulling towards each other.

Wooden Deck Railings

Wooden deck railings are one of the most common types of deck railings. In addition to being common, they are also a very popular choice when it comes to deck railing designs. Wood is always associated with tradition and elegance. At the same time, it also makes the structure look extremely warm and homely. You can opt for a combination design wherein you have a top wooden rail that runs across several iron or wooden balusters.