After the flooring, the railings you choose makes the biggest difference on the look and maintenance needs of your deck. Railings are the most customizable part of the deck and set the style and tone for the space. Railings can be customized through the type of material used and options like post caps, lights, privacy screens and plant hangers. This guide is meant to show you the most common railing options we install with pictures of the combinations most commonly chosen by our customers. Most deck rails we install fit into 4 tiers
- Full Composite Railing
- Aluminum Railing
- Traditional Pressure Treated Wood Railing
- Hybrid Railing (Combination of Wood, Composite & Aluminum)
To help you navigate some of the terms used in this guide here is a diagram with the common parts of a deck railing. To read more about each part of the railing and definitions check out our blog Parts of a Deck Railing
Most deck rails we install fit into 4 tiers;
- Full Composite Railing
- Aluminum Railing
- Traditional Pressure Treated Wood Railing
- Hybrid Railing (Combination of Wood, Composite & Aluminum)
1. Full Composite Railings
Composite railings are most commonly used on full composite decks. While there are nearly infinite options, here are some of the most common composite railing options. Composite railings are typically paired with a low maintenance PVC or composite fascia and trim to create a low maintenance final product.
Cost: $$$
Maintenance Needs: No Maintenance
Common Uses: Full Composite Decks
Popular Composite Railing Options
Full Composite Option 1
Posts: Composite Wrap – White
Horizontal Supports: Trex Composite Materials
Balusters: Black Aluminum
Post Caps: Each Post
Cap Rail: Composite Material to match the floor and trim.
Mount: Inset Mounted
Trim: PVC with Composite Accent
Full Composite Option 2
Posts: Composite Wrap – White
Horizontal Supports: Trex Composite Materials
Balusters: Black Aluminum
Post Caps: Only on Corners
Cap Rail: Composite Material to match the floor and trim.
Mount: Inset Mounted
Trim: PVC with Composite Accent
Full Composite Option 3
Posts: Composite Wrap – White
Horizontal Supports: Trex Composite Materials
Balusters: Black Aluminum
Post Caps: None
Cap Rail: Composite Material to Match the Floor and Trim.
Mount: Inset Mounted
Trim: PVC with Composite Accent
Full Composite Option 4
Posts: Composite Wrap – White
Horizontal Supports: Trex Composite Materials
Balusters: Black Aluminum
Post Caps: Every Post
Cap Rail: None
Mount: Inset Mounted
Trim: PVC with Composite Accent
Full Composite Option 5
Posts: Composite Wrap – White
Horizontal Supports: Trex Composite Materials
Balusters: White Composite
Post Caps: Every Post
Cap Rail: None
Mount: Inset Mounted
Trim: PVC with Composite Accent
2. Aluminum Railings
Aluminum railings are another option for a low maintenance railing that are paired most commonly with a full composite deck. Like composite railings, aluminum railings are typically inset mounted, and can be installed with or without a drink rail on top. They are typically paired with a PVC/Composite fascia and trim and require very little ongoing maintenance.
These sturdy and durable railings also have a clean modern look and is very lightweight on the eyes. These railings are a great option for those who are concerned about the railing blocking the view from the deck surface.
Cost: $$$
Maintenance Needs: No maintenance
Common Uses: Full composite deck
Popular Aluminum Railing Options
Aluminum Option 1
Posts: 2×2 Black Aluminum
Horizontal Supports: Black Aluminum
Balusters: Black Aluminum
Post Caps: Each Post
Cap Rail: None
Mount: Inset Mounted
Trim: PVC with Composite Accent
Aluminum 2
Posts: 4×4 Black Aluminum
Horizontal Supports: Black Aluminum
Balusters: Black Aluminum
Post Caps: Each Post
Cap Rail: None
Mount: Inset Mounted
Trim: PVC with Composite Accent
Aluminum 3
Posts: 2×2 Black Aluminum
Horizontal Supports: Black Aluminum
Balusters: Black Aluminum
Post Caps: None
Cap Rail: Composite Drink Rail
Mount: Inset Mounted
Trim: PVC with Composite Accent
Aluminum 4
Posts: 4×4 Aluminum
Horizontal Supports: Aluminum
Balusters: Black Aluminum
Post Caps: Every Post
Cap Rail: Composite to Match The Floor
Mount: Inset Mounted
Trim: PVC with Composite Accent
Aluminum 5
Posts: Composite Wrap – White
Horizontal Supports: Aluminum
Balusters: Black Aluminum
Post Caps: Every Post
Cap Rail: None
Mount: Inset Mounted
Trim: PVC with Composite Accent
3. Hybrid Railings
Hybrid Railings combine some of the benefits of composite and the lower cost of traditional wood railings. Typically installed on a wood deck with a composite floor or “Hybrid Deck”. We start with a standard face mounted wood railing and replace the cap rail with a splinter free composite material to match the deck flooring. Many customers also choose to upgrade to an aluminum balusters (picket) that gives the railings a lightweight and modern feel.
Cost: $$
Maintenance Needs: Staining posts and Railing supports every 3-5 Years
Common Uses: Hybrid Decks
Popular Hybrid Railing Options
Hybrid Option 1
Posts: Pressure Treated Wood
Horizontal Supports: Pressure Treated Wood
Balusters: Black Aluminum
Post Caps: None
Cap Rail: Composite material to match the floor.
Mount: Face Mounted
Trim: Pressure Treated Wood
Hybrid Option 2
Posts: Pressure Treated Wood
Horizontal Supports: Pressure Treated Wood
Balusters: Pressure Treated Wood
Post Caps: None
Cap Rail: Composite material to match the floor.
Mount: Face Mounted
Trim: Pressure Treated Wood
4. Pressure Treated Wood Railings
Pressure treated wood railings to be used is on the traditional pressure treated deck. This railing is typically face mounted, and all parts of the railing, and the fascia and trim are constructed from a pressure treated wood material. This type of railing will need to be stained and sealed regularly to maintain its quality.
Cost: $
Maintenance Needs: Stain and seal every 1-3 years
Common Uses: On Traditional Wood decks
Popular Pressure Treated Wood Railing Options
Wood Option 1
Posts: Pressure Treated Wood
Horizontal Supports: Pressure Treated Wood
Balusters: Pressure Treated Wood
Post Caps: None
Cap Rail: Pressure Treated Wood
Mount: Face Mounted
Trim: Pressure Treated Wood
