What’s black or white are runs around your Columbus deck? Your railing!

TimberTech XLM Harvest Bronze deck with black aluminum railings
TimberTech XLM Harvest Bronze deck with black aluminum railings

Today’s railings are anything but black and white, literally and figuratively. There are endless colors, styles, widths, materials and maintenance level options and considerations. One thing for sure is your railing will have a substantial impact on the look and style of your deck. Although there are many choices, here are some thoughts and considerations to aid you in your decision.

The first thing you need to think about is, how do you feel about maintenance? Did you just unconsciously make a face? If so, wood may not be for you; it requires the most upkeep. Most of the other materials we use are low-maintenance.  Do you have a beautiful garden, pool, golf course or other view that you want to see from your deck? The railing that least obstructs your view from any deck is a Feeney cable rail.  Cable rail can be installed with wood or composites like TimberTech. Slender black pickets also reveal a great deal of the yard beyond the deck. With a slender profile black railing picket, your eye is naturally drawn through the rail.

This TimberTech composite deck in cedar color is contrasted beautifully with black TimberTech ornamental rail.
This TimberTech composite deck in cedar color is contrasted beautifully with black TimberTech ornamental rail.

Planning on using TimberTech or another composite decking material? Most composite brands have railings that are designed to complement the decking, including posts, caps and skirts. TimberTech’s Radiance rails are known for their clean lines and no visible hardware. They also have a wide variety of integrated lighting options. If you decide to go the extra mile and include the lighting as part of the rails and/or stairs, you won’t regret it.

If you like the classic look of the slender and elegant picket fence, we can easily achieve it with a few different materials including iron, aluminum and vinyl. Iron potbelly rails come in at the high end and vinyl is the most economical. Want to have some fun? Take a look at the deck visualizer on the Deckorator web site. You can see nearly endless combinations of rails, balusters and posts.  You can even pick what the yard looks like.

This TimberTech deck includes classic white rail with decking boards as rail caps.
This TimberTech deck includes classic white rail with decking boards as rail caps.

If you take the time to check out our photo gallery or a deck visualizer from Deckorator, TimberTech or another company, you will understand why it is impossible to cover the whole topic of railing selection in one blog entry. We frequently work with customers to narrow down their selection to two or three different styles and then they often allow pricing to help guide the ultimate choice.

If you’re thinking about adding an outdoor living space to your Columbus backyard, give us a call to see how we can make creating your dream backyard an enjoyable experience, start to finish. The consultation is completely free. Call (740) 879 – 3730 or email us at westcolumbus@archadeck.net. We look forward to your call.

Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus
Michael Reeder, Archadeck of Columbus

Author: archadeckofcolumbus

I began my association with Archadeck in 2001 when I was working for a subcontractor that Archadeck of Columbus was employing for patio installations. I had been working in the Landscape/Hardscape industry for quite a few years at the time and immediately noticed a difference in how Archadeck operated in comparison with other deck companies that we worked with. Over the years of working with Archadeck on numerous projects, large and small, I came to realize the importance of what they were selling; beautiful designs, top-notch craftsmanship and a world class customer experience. This is what drove me to start working for Archadeck in January of 2011 and eventually buying the company in 2016. My wife, Amber, and my son, Logan, could not be happier to be a part of such a wonderful organization. We look forward to the future as we build the outdoor living environments our customers dream of with the “world class” service they deserve!

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