When building a deck, it is important that you choose the right railings in order to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones. However, you will also want to make sure that you choose a railing that is not only functional, but that is also beautiful and will continue to be so for years to come. Yet, with so many options for deck railing on the market, how will you know which will be the right option for your home? Here is a look at a few things that you should take into consideration when choosing deck railing for your home to ensure that you make the right choice.
Determine Your Budget
The first thing that you will need to do before you begin looking at railing options for your deck is to determine a budget for your entire decking project, and determine how much you can realistically afford to spend on railings. Determining a budget early on can help you to narrow down your options, as prices vary widely based on material, finish, quality, and design. You do not want to make the mistake of looking at railings without a budget in mind, as you may fall in love with railings that you can’t afford, or you may overspend on railings and not have enough money left to finish your project. Of course, you will also have to weigh immediate and long-term costs, as an upgraded material may cost less in the long-run once maintenance is taken into consideration.
Consider Building Materials
Next, you will want to consider what material you want to choose for your railings, as you will have a wide variety of options to choose from such as wood, aluminum, and PVC. While wood has been a popular railing choice for decades due to its classic charm and the rustic look it can bring to an outdoor space, wood is not always the most practical option as it requires a great deal of maintenance. Particularly in cold and wet climates, as wood railings can deteriorate, rot, and warp quickly, necessitating frequent replacement. This has led to the popularity of aluminum and PVC railings, as they will not rust, corrode, warp, or decay, and they will provide security and protection for years to come. Ultimately, whether aluminum or PVC will be better for you will depend on personal preference and the look that you are trying to create for your deck.
Think About Your Home’s Architecture
When trying to choose a material, color, and style for your deck’s railings, you should take a moment to consider what would go well with your home’s style and architecture. Just because a style of railing looks good online or in a store does not mean that they are right for your home. Homeowners often make the mistake of purchasing railing that they like the look of, only to find that it clashes with their home’s exterior. A great way to avoid this problem would be to bring samples home so that you can see them in place. Alternatively, you may be able to use photoshop or another similar program to insert potential deck and railing designs into a picture of your property.
Familiarize Yourself With Building Codes
Of course, when choosing railings for your deck, it is also important that you familiarize yourself with local building codes, as regulations vary greatly from one area to the next. You should consider consulting local contractors, or calling your local City Hall, to find out how tall your deck railings need to be, and how closely together balustrades need to be spaced, in order for your new deck to be up to code.
Contact us for additional advice on things that you should take into consideration when choosing railings for your new deck.