In order to choose the best deck railing for any application, you must decide on the intended purpose of the deck and railing. If it is to be merely ornamental, there are several options such as poly or aluminum materials which are not suitable for a restrictive railing. When the deck railing is to serve a utilitarian purpose, such as preventing a person from falling off of the deck or from gaining access to the deck from a lower level, a strong and reinforced iron style may be the best material choice. When deciding on the best railing for any purpose, the fitment, style and price will aid in determining the best materials for the job.
Some of the earliest deck railings were merely the same wood used to construct the deck itself, typically pine lumber in small dimensions that could be painted or stained to match the deck. As the popularity of the deck has expanded, the urge to create a modern and individualized appearance has also attached itself to the outside deck area. Ornamental railing is replacing the painted wood, and several manufacturers are marketing railing from lightweight ornamental-only railing to fully functional wrought iron and aluminum railing strong enough to discourage an unwanted intruder.
If constructing a deck for a home with small children or pets, a restrictive deck railing with low confinement rails may prove to be the best option for eliminating the hazard of falling over the edge of the deck. If the deck is to be used primarily for entertaining adults, a deck railing that incorporates seating or small table tops may be the best choice. Often, deck railings lead to a lake or boat dock; in this scenario, a lighted railing system could prove to add a certain luxury to the property. Many railing manufacturers can duplicate an existing architectural railing used in other areas of a property to tie the look together.
Some of the better deck and railing manufacturers offer the ability to use photo software to project images of particular railings onto a photo of your property, allowing you to easily see the visual impact of a number of different deck railing styles on your deck. This procedure often gives the best opportunity to choose the best deck railing for any location. By explaining the intended purpose of the railing to the manufacturer, any railing that would fail to meet the needed requirements would be eliminated from the process. This process allows a homeowner to choose only from a list of capable products.