Building a new deck is a big undertaking, with so many design elements to consider. Renovating an older deck also has its challenges. Details like the type of deck boards, color scheme and deck railing design work together to create a look that matches the home’s architecture and location. In most areas, building codes require that every deck or front porch has a railing for safety. Homeowners today prefer more low-maintenance railing materials than natural wood, instead choosing composite railing, pvc or powder-coated aluminum. Next they must decide between balusters, cable railing or a glass panel system. Deck railing manufacturers like Timbertech offer such a broad range of options that choosing these details may feel a bit overwhelming. No worries – this collection of unique and stylish deck railing ideas will give you all the inspiration you’ll need.
Deck Railing Components
Before we look at deck design ideas, let’s take a quick look at the parts that make up a deck railing system. Railing options include posts, post caps, top and bottom rails, and infill panels or balusters; you can combine different materials, styles and colors to create the best deck railing for your home.
The materials and colors of a railing design work together to create a look that complements the home and landscape. Ornate handrails and white post caps add extra detail to a traditional home:
Low-profile posts and a wide drink rail create a versatile deck design that’s ideal for entertaining:
Traditional Deck Railing Ideas
A traditional railing style usually includes taller wood posts with decorative post caps, and a top rail with a curved profile. This classic white railing and deck are made from durable composite material that resembles a wooden deck, and has a matching gate:
A stylish black finish gives this traditional style composite railing system a farmhouse look:
Aluminum baluster panels in black provide contrast against composite deck posts that blend with this home’s greige siding:
Decorative Railing Infill Panels
Decorative infill panels are an upscale touch that adds interest to a traditional home design. This porch and pergola has square web infill panels to give the railing a classic cottage look:
Chippendale style infill panels have complex fretwork design that’s found on many historic homes:
Modern Deck Railing Ideas
Modern porch railings have a sleeker look, with features like level posts and a continuous top rail. This railing combines black and white with natural wood tones for low-key modern style:
Stainless steel cable rail offers a minimalist design that allows clearer views of the landscape. This backyard deck frames the horizontal cables with black composite railing:
This outdoor space uses wood tones and black-framed cable deck railing to create the ideal complement for a mid-century modern home:
A sleek aluminum railing kit in dark bronze is the ideal choice for a modern farmhouse style home:
Another stylish modern deck idea is to eliminate the railing and use a built-in bench to create a safety barrier instead:
Clear View Railing Designs
Some of the most beautiful outdoor living spaces are the ones that are close to nature. The spindles and pickets of old-style wood deck railings may provide a short privacy screen, but they also block the view. Instead, consider using glass infill panels or steel cable deck railing. This deck combines traditional white posts and top rails with clear glass panels for a clear view of the wooded backyard:
This DIY homeowner chose to remodel their deck with sleek black railing and glass panels, for a modern look that provides an unobstructed view:
Cable deck railing is an easy DIY deck solution that works beautifully with almost any style of architecture. This deck enjoys open views of the backyard, while white posts, caps and rails tie it to the traditional look of the home:
Built-In Bench Railings
A built-in bench is a stylish alternative to a typical deck railing. Benches not only provide extra seating, they break up long expanses of horizontal railing and may include features like planter boxes and lighting. This homeowner chose a bench to add interest along the railing and create an extra seating area:
This backyard deck maintains open views by using a long bench instead of metal deck railing:
Modern deck boards made from PVC can be bent into curves to create custom deck designs. A semi-circular bench is the perfect surround for the fire pit on this deck:
Custom Deck Rail Lighting
Lighting is another design feature that helps to create standout deck railings; of course, all deck stairs should be lit for increased safety. TimberTech offers a range of built-in lighting options for your deck:
- Riser lights to illuminate stairs
- In-Deck lights emit a soft glow to delineate deck edges
- Accent lights for general lighting on posts
- Post Cap lights to softly illuminate each post
- Under-Rail lighting to frame the deck with a soft glow
Post cap lights and accent lighting on these stairs add style while improving safety:
When used along the entire railing, lighted island caps and accent lights help to create a cozy outdoor ambiance after dark.
This deck makes the most of its glass panels with the glow of LED Under-Rail lighting:
Where To Buy TimberTech Deck Railing By AZEK
Here at Ring’s End, we offer an unparalleled selection of building materials both in-store and online throughout Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New York. We’re proud to offer TimberTech products because we know that homeowners have confidence in the 30-50 year product warranty.
In addition to the expertise provided by our Ring’s End sales representatives, an architect or designer is a great help when planning a custom deck. They can supply creative design ideas, as well as produce a deck design that meets local building codes and provide plans for the contractor. With thoughtful attention to color and some expert help, your new deck will be a stunning addition for all to enjoy.