4 Unique Deck Railing Options For Your Kitchener Home

Deck repair services in Kitchener may include adding on a new railing. There are several reasons why this could be advantageous. The railing’s primary function is safety, preventing falls from a dangerous height. If your current railing is old and worn out, replacing it is imperative to protect your family and guests that spend time on the deck. 

Another consideration is aesthetic. Your deck railings can do a lot to enhance or detract from the beauty of your home, especially if the deck is in the front. If you are considering replacement railings, consider these different options.

1. Composite Railings

Composite railings are made of a combination of wood fibres mixed with plastic. This gives them the advantages of each material. Composite railings can mimic the appearance of genuine wood, the feel as well as the look while providing the durability and low-maintenance needs of plastic. Because composite railings are made from recycled material, they are more environmentally friendly than many other options. Composite railings cannot be painted, but they come in a wide array of colours. They are a good choice if you want a traditional look without having to perform a lot of upkeep.

2. Aluminum Railings

While composite railings are good for a traditional home, if your style is more modern, you may want to consider aluminum railings. Their clean, narrow lines help to complement your modern home’s angles, while the smooth metal makes your home look more sleek and streamlined. Aluminum is a sturdy material that does not rust and requires little maintenance. It offers many different style options. For example, if you are worried about your view being obstructed by the railing as you are sitting on your deck, you can consider a glass infill, which also adds a minimalist aesthetic to your modern exterior, placing more of an emphasis on decorative elements. Aluminum generally requires a higher upfront investment, but because it can last for decades, it may save you money in the long run.

3. Lattice Deck Railings

On the other hand, maybe you are not worried about your view being obstructed. Maybe you are more concerned with your own privacy and want to protect your deck and its occupants from prying eyes. If that is the case, a lattice deck railing may be what you are looking for. It allows the light to fall on your deck and the air to circulate, and yet prevents neighbours from adjoining yards from seeing what is going on by impeding their view. 

Traditional latticework consists of slats of wood arranged in a slanted fashion to form crisscrosses and diamond-shaped openings between the slats. This is a very traditional look, and it may not be appealing or appropriate to your home’s style. However, there are many variations on traditional latticework that may be more appropriate for a modern or contemporary design scheme.

4. Wood Deck Railings

Wood deck railings are one of the most traditional options and may still be the most appropriate for your home. If the surrounding landscaping is lush, green, and leafy, a wood deck railing does a lot to enhance the natural beauty that surrounds it. The enhancement may come from staining the wood a colour that complements the verdancy of the yard, such as a red or orange tone. 

While wood is a sturdy material, it is vulnerable to water and susceptible to rotting. Therefore, it requires a lot of maintenance to protect it from the elements and avoid damage such as warping or splintering. Even with regular upkeep, a wood deck railing may not last as long as some other varieties and need to be replaced more often.

Let Deck Repair Services in Kitchener Replace Your Railing

In addition to deck repair services, Handyman Connection also offers deck installation in Kitchener. Find out how we can help you with your project.