Imagine sitting inside your home and glancing into the backyard at your new deck. What’s the first thing you’ll see? Most likely, you’ll see the railing before the deck boards. So, while the board style and color is usually the first choice you’ll make when designing your deck, it’s important to give railing design equal consideration in your plans. Not only is railing required, in most places, for decks 30 or more inches high, it gives you a beautiful way to express your personal style, coordinate with your home’s exterior, and/or showcase your backyard view.
Ready to dive into popular deck railing ideas? You’ve come to the right place.
What Is the Most Popular Deck Railing?
Take a look at these popular deck railing material combinations tailored to different design styles. Notice how the railing ties together the landscaping, architecture, and color palette of the home’s exterior.
Modern Railing Design: Aluminum Railing + Glass Infill
Pictured: Impression Rail Express Classic Top Rail in Black with glass panel infill + Mocha decking from the TimberTech Composite Legacy Collection
Looking for a chic, modern railing design? Aluminum railing offers sleek profiles that give you narrow, clean lines to complement the lines and angles of your modern-style home. Choose glass panel infills for a minimalist aesthetic that keeps your views unobstructed.
Traditional Railing Design: Composite Railing
Pictured: RadianceRail Express in White with composite balusters, post cap lights, and island post caps + Coastline decking from the TimberTech Advanced PVC Vintage Collection
Love a timeless look for your deck perimeter? Opt for white composite railing designed with a traditional milled-wood look for a sophisticated, classic feel. For deck railing cap ideas, consider the multi-dimensional island post cap for an elegant finishing touch.
Transitional Railing Design: Composite Drink Railing + Cable Infill
Pictured: Classic Composite Series Drink Rail in White with a Coastline deck board top rail, lighted island caps, and stainless steel cable rail infill + Coastline decking from the TimberTech Advanced PVC Vintage Collection
Transitional design incorporates elements of both traditional and contemporary design for a unique look.
A deck board top rail between each post gives you a modern, functional railing profile. For an added flourish, opt for deck railing cap ideas like the ornate lighted island post cap. Stick to contemporary deck baluster ideas like stainless steel cable railing infill to round out your transitional design with the perfect balance of classic and modern.
Light Up the Night
Illuminate your design with deck lights for your railing and deck surface.
Configuring Your Railing: Customize With TimberTech
Now that you’re thinking holistically about your backyard and how deck railing ideas can affect the overall look and feel of your space, it’s time to configure your own personalized perimeter.
With TimberTech Railing, you have the option to customize nearly every component of your railing to curate a look that’s truly you.
So, where to begin? First, get a refresher on what your railing components are, so you can customize your design like a pro.
Deck Railing Components
ADDITIONAL ACCESSIBILITY FOR YOUR RAILING
Our ADA handrail is an additional component that provides an extra layer of safety with a lower, easily graspable surface for those that need weight-bearing assistance.
DISCOVER ADA RAILING
Explore Your Railing Material Choices
Just like wood decking, wood railing is a lot of work — fortunately, you have easier options. Get familiar with other railing materials so you can make an informed decision and bring your railing ideas to life.
PVC Railing
Made of extruded PVC and reinforced with an aluminum core, these railing options are as high-performance as they are high style.
Next-Level Traditional Style Options
Pictured: Pinnacle Rail in White with white square web decorative panels
With its classic, milled-wood styling, TimbeTech PVC railing is our most durable and moisture resistant. Plus, our PVC Railing offers unique Decorative Panel infill options in addition to being compatible with our Composite Square Balusters.
Composite Railing
Thanks to its durable material make-up, composite railing delivers superior performance over traditional wood, is longer lasting, and requires minimal maintenance. It’s also moisture resistant — protected from mold, mildew, and rot.*
Endlessly Customizable
Pictured: Classic Composite Series Drink Rail in Black with black aluminum balusters and an English Walnut deck board top rail
TimberTech Composite railing delivers the most customization options to fuel your deck railing ideas. Choose from a variety of top rail profiles, infill options, deck railing cap ideas, and more for a unique look.
Aluminum Railing
Prefer aluminum deck railing ideas? TimberTech powder-coated aluminum railing mimics the look of wrought iron for a timeless, versatile aesthetic. Plus, the exceptional durability of aluminum means little risk of rust or corrosion — and minimal maintenance for you.
Make an Unforgettable Impression
Pictured: Impression Rail Express Classic Top Rail in White with a horizontal cable rail infill
TimberTech aluminum railing options include the sleek profiles of Impression Rail Express.
Choose from multiple top railing profiles ranging from classic to modern to create a look all your own.
Infill Options: Deck Baluster Ideas, Alternatives, & More
From baluster styles to cable and glass, your infill makes a big impact on your overall rail style.
With your material options clear, it’s next time to learn how the components — from rails to infills and deck railing cap ideas — can be combined to create your custom perimeter.
Thinking of DIY-ing Your Railing?
Depending on the design complexity — and your own skillset — DIY-ing your deck railing and decor can be a fulfilling, cost-saving project. For a straightforward DIY project, factor in these considerations:
For the Easiest Ordering
For a straightforward ordering process, opt for the RadianceRail Express Smart Set, which comes with all the components you need for installation.
For the Easiest Install
Experience an easier railing installation with the Impression Rail Express panelized metal railing system, featuring pre-assembled balusters and pre-drilled holes in the rails.
Overall Best Practices
Railing has specific code requirements — some of which may be local to your area. Get the 411 on deck railing height and best practices for a safe, secure deck perimeter.
*The proprietary capping on the Prime+, Prime, and Premier Collections does not feature Mold Guard Technology.
