Updating Your Stairs and Railings
Depending on the material your deck was built with, it might be old and worn. Over time, wood decks can splinter and fade, making them less attractive and unsafe to walk on. Composite decking can last a long time, but the color can fade.
Aside from needing to replace the stairs and railings due to wear and tear, you may want to update them with a new style. A lot of consideration and planning needs to take place before updating your stairs and rails. You'll want to ask yourself questions like: "What's my budget for this project?" "What type of material do I want to use?" "Will the stairs and railings I want match the look of the rest of the deck?"
The project can be intense, but with the right plan and the right materials, a determined do-it-yourselfer can update their stairs and railings to the exact style they want. Let's look at some other considerations.
Trying Different Materials
Pressure-Treated Wood
Pressure-treated wood is a common decking material that's treated to resist water and insect damage. It's relatively easy to find and inexpensive. If you want a deck that's tan, mahogany, dark brown, reddish-brown or golden brown, you can easily find a wood stain to fit that preference. Pressure-treated wood can also be painted.
Wood decks, stairs and railings that are regularly treated with a protective stain can last 20 years or more. However, if they're not power washed and stained and sealed regularly, the condition of the wood can deteriorate and it can splinter over time.
Composite
Unlike natural wood, composite decking is low-maintenance. It's made from recycled materials, a mixture of various plastics and wood chips. Composite decking will not splinter, so families can enjoy walking up and down the stairs without worry.
Composite decking has certain drawbacks. It typically costs more than its real wood counterparts. The color choices are limited as well. And because it's largely plastic, darker shades of composite decking can attract heat, making them hot to the touch in the summer months.
PVC
Like composite decking, PVC is designed to look like wood. It's capped, meaning it has an added protective layer with a wood-like appearance. Another benefit of PVC decking is that it's lightweight. Additionally, it won't rot, something that happens with real wood decking.
PVC stairs and railings have the same drawbacks as composite decking: they cost more than real wood and some people don't like the look as much. To install PVC decking you'll also need special fasteners, which raises the cost.
Aluminum
Another durable choice for decking materials is aluminum. Aluminum deck railings can last much longer than pressure-treated wood railings. They resist damage caused by rain, sun exposure and insects, but generally cost more.
Horizontal or Vertical Railings
For the most part, the choice between horizontal and vertical railing is a matter of preference. Vertical railings are more traditional, so choosing a horizontal pattern will make your deck unique.
Horizontal railing has some benefits that vertical railings don't have. First, horizontal railings are easier to install. Since balusters aren't required, fewer materials are needed for horizontal railings. Horizontal railings provide more privacy since they don't allow a full view of an object or person to those on the other side of the railing. They also offer versatility in materials. You can use wood, metal or even unique items such as cable or fiberglass.
However, vertical railings offer certain advantages. Since vertical railings have shorter lengths, they require less maintenance, and their individual balusters are less expensive to replace.
Deck Railing Ideas
Deck railings need to be sturdy and functional, but they can also be eye-catching. Consider these different vertical and horizontal deck railing ideas:
- A natural wood staircase that uses cables in place of rails will give your deck a modern industrial look. The cables also require less maintenance.
- Placing balusters in the shape of an "X" where you might ordinarily place them horizontally or vertically provides a unique look and a nice view of the other side.
- Combining metal and wood on your railings will give your deck a rustic feel. Add matching furniture to complete the look.
- For a truly modern look that provides the best privacy, place several wood slats horizontally an inch apart, top to bottom.
- Add extra seating by adding benches to the bottom horizontal rails of your deck. You can also use the benches to hold potted plants or lanterns.
- Combining painted and stained wood can give an elegant feel to any deck whether you use vertical or horizontal railing.
- To get really playful, use geometric patterns in your railing designs or paint the balusters different colors.
Accents for Deck Railings
Stylish touches to your deck don't have to end with the choice of horizontal cables or vertical balusters. You can create a variety of looks that stand out with accents. Many deck rail posts have some type of decorative cap on them. You can also put a solar light as the cap to your posts for an elegant appearance at night. Adding planters to your railing is a great way to create a pop of color in the spring and summer months.
If you're looking out at an amazing view, glass balusters are a nice touch that allows you to enjoy the scenery safely. In place of balusters, you can use an artistic steel panel with a nature-inspired design. Two-toned railings provide a fun contrast in colors. If you want rustic charm, try balusters made from tree branches or reclaimed driftwood.
There are countless ways you can design and build your deck. Plan well, be creative and have fun to make your deck space uniquely yours.