You’re ready to get the ball rolling on the beautiful deck plans you’ve been working on. However, there’s one problem - you don’t want to obstruct that stunning scene right outside of your backdoor. Thankfully, these days there are some great options for your railing that won’t compromise your view. Railing styles like glass panels, cable, and metal can make a huge difference in the style of your deck without taking away from the natural wonder that surrounds. Here, we give a brief overview of four railing options that will help you keep your view and add an extra element of style to your deck.
Glass Railing
Unmatched views with sophistication
This is a sleek choice that will give you a totally unobstructed view as you’re taking in the sunset from your favorite lounge chair. If you have a waterfront property, the glass railing is an excellent way to complement the deep blues of the lake or ocean. You can get this tempered glass in either vertical strips or panels and use them with a variety of railing and post systems. Typically, glass inserts are ordered to custom fit your posts and handrail, but some products like Fortress Pure View offer glass panel kits for quick and easy installation.
Depending on the look you are going for, you can install glass railing with or without a frame. It’s low-maintenance, usually only requiring periodic cleaning. Don’t let the looks of this railing fool you, it is incredibly durable and able to withstand the elements of weather. Overall, glass railing is an upscale way to showcase the breathtaking view from your deck without a ton of maintenance.
Cable Railing
A subtle statement that complements the scenery
If glass railing isn’t quite the look that you’re going for, cable is another excellent option for keeping the visibility from your deck. Cable railing looks a little more urban as opposed to the sleek look of glass. However, they both lend themselves to a modern design scheme. Another great perk of cable railing is that it requires even less maintenance than glass. Where you will have to clean your glass railing periodically to get a clear view, you won’t have to worry about cleaning your cable.
Cable railing is also very easy to set-up. The cables come in pre-cut lengths so that they fit right into your metal, wood or composite posts. In general, this type of railing tends to run cheaper than its glass counterpart. Two popular brands we recommend for cable railing are Feeney CableRail and Fortress Vertical Cable Railing. While glass and cable options guarantee a fantastic view from your deck, it really comes down to your stylistic preferences and budget for what you ultimately choose.
Pro Tip: The majority of the cost for cable railing is in the fittings, so running the cable through posts for long spans will save you money. Work with the deck experts at TimberTown to ensure you get the right fittings for your project.
Metal Railing
Go classic and create an interesting contrast
Want to go for a little bit more of a traditional look? Metal railing offers a different and perhaps bolder style than the cable and glass options. You can choose between wrought iron, stainless steel, aluminum, brass and copper. With so many different choices, metal railing can provide an interesting contrast against your wood or composite deck. While it may not showcase your view as well as the glass or cable railing, it costs considerably less and creates a classic appearance that is a statement in itself. You can have metail railing custom fabricated or use metal panels from top brands like Fortress, Feeney and Trex.
Incorporating Wood
A timeless choice with room for creativity
Using wood always gives a classic feel to your railing. You can mix and match different elements to create a design that perfectly suits your tastes and showcases your view (like the image above). Mix wrought iron with Ipe or Wild Hog Railing with Cedar and Tigerwood to get the style that you want. You can also create unique designs with your wood railing that frame your view in an intriguing way. Using wood in your railing system gives more flexibility and freedom to work with as you create your perfect look.
Need more inspiration? Check out our Railing Photos!
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