5 Considerations to Make When Choosing Railings

Published On: September 9, 2021|Categories: Railings|

When you’re planning your patio or deck, part of the process is selecting railings. From choosing the right colour to thinking about the type of experience you’re after, there are many aspects to think about. Let’s break down five of the most important considerations to make when choosing railings for your outdoor space.

lakeside railings

1. The Type of Experience

Before you get started choosing from railing options, spend some time thinking about what you want to feel while sitting on your deck. Do you want the mood to be Zen-like, rustic, or modern?

Soothing colours such as neutrals can provide a peaceful feeling, whereas silvers, whites, and stainless steel appear more modern. For backyard garden spaces, browns and greens blend in nicely and give a rustic feel.

2. Railing Style

A top railing’s shape can add plenty of appeal to the overall look of your deck. A square-style top rail is simpler compared to a rectangular top rail that’s modern. Choose a rounded profile for your railing for a smoother touch and soften the hard edges of a deck design.

Achieve a cozy, well-coordinated look by selecting a railing in the same shade as your decking or try something different by picking out a railing in a contrasting colour.

3. The Railing Material

Plenty of wood and metal options are available for your railing. Wood material is easier to install, softer to touch, and fluctuates less than metal. Certain types of wood require minor maintenance, such as oiling once or twice per year.

If you want even less maintenance, a metal railing may be your best bet. Solid or tube metal options are available in steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Steel can be galvanized before painting if that’s the look you’re after, and stainless steel can even be painted. Aluminum can be powder coated or anodized for a more natural look.

4. Lighting for Railings

If you plan on spending a lot of time on your deck in the evenings, you may want to include LED lighting built into your top rail. Round, square, or rectangular tubes help conceal the electric wires to provide a seamless look. Besides adding aesthetics, lighting offers additional safety and security. To maximize energy efficiency, have LED dimmer options installed.

5. Railing Colours

Now’s the fun part: picking the colour for your railings! This is a personal choice – and the look you’re after will help narrow down your options.

One idea is to match your home’s interior with its exterior. For example, a similarly finished wood can tie the two in together nicely.

If you have a beautiful view, you likely want your railing to blend in nicely so that the view is more prominent. For ocean and lake views, light railing colours often blend in better. But if you have a forest behind your home, dark colours are a great option.

Ready to get started with the railing selection process? Contact us today to learn more about the many options available.

 

 

 

 

 

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