Design & DIY

5 decorative deck railings sure to inspire you

Published: July 13, 2023
A deck with a rustic wood railing
Photo by Daniel Ehrenworth
Rustic

This railing uses peeled, knotty logs. Because the shapes are irregular, they’re more challenging to build with, but they create an appealing, rustic look.

A metal railing surrounding a deck
Photo by Stacey Brandford
Metal

Sleek, modern lines and industrial metal juxtapose against warm wood railings and cedar shingles.

A cable-type railing surrounding a deck
Photo by Paul Orenstein
Cable(ish)

This variation on a cable railing uses metal rods instead of traditional cables.

A girl sitting in a chair in front of a wire mesh railing
Photo by Martin Tessler
Wire

Wire mesh is an unusual choice, but it opens up the view without blocking the breeze as glass can. It’s lower maintenance than glass too.

A retro wooden railing surrounding a deck
Photo by Derek Shapton
Retro

Angled railings were popular in the ’60s. Painted or stained wood needs regular maintenance, but it has a more playful look than unfinished materials. Again—no matter the deck and no matter what railing design you like—mind the code. Height and requirements vary, so check with building officials before making any design decisions.

Under many province’s building codes, decks above a certain height need railings that meet specific standards. This can vary from place to place. But if your railing is purely decorative, you could have more leeway in terms of what you can build. (Contact your local building department to find out the rules and regs in your area.) Meanwhile, check out these five decorative railing designs that use a variety of materials.

This article was originally published in the May 2021 issue of Cottage Life.

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