Having a new deck railing installed will give your deck a new look and offer extra protection, and it may even increase the resale value of your home altogether. There are lots of great railing options available on the market, so there are some considerations you should make before choosing an option. Making the following considerations should help ensure that you make the right buying decision for your needs and preferences when all is said and done.
The Materials
The first thing to think about is what materials your new deck railing should be made of. Wood, steel, aluminum, and PVC are just a few options to consider. You don't have to worry about choosing a material that matches your home because you can always paint the railing to make it look however you want it to.
You should choose a material that will stand up well to the outdoor elements in your specific location. If it tends to rain a lot, wood may start rotting and metal may rust. But PVC won't do either of these things. If your deck is located on a side of the house that gets a lot of direct sunlight throughout the day, you'll want to choose a material that won't fade as time goes on. Your service provider can advise you about how any material you consider using will be affected once installed on your deck.
Height and Width
What purpose will your new deck railing serve? If you plan to let your dog hang out on the deck unattended, you should make sure that the railing you invest in is tall enough to keep your pet contained. And the railing posts should be located close enough together that your dog can't squeeze through them. If your railing is simply for looks, choose a railing design first and then figure out how tall and wide the railing should be to accommodate the design.
Long-Term Maintenance
Maintaining your new deck railing will be important to keep it in good shape throughout the coming years. If maintenance isn't a priority, you'll likely end up spending more time and money on repairs than you would like to as the railing ages. So, make sure that you know exactly what the maintenance requirements are for any type of deck railing you consider investing in.
And make sure you know what kinds of tools, materials, and cleaning supplies you'll need to keep up with maintenance as time goes on. This will help you figure out which types of railings you'll actually be able to take care of so you can focus on those options when making a purchase decision.
To learn more, contact a deck railing supplier.