Three Ways To Deck Out Your Patio In Style

For many, there is no better place to be than on the backyard patio in the waning heat of a summer day.  Grills provide wafts of smoky awesomeness while the kids swim, run or toss a ball.  In the grip of a magical summer moment, it seems like nothing can go wrong until the youngest child or a wayward adult go careening off the deck.   If your patio borders are naked, it might be time to put up railings for safety and design reasons.  When it comes to the perimeter of your deck, there are many styles to choose from.  Custom wood, pre-fabricated vinyl and wrought iron railing are some of the options available.



Custom Wood Railing

The majority of deck railings are created from a standard wood design.  This consists of a pattern of posts measuring 2 inches squared.  Custom railings can include different sizes and shapes of posts and the most elaborate examples sport carvings or post toppers.  While customized borders provide elegance to your deck, the wood work can be quite expensive.

Wrought Iron Railing

There are two types of wrought iron railings that can be purchased.  The first are prefabricated panels, which can be installed onto the deck sides by homeowners or builders.  The second option is wrought iron railing that is made on site for a custom job.  Like customized wood, special-order wrought iron requires expert craftsmanship and can be expensive. When used on wooden decks, wrought iron can provide a sophisticated accent for backyards or pool areas.

Pre-fabricated Vinyl Railing

Another common option for deck railings is a material that many people are starting to use in full deck construction.  Pre-fabricated vinyl, similar to the material used in home siding projects, can be purchased in designs and colors that mimic wood.  Seen from a distance, decks made of this material are indistinguishable from wood.  However, the material will never chip or rot, so decks can last for many more years without requiring upkeep like painting or stain.  Some individuals replace broken or damaged wood railings with matching vinyl parts for this reason.

All of the types of railings above can be installed by a homeowner.  When installing custom wood or wrought iron railings, however, it may be better to have a professional on hand.  Damaging custom materials can result in high replacement costs.  No matter how you get your new railings installed, you will be glad they are in place.  As small children run and play on the deck during warm weather and when you need something to grab if the deck is slick with rain or ice, the work and expense of installing a railing will be worth the peace of mind you gain.