An overview of wood deck railing designs.

These days the range of wood deck railing designs which are available is quite overwhelming, and it can be difficult to know where to start. It's a good idea to review the different styles of deck railings available on this site and others on the Internet.

Deck railings have a huge impact on the overall look of your home, so it’s very important to choose a deck railing design that matches your house or the look you want. Besides wood you can also get railings and balusters made of aluminum.

Another very item is balcony panels offered by Rockler. You can get these made with different designs depicting trees, elks and fighting elks.

There are three main factors to keep in mind when you choose your wood deck railings:

1. The look, feel and architectural style of your home. Look for deck railings which will complement and enhance the look of your home.

2. Safety. Make sure the deck railings you choose comply with safety standards set by your local building authorities.

You may also have special safety considerations. For example, if you have children, choose stair railings which are small enough for little hands to grip. It’s very important to set the deck railing balusters and stair blusters at the right spacing to prevent children climbing through.

3. The view from your deck. If you have an attractive view from your deck, choose simple, minimal deck railings which will allow you to see it. If you have a view you don’t particularly like, choose more elaborate deck railing designs which will grab visual attention away from the view.

Optional extras for your wood deck railing.

It’s often the little finishing touches which make all the difference to the overall look of your deck railing.

Decorative post caps come in a huge range of shapes, sizes and styles, from simple geometric and abstract shapes to elaborate animal and plant designs. Deck railing post caps come in all kinds of materials, including natural wood to match your wooden deck railings, or elegant copper, wrought iron and brass.

For a really magical effect at night, choose lighted deck post caps.

Decorative finials. These are more elaborate deck post caps which can be used on the end posts of the deck, as a contrast to the simple post caps which are fixed to the top of every railing post.

Wood balusters and stair balusters come in a wide range of decorative designs, to match the railings, post caps and finials. Your deck railing design may feature a combination of several different complementary wood baluster designs.

For more information on wood railings, please read this article on installing deck railings.

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