Deck Railings, Balusters, and Post Caps

More than any other feature, deck railings give your deck design its individual style. It's an deck upgrade that's worth investing in.

By repeating the architectural details of the house, railings and postcaps can turn an otherwise ordinary deck design into the perfect cottage, contemporary, or craftsman extension of your home.

Deck Railing Specifications

Before you decide on the style of railing or baluster, check local building codes for the specs on deck railings.

Usually deck railings are required for any deck higher than 30 inches above the ground and for stairs with five or more steps. Local building codes are quite specific about this so check with the authorities in your area for the specification. The height of a deck railing is usually between 30 and 40 inches, but again this can be subject to various restrictions.

Here are some typical specs for deck railings that you should verify with the building codes in your area:

railing height: 36" to 42"
baluster spacing: 4" to 6"
post-to-baluster spacing: 4" to 6"
deck-to-bottom rail spacing: 2" to 4"

Aluminum Balusters Give the Look of Wrought Iron Without the Cost

Aluminum balusters give you the look of wrought iron without the cost. Balusters are the vertical members between the posts on a railing and they can give your deck a distinctive style by reflecting the architectural details of the house.

For example, the aluminum balusters featured here have the look of wrought iron and come in classic, colonial arc, and baroque styles.

You can also embellish a classic baluster by adding decorative centerpieces. Both these extruded balusters and the cast centerpieces are made of lightweight, durable, easy-to-care-for aluminum.