The guardrail is what is meant by the wall which is fixed to the edge of your terrace and which prevents someone from falling, in general it is composed of posts, panels and a handrail. Some call it balustrade. There are pre-formatted and custom-made ones. It all depends on your needs. Traditionally, the first need remains that of safety, the second that of maintenance. And finally comes an aesthetic component that should not be overlooked. Choosing between different styles and therefore different materials is essential.
What material should you consider for the railing of your terrace?
Wooden railing, the most elegant for your terrace
Undoubtedly the most elegant but also the most popular railing. It is a material that is both practical and modern. Of course, after a while it needs to be refreshed. For a little mountain chalet look, opt for a wooden railing. With straight or cross-patterned rungs, choose the same species as that of your terrace if it is also made of wood. From the moment you have chosen to have your custom wooden railing made, all shapes and sizes can be considered. This type of railing is known to have character, especially if you give free rein to your imagination. Of course, always think that a railing should remain functional in the first place.
PVC railing
PVC railings tend to imitate wood. It is therefore a perfect solution if you want the look of wood and less maintenance. Especially since PVC railings, unlike wooden ones, do not deform. They do not need to be repainted. If you choose white, as is often the case, remember to clean it regularly if you want to play the uncluttered decoration card.
Metal railing, the safest for your terrace
As with PVC railings, there are a large number of models, shapes and colors of metal railings, including aluminum or stainless steel. This variety is interesting but that’s not all: they are railings that are easy to maintain. And which have in fact a great solidity. You can work with a craftsman who can create a custom piece for your home, a unique model, almost a work of art!
Stone railing, the strongest for your terrace
The stone railings are reminiscent of large Italian buildings. Even if your house is neither large nor in Italy, you may want this material, in its natural state or reconstituted. The stone is both durable and elegant.
Glass railing, the most modern for your terrace
Glass railings provide security without impairing the view. This is a good recommendation for houses near the seaside or a lake. There are different types of glass: solid glass, tempered glass or acrylic. Your ramp can be either wood, vinyl or metal.
Concrete railing, the most durable for your terrace
Some choose concrete as the material for their railing. It is a strong, durable and rather inexpensive material. They require virtually no maintenance. However, they are quite rare on the market.
Railings combining different materials
If you are looking for something a little more unique, you can opt for a railing that combines, for example, wood and metal. Again, when it comes to custom pieces, only your imagination is the limit. A decorator or exterior designer can help you find your personalized railing, the one that will suit you completely.
Choose a railing that matches the style of your home
Metal railings often go well with brick homes. If you don’t want your railing to obstruct the view, choose a metal or glass railing – they are less obtrusive. A wood siding home will look great with a semi-transparent wood deck railing. There are as many types of deck railings as there are houses. Have fun choosing the style you like the most.
What you need to know about deck railing maintenance
Like everything, your railing will age. And over time, maintenance will be required. Of course, it all depends on the material you choose. Because some materials age faster than others. Everything is also to do according to the climate of your region. The paintwork on an aluminum railing will likely need to be refreshed after a few years. Similarly, some woods are more durable than others, or stain more easily.
Building Code Considerations
There are regions where certain strict guidelines apply, also when it comes to deck railings. You therefore need to know the local specifications. Find out about building regulations when you start your project. Building codes can vary from the height of the railing to the distance between the balusters. It is important to know what is allowed in your city when making your plans. There are also different specifications for pool decks.