Are you wondering what wood deck railing is made from? Simply to learn, it is made from wood. Now if you are just one of the people searching for information about it, then keep staying on this page to read on our wood deck railing reviews.
Understanding wood deck railing requires you to look over the detailed explanation we are going to share you now.
It includes the definition of wood deck railing, post cap, wood deck railing types, wood deck railing pros and cons, installation method, the use of pressure-treated woods, professional installer involvement, sample cost and comparison guide and the way you are looking for a qualified installer for your wood deck railing.
Now let’s check them all out in detail one by one if you feel you are likely to arrive at the wood deck railing ideas:
Definition Of Wood Deck Railing
There are some components that build a wood deck railing. Each of the component is made of wood. There are also many different method used to build wood deck railing but most share the same assemblies.
Here are the components that build a wood deck railing.
- Posts
Posts are connected to the wood deck. They are generally made of 4×4 pieces of lumber. Posts are the primary support for the deck railing.
They are usually extending to the top height of the railing and below the level of the deck. However, this is much depending on the attachment method.
- Top and bottom rails
Top and bottom rails support and offer frame for the infill. They are usually made of 2×4 pieces of lumber, creating a piece of wood deck railing. The top and the bottom rails are placed horizontally between the posts.
- Top rails
Top rails are typically set at the minimum height based on the code.
- Bottom rails
Bottom rails are generally set above the level of the deck to let the room underneath to sweep so that the water can run off.
- Infill
Infill is the material that is used to build a structure of the wood deck railing. Infill consists of wood. Along with the creativity and design, infill offers spindles, pickets and balusters you can choose to mix the materials of wood deck railings.
Balusters and spindles, this way, are usually placed just between the top and the bottom rails while the pickets are usually attached to the outside or inside of the top or bottom rails.
- Top caps
Top caps is popularly known as drink rails. They usually consists of 2×6 lumber pieces.
Read Also: Aluminum Railing Reviews
To Post Cap or Not to Post Cap
The second detailed explanation in our our wood deck railing reviews is the posts cap installation. This way, posts cap installation is aimed to customize the wood deck railing to provide supports for the railing.
Posts caps have innumerable styles, designs and materials. You can find them in nondescript finishes or unique styles such as animals and other designs.
However, not all of deck styles are available to allow for posts caps and the posts height usually directs you whether or not you can install the posts. To secure the posts, you can use nails or a strong adhesive.
Wood deck Railing Types
Though wood is a fairly straightforward material, you can still expect to have options when it comes to design your wood deck railing. The first option would be the type of wood that you are about to use for the deck railing.
This way, a deck railing can be constructed from many different types of wood. So the first thing to do is to determine the type of wood.
Keep in mind that each type of wood comes with its own benefits and drawbacks so you must carefully consider about making a choice. Here are some wood deck railing types to take into account.
- Cedar
Cedar comes with a lighter and golden color. It has natural look and beauty as well as bug resistance. Cedar deck railing can be coated since its beauty is not covered by the heavy stains.
- Cypress
Cypress offer a deep tan to a lighter red. Though it may be costly, it is highly resistant to rot and insect. You can finish cypress simply to let its beauty to shine naturally.
- Pine
Pine is a lighter wood. It is usually treated in order to fight against bug and rot. Pine is frequently used due to its economical options.
- Redwood
Redwood is just one of red variations. It is very high end and durable. It can last longer than most other wood type options.
- Tropical hardwood
Tropical hardwood ranges from the light to the dark tan. It is also durable but more expensive than any other wood used for deck railing.
Wood Deck Railing Pros and Cons
This our wood deck railing reviews include the pros and cons to allow you to make decision whether you finally purchase the product or not.
Basically, wood deck railing is frequently selected to fit the wood decks. It is available as a DIY project. Further, it is also one of the affordable deck railing materials.
The ideal look of a wood deck railing is in its suitability to match the decking. However, everyone can select one of the many different types of wood to create a unique look or to meet the budget.
Wood deck railing will also require maintenance including staining, sealing and painting. If a wood deck railing is properly maintained, it can be the most flexible materials you can consider using.
Pros
There are four pros of wood deck railing that makes people keep falling in love with.
First, wood deck railing is cost-effective, meaning that it offers affordable prices.
Second, it is offering a variety of designs and third, it carries natural look and undeniable real-wood look and feel.
Fourth, a wood deck railing can be treated with paints and stains.
Cons
As there are benefits, there are also some drawbacks to carefully pay attention to.
In fact, a wood deck railing need regular maintenance. So it is not proper for people with high mobility and activities.
Further, a wood deck railing can get damage easily. It is also susceptible to weathering and insects.
Last, you cannot expect it to last long like the other deck railing materials.
Wood Deck Railing Installation Method
Wood deck railing is fortunately available for DIY projects. This means that you can install the railing by yourself as long as you have already proper tools and woodworking skills.
There is no comprehensive installation guide provided by the company but you can use information stated in this article dealing with the steps on how to install the wood deck railing.
In this regards, there are mainly 4 steps to follow in installing the wood deck railing.
- Measure 3.5 inches out of the deck surface and clamp a 2×4 for the installation.
- Clamp a 2×4 for installation as the top rail flush with the post tops.
- Drill pilot holes into the balusters and secure them to the top and bottom rails. This way, you can use your appropriate screws.
- Place the rail caps centered over the top rail and attach them well.
The Use of Pressure-Treated Woods
If you prefer using pressure-treated woods for your wood deck railing, there are several things to consider. Those include:
- You must have specialized screws and nails to use with the pressure-treated lumber.
- Pressure-treated lumber is often wet when you freshly get it from the vendor. Remember that it will shrink once it dries.
- Pilot holes will help prevent the splitting when you try to screw into the wood directly.
- If the railing contacts with the ground, use wood which is rated for the ground contact.
- Pressure-treated wood can refuse stains and paints up to one year after the installation.
Professional Installer For Wood Deck Railing
Based on this our wood deck railing reviews, hiring professional installer for wood deck railing is a good idea due to the fact that not everyone can apply DIY projects.
It is very possible that the homeowners do not have the required tools and plenty of time.
Further, in carrying out the DIY projects, someone will still need a help of an expertise.
Sample Costs and Comparison Guide
It is always necessary to compare the cost of a desired product with the other materials when it comes to decide the best choice.
Look at the following table to check out:
| Material | Price Per Linear Foot |
| Composite | $20 |
| Vinyl | $30 |
| Aluminum | $55 |
| Stainless steel cable | $75 |
| Glass | $300 |
| Wrought iron | $90 |
| Wood | $45 |
Wood Deck Railing Maintenance
It is mostly considered that significant and regular maintenance of wood deck railing is one of the biggest drawbacks.
That is probably because wood is usually susceptible to some negative impacts from insect and weather, making the materials a must to keep up with.
The following table is the maintenance cost you may want to know if you want to get a maintenance service for your deck railing.
| Maintenance | Cost |
| Staining | $750 |
| Pressure washing | $250 |
| Waterproof sealant | $750 |
| Stripping, sanding and refinishing | $2500 |
Looking For A Qualified Installer For Wood Decking Railing
Unfortunately, some readers show their complaint that they cannot find a qualified local installer of overpaid installation for the wood deck railing.
As a solution, there has been developed an online free estimate tool to help them find the local installer only in 24 hours.
Read Also: Stainless Steel Cable Railing Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on our wood deck railing reviews, here are some FAQs that you may have similarly.
Find a maintenance service and consider the maintenance cost.
Yes, you can. But makes sure you have already had all the required tools. Make sure that you are skillful as well.
Consider Cedar. Compared to the other types of wood available for your deck railing, it presents natural look and beauty.
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