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Build Deck Railing: Wood, Iron, Composite And Vinyl
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Published: August 20, 2007
Adding a deck onto a house is a lot of work, but in the summer it can be the ultimate relaxation and party spot for a family. Once the main part of the deck is completed, the next step is to build deck railing. Many people hire outside contractors for this step, but others choose to build deck railing themselves.
Either way, the railing is one of the biggest steps in securing the deck and making it look great. Before starting to build deck railing, first consider the materials.
Many people just choose to build deck railing out of wood. Wood railing is cheap, effective, and if the whole deck is wood, it gives a nice, clean look overall. The downside to wood railing is it needs constant maintenance and is prone to splintering, breaking and rotting. Many of these issues can be solved by applying some sort of sealant once the deck building process is completed. The choice to build deck railing out of wood is probably the cheapest and best looking option, but not the most efficient.
Another option to build deck railing with is iron railing. Iron railing has the benefit of being much sturdier than wood, and will ultimately last much longer with less maintenance required. Of course, iron railing will eventually rust and will be quite costly to replace. Additionally, installation is a hassle; iron railing must be precisely measured to fit together and is difficult to recut. It is also less attractive than wood. However, many choose to build deck railing out of iron due to its durability.
Some people turn to plastics when wanting to build deck railing that is more durable. Vinyl deck railing has become quite popular over the years because it is weather proof, can be colored to match the deck, and is quite sturdy. Other than the difficulty and expense to replace cracked vinyl deck railing, it is preferable to wood and iron because it could conceivably last a great deal longer than either. Vinyl is a good choice to build deck railing for those satisfied with the dull look of plastic and the permanence it offers.
For those who do not mind a project to build deck railing with a more modern twist, composite railing is an interesting option. Composite railings are made from wood and plastic hybrid parts, offering the strength and stability of wood product with the weatherproofing and durability of plastic. The idea to build deck railing with composite parts also caries the benefit of coming from recycled materials. It is, however, quite expensive and difficult to install and replace.
The decision to install a deck and build deck railing is a large one that must be thoroughly examined. There are many different material options and looks to choose from, and whatever is chosen is going to be there for a long time. Wood, iron, vinyl and composite materials all offer very interesting options, but ultimately it is up to the owner and what works best for the deck. Whether installing it themselves or hiring a contractor to do it, the decision to install deck railing is not one to be taken lightly.
Sources:
2x4 Deck Handrails. Hammer Zone. 3 June 2003. 8 August 2007. http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/decks/handrail/ contemporary/basic1/painted_2x4.htm.
"Installing CorrectDeck RapidRail." Correct Deck. 2006. 8 August 2007. http://www.correctdeck.com/products/rapidrail/inst all_rapidrail.htm.
"Build Your Own Backyard Retreat." Louisiana-Pacific Corp. 2007. 8 August 2007. http://www.lpcorp.com/deckingrailing/deckingrailin g.aspx.
"What is Trex?" Trex Company Inc. 1997-2007. 8 August 2007. http://www.trex.com/products/whatistrex.asp.
Many people just choose to build deck railing out of wood. Wood railing is cheap, effective, and if the whole deck is wood, it gives a nice, clean look overall. The downside to wood railing is it needs constant maintenance and is prone to splintering, breaking and rotting. Many of these issues can be solved by applying some sort of sealant once the deck building process is completed. The choice to build deck railing out of wood is probably the cheapest and best looking option, but not the most efficient.
Another option to build deck railing with is iron railing. Iron railing has the benefit of being much sturdier than wood, and will ultimately last much longer with less maintenance required. Of course, iron railing will eventually rust and will be quite costly to replace. Additionally, installation is a hassle; iron railing must be precisely measured to fit together and is difficult to recut. It is also less attractive than wood. However, many choose to build deck railing out of iron due to its durability.
Some people turn to plastics when wanting to build deck railing that is more durable. Vinyl deck railing has become quite popular over the years because it is weather proof, can be colored to match the deck, and is quite sturdy. Other than the difficulty and expense to replace cracked vinyl deck railing, it is preferable to wood and iron because it could conceivably last a great deal longer than either. Vinyl is a good choice to build deck railing for those satisfied with the dull look of plastic and the permanence it offers.
For those who do not mind a project to build deck railing with a more modern twist, composite railing is an interesting option. Composite railings are made from wood and plastic hybrid parts, offering the strength and stability of wood product with the weatherproofing and durability of plastic. The idea to build deck railing with composite parts also caries the benefit of coming from recycled materials. It is, however, quite expensive and difficult to install and replace.
The decision to install a deck and build deck railing is a large one that must be thoroughly examined. There are many different material options and looks to choose from, and whatever is chosen is going to be there for a long time. Wood, iron, vinyl and composite materials all offer very interesting options, but ultimately it is up to the owner and what works best for the deck. Whether installing it themselves or hiring a contractor to do it, the decision to install deck railing is not one to be taken lightly.
Sources:
2x4 Deck Handrails. Hammer Zone. 3 June 2003. 8 August 2007. http://www.hammerzone.com/archives/decks/handrail/ contemporary/basic1/painted_2x4.htm.
"Installing CorrectDeck RapidRail." Correct Deck. 2006. 8 August 2007. http://www.correctdeck.com/products/rapidrail/inst all_rapidrail.htm.
"Build Your Own Backyard Retreat." Louisiana-Pacific Corp. 2007. 8 August 2007. http://www.lpcorp.com/deckingrailing/deckingrailin g.aspx.
"What is Trex?" Trex Company Inc. 1997-2007. 8 August 2007. http://www.trex.com/products/whatistrex.asp.
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