Learning How to Choose a Deck Railing

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Deck Railing Birmingham AL is a safety safeguard to prevent individuals falling from balconies, stairways and decks of multi-story buildings. Over the years, various styles of deck railing were developed. With increased building popularity and newer designs, deck railing materials have improved. Some of the most common materials include aluminum, cedar, plastic, vinyl, steel, polyester and wrought iron. The choice of deck railing depends on the purpose for the deck, safety, durability and maintenance cost.

Before selecting deck railing, you should carefully consider the type of decking material to be used on the balcony or deck. For safety reasons, pressure-treated lumber should be your first choice. It has been deemed safe for outdoor use even in extreme weather conditions. Pressure treated lumber is also resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestation. Its durability and low price are reason enough to use it.

Wooden deck railing can be a beautiful and practical addition to your home. However, it requires special attention to detail because it is easily damaged and can become unsightly if not maintained properly. Painted wooden decking, however, can withstand extreme weather conditions, making it an ideal choice for decks around pools or water features. Wood is an affordable, durable material that is easy to maintain. A professional inspection of your deck railing should ensure its safety and quality.

Building Codes differ from county to county, but most require building codes to include minimum required deck lengths and a maximum height of those railings. Minimum deck length requirements usually vary between seven and thirty inches, while the maximum height is around forty-two feet. Minimum and maximum heights are established by local building codes that do not always take into account changes in the ground surface height change over time. Therefore, it is imperative to check the local building codes often and follow them closely.

Today's deck railing systems are made from durable materials such as pressure-treated lumber, cypress, and stainless steel. Deck railing systems are available in both pre-fabricated kits and custom kits. Pre-fabricated kits are available in pre-cut designs and different lengths depending on your individual needs. Custom kits are assembled on site and the customer can choose the exact size railings he needs, along with all the accessories required, such as handrails, balusters, and finials.

Pressure treated lumber is stronger and more resistant to rot than untreated wood, which makes it a preferred deck railing material. It also has natural color and does not need painting. If you want your deck railing system to blend in with your house and garden, then pressure treated lumber is the perfect choice. The wood used for deck railing systems meets building code standards and offers a rich, smooth wood finish.

Balusters are the vertical support rims that go on top of the rail. The number of balusters determines the height of the rail and how much he can safely carry. Most new deck railings have two balusters and most stair railings will have three. The best railings have four or five balusters to provide extra support and stability.

To finish your deck railing, you will need to attach two to four long screws to the bottom rail. Then you will use a picket layout to surround the rail. A picket layout is simply a circle of posts with hooks at each corner, which prevents the rail from bending when pressure is applied to it. With a little skill and some patience, picking a design to suit your needs will be simple.

If you'd rather spend less and get a quick fix, you can always build your own deck railing. A basic plan is easy to follow and inexpensive. You can find many easy-to-follow plans online. With just a few materials and tools, you can install your own deck railing like a pro. Deck railings like wrought iron railing can also be custom built to fit the space where they are being installed.

The easiest way to learn how to choose a deck railing is to talk to local builders. Find out what kind of material they prefer to work with and how long each piece of wood or metal takes to arrive. Find out about the warranties offered for each product. Read all the "fine prints" before you buy to make sure you are getting exactly what you want and nothing less. Some manufacturers offer to guarantee your satisfaction so be sure to ask about that option.

How to choose a deck railing also requires consideration of local building codes. For example, New York City requires railings to be at least three feet high and to have guardrails between them. Some areas do not require a minimum height or require a guardrail at the very top of the posts. Always make sure that you comply with local building codes, as unexpected construction problems can result if you don't.