Comparing Deck Railings Calgary

Deck railings serve multiple purposes. They help to beautify your balcony and prevent people from falling from your deck. As a construction element in a housing structure, they come in different materials and qualities. There are wood and plastic composites as well as metals and glass. The metals can come in iron or aluminum railing materials while the wood also comes in various grades of wood materials. More importantly, your budget and the type of project will determine the type of deck railings you will have designed and installed.

In this article, we will be comparing deck railings Calgary to give you ideas of what to choose when considering a deck railing for your deck, home or other home improvement projects.

Due to the purposes served by deck railings, the following factors shall form the basis of comparison of the various types of railings we will compare in this discussion:

  • Low maintenance
  • Resistance to scratches, fading, and stains
  • Resistance to mold and mildew
  • Splinter free
  • Longevity
  • Colors and Beauty

 

Types of Deck Railings

Let’s get started and will be looking at Wood, Aluminum, vinyl and plastics and composite deck railings.

  • Wood railings: Wood comes in different types and qualities. In term of maintenance, wood doesn’t come cheap. It requires more attention to keep it in good form than other railing materials. If the wood railing is used where there is frequent abuse, it may not survive scratches and stains from use. Where the railing is exposed to atmospheric pressure, it can fade with time. Thus to keep it in good form, it requires periodic maintenance. Wood railing can splinter, and exposure to harsh weather may lead to cracks and reduced longevity. In term aesthetics, wood is a great railing material for all forms or railing applications and color options.
  • Aluminum railings: It is a low maintenance deck railing material. Unlike wooden material, it is scratch free and will not fade easily or gets stained. It does not splinter as the component is not affected by harsh weather. Aluminum comes in different price range according to the quality of the material and thickness. You also have the benefits of various color options and dependable railing.
  • Vinyl and plastic railings: In terms maintenance, this deck railing material is excellent. It does not splinter, however, its best for interior use because it can be very hot under the sun. You won’t have scratches and stains. However, in term of cost, the initial cost of installation can be high compared to wood or aluminum railing. It does do not have the color options you can get with other railing materials.
  • Capped composite railings: Composite is like wood with solid appearance and beauty. It is a mid gap between vinyl and plastics and wood with more advantages over the other. It has low maintenance requirement, and it is durable because it does not fade or splinter and not affected by mold or insects. It’s hard and dense shell gives it dependable scratches resistance. You may have to pay more for its installation and has limited color options. These are the popular deck railing materials because of their strength and durability.

Although there are different deck railing materials, the experience of the installer adds to the quality of railings you will get in the final installation. Get in touch with us today for the perfect deck railing installation that meets your needs.