Modern Railings vs. Traditional Style
Whether you are replacing your deck or retrofitting an old railing system, there are considerations to be made about style and material choices for new railings. Traditional deck railings and the commonly used “wood spindle” and “picket” designs can be replaced with modern choices like horzontal railing systems and panel designs. Modern material choices like aluminum, stainless steel, and composites are rapidly replacing traditional wood railings. Hybrid railings and pre fabricated kit systems are fast installing and easy to source in most places.
A multitude of options does however come with the caveat of difficulty when choosing your new railing system. For this we offer our favorite choices when installing a new modern deck railing system.
SAN DIEGO CABLE RAILINGS MOST POPULAR MODERN DECK RAILING SYSTEMS:
GLASS PANELS, BASE SHOE, AND POST CLIP- Glass panel railings make for an attractive and durable exterior railing system that is perfect for coastal decks. These systems can be installed in a number of fashions from traditional wood post frames, to steel post and clip installations. For high end installations and customers that want ultimate transparency; a base shoe cleat can suspend the panels without need for a top railing.
STAINLESS STEEL CABLE – Cable railings are well known for strength and durability, as well as superior transparency when compared to traditional deck railing systems. They are easy to install, attractive and modern railing systems. Style options and color choices for cable railing systems are endless and hybrid steel, wood, and composite options can be easily incorporated to sturdily frame for stainless cable infill.
Modern Deck Railing Corrosion Resistance
Both cable and glass railing systems offer extreme corrosion resistance when compared to traditional picket railing systems. Maintenance is minimal in both cases; minor annual cleaning and inspection is required to keep these railings in tip top condition. If we must rate one or the other; in most cases the cable railings system will require less maintenance than glass solely because of the need for cleaning the glass panels. When combining either infill (glass, cable) with a sturdy stainless steel frame, the railing system will function for decades and maintain the beautiful aesthetic with minimal change. Our preferred material choice for corrosion resistance is domestic stainless steel which outperforms aluminum in coastal applications.
Cost Comparisons for SDCR Deck Railing Choices:
Cable railing systems can be constructed comparably to just about any railing system or package on the market of similar quality. Consumers should consider the longevity and ease of maintenance when comparing cheaper options that may fade, crack, or lose structural integrity. When compared to glass panel railings, the cable railing systems for modern decks will almost always be less expensive. Once again, we would still recommend exploration of durability and ease of maintenance when making these type of comparisons. A lower up front cost base does not always result in a lower overall cost, and definitely does not factor possible call backs, or early replacement of inferior railing types.
California Coastal Railing Systems
Our modern deck railing systems can be found up and down the California coast; performing in some of the toughest environmental conditions. If you want to learn more about the best material choices for coastal railings, contact one of our sales team members.
DIY Deck Railings vs. Contractor Installation
Our preferred contractors at San Diego Cable Railings have installed hundreds of stainless steel cable and glass railing systems all over California.
We also offer a multitude of options for DIY installers from hand crimp cable hardware to swageless cable rail products.
If you have questions about aluminum and stainless steel railing systems feel free to give us a call or visit the QUOTE REQUEST form for a free estimate on our popular stainless cable railing and glass railing systems.
