Ideas for a Steel Deck Railing

Steel railings can be as simple or as ornate as you desire.

When considering railings for your home deck, you should consider steel railings to add beauty and character to your home. Steel can be worked into any number of designs, from traditional scrollwork to sleek steel cable. Steel also lasts for years, will not deteriorate like wood railings and needs little maintenance. Steel railings generally cost more initially than other types of railing but will last through years of hard use.

Classic Scrollwork Railings

Because metal is so malleable, it can be worked into any number of designs. Classic scrollwork patterns can run from the extremely simple to the highly ornate and can complement the styling of your home. Classic scrollwork deck railing works best with older homes and those with more traditional styling. Scrolled steel deck railings can also be finished in an infinite variety of colors to match your home's exterior.

Simple Railings

Most think of elaborate scrollwork when they think of metal railings, but deck railings can also be made in clean lines of heavy-duty steel tubing that is appropriate for the modern styling of new construction. Mission styling or art-and-crafts styling can make beautiful yet simple steel railings for decks, patios or balconies. These simplified railings can be a pre-fabricated design that is inexpensive and easy to install, or it can be a custom-designed railing to your specification. Steel railings with simple or geometric lines complement all types of home styles.

Steel Cable Railings

Many homeowners prefer the ultra-modern look of steel cable for their deck railing. These systems incorporate steel interspersed with rows of steel cabling that make a strong and sleek barrier that also maximizes the view of landscape from the deck. A look that's most effective on new construction, the steel cable system deck has become very popular both indoors and out. Homeowners should check with local building departments before installing to make sure that these railings comply with local codes, according to RenovationHeadquarters.com.

Custom Design Railings

Steel railings can be made into a variety of unusual shapes that enhance your property and put your own creative stamp on the look of your home. Your imagination is the only limitation. Steel deck railings can incorporate family initials, astrological signs, logos, scenes from nature or any other representative design. You can design your own railing and consult with a local metal fabricator to include your ideas into a railing that is not only functional but is a showpiece of your creative expression.

References

• IdeasForDeckDesigns: Metal Deck Railing
• RenovationHeadquarters: Wire Rope/Cable Railings
• GatesNFences: Designs
• Desmesne: Ideas for Deck & Porch Railings