Current Trends in Railing

When defining the look of your outdoor space, decking is only half the equation. To really make the outside of your home dazzle, you need to think about the type of deck railing you’ll install. These days, we’re seeing more and more innovative materials, surprising designs, and creative solutions that turn basic decks into breathtaking beauties. Take a peek at what’s new in deck railing trends to find some inspiration for your next outdoor upgrade.

Trend: Mixing metal and wood

Traditional wood decks are always a handsome, classic option, but with so many material choices available today, you are free to unleash your own creativity. Mixing and matching wood and metal opens up a huge range of unique looks that put a fresh spin on conventional deck railing design. Using exposed black hardware against richly stained lumber is a trend we’re seeing a lot in patio covers, but this high-contrast idea is also starting to make its way into railing design.  Outdoor Accents® from Simpson Strong-Tie look great when set against California redwood or Western Red Cedar railing.

Trend: Cable railing

Another modern way to combine metal and wood is to install cable railing, using either wooden posts or metal posts with wooden post caps and handrails. Cable railing has come a long way in terms of ease of installation. RailEasy™ from Atlantis features small, built-in stainless-steel tensioning devices that mount to the inside of each individual rail post. These smartly-designed tensioners make it easier for the DIYer to tackle the installation of a cable rail system without hiring a contractor. Atlantis’ HandiSwage™ system is a bit more like conventional set-ups that use traditional swage fittings and requires a bit more knowhow. To install this type of cable railing, drill a hole through each post and pull the cable through to tighten on the outside of the post. Whichever version you decide to install, the result is the same: an open, unobstructed view that doesn’t compromise safety.

Trend: Wild Hog railing

Metal mesh railing is another means of opening up your view—without the hassle of tensioners and additional tools. Originally designed for use in farming applications, Wild Hog railing has been adapted to provide that industrial or farm-house look with a much lighter and trendier touch. Panels of durable 6-gauge wire create an open square “screen” that safely contains an area without blocking the view or the breeze. While black is the standard color, Wild Hog railing also comes in silver or can be ordered as raw metal, if you’re looking to achieve a natural rust patina.

Trend: Curved railings

This one’s a real showstopper. Curved railings are a hot trend that are only achievable through the use of modern composite materials. Today’s composites are designed to look, feel and perform the same as high quality lumber—without any of the maintenance. After installing your Trex™ composite deck, the same heat treatment can be applied (at a lower temperature) to railing pieces, achieving a curved handrail that hugs the contours of your deck’s footprint. J&W Lumber is the only distributor in the San Diego area with knowledge and training supplied directly from Trex to manipulate their products to achieve this striking custom curved deck railing design.

Trend: Glass and lumber

Using clear glass panes in place of traditional railing is a fantastic way to add a sleek, modern look to your deck. Though top-of-the-line in terms of cost, if you have a million-dollar view, this is certainly the way to show it off. By separating clear glass in-fill panels with square, surface-mounted stainless posts, you can achieve a light, airy effect with a sturdy, solid solution. Run a high-quality hardwood banister along the entire length of the top of your railing and you’ll create a de facto “frame” that makes every angle of your view look like an individual piece of artwork.

Homeowners tend to put lots of thought into their deck layout and materials but may stop short when thinking about what type of railing they’ll use—but deck railing is the place to be creative with design. With all the innovative materials and (comparatively) easy-to-install solutions on the market today, a unique railing is the way to deliver an additional “wow” factor to your deck.

Thinking of sprucing up your deck this year? Visit your local J&W Lumber and we’ll help you find the best materials and design for your space and your budget.