Deck Railing Ideas: The Finishing Touches

Having a wide variety of deck railing ideas to choose from can help you put the finishing touches on a successful woodworking project. This is the place where you intend to spend some comfortable weekend afternoons, perhaps drinking a beer or two while you take in the weather. You might want to invite some friends over and give them some room to enjoy themselves. Whatever your basic reasons for starting the project, you need a great way to finish it off. It isn't complete until you can keep people from falling over the edge. You can do this in the most basic way possible, or you can put some style into it. Here are some of your options.

Simple Pickets

If you want to stay as basic as possible, you can always go with simple beveled wood pickets. 2x2 in dimension, they will be fastened to a 2x6 piece at the top of the structure and then fastened to the rim joist on the other side of the picket. These aren't fancy, but plenty of people have completed their projects with these without anyone daring to criticize. If you're more interested in providing functionality than getting deep into style, deck railing ideas along these lines should be up your alley.

Custom Wood

If you want to stick with wood for your deck railing ideas, you've literally opened up a Pandora's Box full of your own creativity. The sky is the limit when it comes to working with wood. Any size or shape you can think of can be used, even if it clashes ridiculously with the rest of your project. Don't laugh, some of the most striking balustrade examples have been developed through just such imagination. It doesn't hurt, of course, to bring a professional on board just to make sure what you're planning is structurally sound.

Using Metal

If you want something that provides strength while still allowing you to get away with not using a professional, you might consider aluminum inserts. Using pre-fabricated extrusions, you can insert these into the existing holes and you won't have to worry about welding. You don't even have to spend a lot of money. Take a trip to your local lumberyard and you'll probably find something that will work for your project.

Working With Pros

When it comes to deck railing ideas, don't overlook the benefits of working with professional carpenters and contractors. A DIY project can be fulfilling, but unless you have years of amateur experience, you're not going to be able to live up to the standards of a professional. It's something to consider if you ever feel in over your head.