No. 1 Deck Upgrade: Deck Railings, Balusters, and Post Caps

More than any one feature, deck railings give a deck its individual style. Along with deck railings there are other upgrades you can do to your deck like like: balusters, deck benches, deck lighting and caps for the posts.

Here are a few other ideas to update your deck or make it more functional:

• Railings and post caps that repeat the style of the house give a deck its contemporary, heritage, or craftsman feel
• Aluminum balusters (vertical members between the posts) give the look of wrought iron without the cost)

Here is a selection of many accessories to help you build your deck or add an accent the one you already have. Click on the picture or the link to go to the manufactures site and purchase these upgrades.

Deck Bench Brackets	In-Deck Lighting Disks	Bench Maker Deck Bracket
Balcony Panels for Decks	Outdoor Enhancement Lighting	Arc Balusters
Colonial Balusters	Deck Lighting	Baroque Balusters
Centerpieces for Deck Balusters	Classy Caps Solar Lighted Post Caps	Classic Balusters
Flat Post Caps	Deck Lighting 12 Volt Transformers & Wire	Classy Caps Postcap Lighting
Flat Deck Lights	Dock Lights and Accessories	Pyramid Post Caps
Pyramid Deck Lights		12V Pathway Lights

Deck Railing Specifications

Before you decide on the style of railing or baluster, check local building codes for the specs on deck railings.

Usually deck railings are required for any deck higher than 30 inches above the ground and for stairs with five or more steps. Local building codes are quite specific about this so check with the authorities in your area for the specification. The height of a deck railing is usually between 30 and 40 inches, but again this can be subject to various restrictions.

Here are some typical specs for deck railings that you should verify with the building codes in your area:

• railing height: 36" to 42"
• baluster spacing: 4" to 6"
• post-to-baluster spacing: 4" to 6"
• deck-to-bottom rail spacing: 2" to 4"

More Articles

• Decorative Post Caps
• Deck Railings 101
• Tips on Choosing a Deck Railing Design
• Deck seating kits
• Post Caps

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