31 Deck Railing Design Ideas
Sure railing can make your deck safe. But it can also bring a sense of personal style and allow the view to shine through. Survey these railing designs in wood and metal and in a variety of patterns to find the deck design that's right for you.

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Stylish & Functional Deck Railing Ideas
An important feature of a deck’s design, the railing provides safety, privacy and style. When choosing a railing for your deck, consider whether you want it to be a focal point of your outdoor living space or if you prefer a less conspicuous style that lets your home’s surrounding scenery stand out. Wood, metal or vinyl deck rails can add privacy and a decorative touch, while glass or cable rails offer a sleek, modern look that won’t obstruct any views. Woods suitable for railings include cedar, white oak, redwood and pressure-treated wood. You’ll also want to take maintenance into account when selecting a deck railing material; wood, for example, will require regular staining and sealing.
Before beginning any deck project, check local building codes for railing height and spacing requirements. A railing system is usually required for any deck or porch that is more than 30 inches above the ground and your railing must be at least 36 inches tall. There are also codes for open-rail systems and requirements for the spacing of vertical pillars or balusters.
Learn More: Deck Building: Materials and Construction Basics
Geometric Deck Rail Design
A fence and deck rail with a dark stain, inspired by Chippendale-style designs and custom-made by Atlanta Decking and Fence, complements this home's exterior and landscaping.
Learn More : Decks
Cable Rails Lend Contemporary Touch
These cable rails lead up a stairway to the covered deck area of a cedar poolhouse. The advantage of using metal elements in deck rail design is that they require less maintenance than wood, which needs to be refinished regularly.
Learn More : 45 Creative Ways to Add Backyard Privacy
Built-In Seating & Planter
This composite deck design features a relatively simple rail that is enhanced with seating and a planter to make good use of the space.
Learn More : Deck Components and Accessories
Warm Wooden Deck
What an ideal berth to take in the gorgeous views from this modern, wooden deck with cable railing, an angled bench and gas fire pit.
Learn More : Deck Lighting Options
Curved Railing
A curved deck rail softens up this deck design.
Learn More : Awnings for Decks
Beachy Deck
This wraparound deck features a simple deck design with a nautical appeal and offers ocean views from every angle.
Learn More : How to Keep Your Deck Safe for Kids and Pets
Lake Viewing Platform
A weighty railing matches the heft of the rest of this lake house.
Learn More : 16 Ways to Squeeze a Garden Onto Your Deck or Patio
Crisp & Clean
Crisp white posts and classic rails define this handsome, traditional deck rail design.
Learn More : Deck Stairs and Steps
Alpine Scenery
Sleek metal railing in a simple design adds modern flair to the exterior of this home.
Let the View Be the Star
The design of this beachfront deck is minimal, with a thin pergola and railing, so as not to obstruct the view.
Learn More : 16 Deck and Patio Ailments (and How to Fix Them)
Dreamy Beach House
Not much gets between this La Jolla, California, house and the ocean. Walls of windows and a unique floating deck allow the residents and their guests to take full advantage of sweeping views of water and beach and a low deck rail keeps everything visible.
Outdoor Paradise
This majestic mountain view from the balcony at East Bay in Colorado benefits from an unobtrusive design featuring horizontal metal cables and metal posts painted a naturalistic redwood shade.
Taste of the Tropics
This home's ipe deck features custom Asian-style wooden deck rails that perfectly complement the home's design.
Wow-Worthy Views
When the view is this great, the deck rail lets it shine through. Black rails give a more contemporary feel.
Gray Elevated Deck & Cabana
This home's outdoor spaces are as fun as the indoor ones with an elevated deck, outdoor kitchen and pool area with pool house. Decor in blue and gray unify these areas with the main house's interior.
Rustic Covered Deck
This long covered deck puts occupants out close to the water and connects to an outdoor living room with a fireplace. Solid wood and metal railing anchored by stone pillars make this dramatic deck feel substantial.
Row House With a Modern Deck
This updated row house features a modern deck with a wooden privacy fence whose horizontal boards give it a fresh, contemporary look.
Rail With Built-In Seating
A brick fire pit is surrounded by horizontal wood railing and bench seating that lends a streamlined, clean look to this outdoor space.
Modern Poolscape
A water feature draws the eye to the unique stone surround of this modern swimming pool, which features an elevated hot tub and sweeping city view. Ipe wood is used on the modern railing and surrounding deck.
Handsome Hand Rail
Horizon Black Rail
You can't go wrong with clean, classic, black deck railing. Fiberon Horizon Railing complements both traditional and contemporary architectures and looks equally at home with wood-toned or gray decking. As an added bonus, the flat top rail makes a great resting spot for your drink.
Elegant Finishes
A combination of painted and stained wood and dramatic end caps on this deck rail lend a custom look.
Get Creative With Design
Even the most basic deck design can get a bespoke treatment with creatively arranged wooden slats.
White Balcony With Glass Railing
This exotic glass deck railing in Thailand lends a unique finish to this sleek, whitewashed space.
Safety & Style
This updated cable rail system on an upper deck provides safety, but also allows views to be enjoyed when homeowners or guests are seated.
Spacious Deck, Minimalist Railing
The details of this deck are linear and graphic, giving the space a modern feel. With a low deck, a more minimalist rail is allowable since safety is not such an issue. A wood wall at the base of the deck helps tie the house to the yard.
Urban Townhouse Deck
An outdoor deck on the back of this brownstone was made out of ipe wood and placed on sleepers. The high railing keeps it safe for little ones, but still allows the space to feel open and airy.
Stunning Curved Deck
This transitional curved deck is a stunning architectural feature highlighted by the furniture arrangement. Neutral colors and fabrics coordinate well with the natural outdoor elements.
Linear Rhythm
Using a simple design on the metal railings that echoes the layout of the decking unifies the two elements for a modern mountain finish in this vacation home.
Modern Look
Though more porch than deck, this modern wooden rail shows how significantly the right rail design can elevate and give a unique look to a home.
Blank Slate
A relatively straightforward design, this deck railing could change dramatically with the application of stain or paint color and accessories like decorative end caps.