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.

By: Felicia Feaster

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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

From: Tiffany Brooks

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

From: iD8 Design Studio

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

From: Landwell Design + Build Co.

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

From: Abbi Williams

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.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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)

From: Village Properties and Luxury Portfolio International®

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.

From: Willis Allen Real Estate and Luxury Portfolio International®

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.

From: Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers and Luxury Portfolio International®

Wow-Worthy Views

When the view is this great, the deck rail lets it shine through. Black rails give a more contemporary feel.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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.

From: Tim Barber Ltd.

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.

From: Ebby Halliday Realtors and Luxury Portfolio International®

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.

From: ZeroEnergy Design

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.

From: Studio H Landscape Architecture

Handsome Hand Rail

The lower deck hand rail system includes a tiger wood top cap and a lower portion made of painted pickets, with two rows of cable railing in between so those seated on the deck can still enjoy views.

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.

From: Fiberon

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.

From: Ben Herzog

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.

From: Lauren Clement

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.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

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.

31 Deck Railing Design Ideas

Related To:

Shop This Look

Stylish & Functional Deck Railing Ideas

Geometric Deck Rail Design

Cable Rails Lend Contemporary Touch

Built-In Seating & Planter

Warm Wooden Deck

Curved Railing

Beachy Deck

Lake Viewing Platform

Crisp & Clean

Alpine Scenery

Let the View Be the Star

Dreamy Beach House

Outdoor Paradise

Taste of the Tropics

Wow-Worthy Views

Gray Elevated Deck & Cabana

Rustic Covered Deck

Row House With a Modern Deck

Rail With Built-In Seating

Modern Poolscape

Handsome Hand Rail

Horizon Black Rail

Elegant Finishes

Get Creative With Design

White Balcony With Glass Railing

Safety & Style

Spacious Deck, Minimalist Railing

Urban Townhouse Deck

Stunning Curved Deck

Linear Rhythm

Modern Look

Blank Slate

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