Decks have to be both functional and beautiful. Outdoor living spaces are, by their very nature, outdoors for all the world to see. In today’s world, curb appeal matters. Your deck should enhance the appearance of your home, acting almost like the building’s jewelry: a statement of your personal style and taste.
Choosing rails for your new deck can be one of the most fun parts of the process. If you’ve chosen to have a composite deck built, be aware that there are certainly rail options available beyond the classic post and rail configuration. If you’ve chosen to have your Framingham deck builders work with wood, there are countless rail styles available. Be aware that all deck rails must meet strength and spacing requirements; local building regulations require rails to be positioned so a small child’s head could not become trapped. This is a very important safety rule.
Cable and clear glass deck rails are becoming increasingly popular, particularly as Framingham does have some very lovely views that shouldn’t be missed. The cable deck rail look works well on homes with that classic Cape Cod aesthetic of relaxed nautical elegance, as well as those decks that are designed with a classic contemporary look. Glass deck rails manage to work exquisitely on both modern design homes and homes built to have more of a country feel.
When choosing deck rails, consider other features on your home, such as window frames, shutters, trim boards and more. Choosing rails that have a similar aesthetic and design lines as other home features helps create a pleasing visual symmetry that helps make the deck look like it’s always been part of your home.
Rail maintenance is a concern for many homeowners. Depending on the finishing choices you make, wood rails will need some attention on a yearly basis, but should last for many years; composite deck railings last just as long but require only periodic hosing off in terms of maintenance.