Deck railings are important for safety but they also enhance the appearance of your outdoor space. There are so many options out there today, including aluminum deck railing, glass deck railing, and wood deck railing. So where do you begin when trying to make your selection?
Aside from how you want your deck railing to look, you also need to ensure that it meets the Alberta Building Code. According to the City of Calgary, here are the requirements:
- A railing 0.90m (3′-0”) high is required if the distance from the surface of your deck to adjacent ground level is less than 1.8m (6′-0”)
- A railing 1.07m (3′-6”) high is required if the distance from the surface of your deck to adjacent ground level is equal to or exceeds 1.8m (6′-0”)
Aluminum Deck Railing
Aluminum is the number one option for deck railing today. It’s a little more expensive than a wood railing but it will last forever. In addition, there’s virtually no maintenance with an aluminum railing.
The system we use is made of thick gauge aluminum that is essentially unbreakable. It comes powder coated in black, white, brown, and taupe and custom colouring is also available. We custom cut the railing to size and professionally install it on your deck so that it meets code, looks good, and will keep your family and friends safe.
Glass Deck Railing
A glass deck railing gives you an unimpeded view of your surroundings while protecting the people on your deck. It’s more expensive than just aluminum but well worth the cost if you want a spacious, open feeling. Glass requires a little more maintenance as you need to keep the panels clean. We can also add tint to the glass panels for a nice effect.
We use the same thick gauge aluminum railing system with tempered glass panels. This system allows us to create spans of up to 12 feet without inserting a post. It’s the closest thing you can have to not having a railing at all and still meet code.
Wood Deck Railing
Wood railings offer the benefit of customization. You can get creative and attach wood benches or planters to the railing. The options are as limitless as your imagination.
We can build and install any type of wood railing for you. If you would like us to paint the wood, we suggest using fir or pine. These are relatively inexpensive types of wood ideal for painting. Contact us today to learn more.