Building an aluminum deck is an economical way to add a beautiful deck to your home. The cost of your aluminum deck railing will depend on the size of your property, the cost of supplies, and the labor required.
Aluminum deck railing costs $48 to $95 per linear foot to install. On average, you can expect to pay $80 per linear foot for both materials and labor to install an aluminum deck railing in your home.
You can use a range of materials for your deck railing. Factors such as cost, visual appeal, size, and location of your home will dictate what materials you will use.
Quality Of The Aluminum Railings
The cost of aluminum deck railings depends on the quality of the railings you purchase. High-quality railings are strong and thick. They will cost more than poor-quality railings.
The quality of the railings you buy will determine the durability and appeal of the railings once you install them on your home.
Height Of The Railing
Depending on where you live, the standard height of deck railings is between 36 and 42 inches. The longer the railings you need or purchase, the more you will pay.
Decorative Caps
The aluminum deck railings come with decorative caps. The cost of your aluminum deck railings rises or falls depending on the quality and style of the decorative caps on the railings.
Style And Design
The style and design of the aluminum railings you choose will determine how much you pay for them. If you order custom-made deck railings with special colors, you will pay more. You will pay less by purchasing easily available and common deck railings.
Shape Of Your Deck
A rectangular deck is the common shape of decks. You can affordably pay for installing and purchasing deck railings for a rectangular deck. If your deck has a different shape from the ordinary, you will spend more time and money installing the deck railings.
DIY v Hire A Pro
You will save on labor installation costs when you DIY your deck railing installation. Hiring a pro to advise, purchase, and install aluminum deck railings will increase how much you pay for your deck railings.
Cost Of Aluminum Deck Railing V Other Materials
| Material | Cost/linear foot |
|---|---|
| Wood | $40-50 |
| Composite | $50 |
| Cable Deck Railing | $90 |
| Stainless Steel | $80 |
| Wrought iron | $130 |
| Plastic | $70 |
| Glass | $150-850 |
Wood Deck Railing
Wood deck railing costs range from $40 to $50. This cost includes both materials and labor. There are many types of wood railings you can choose from. How much you pay is determined by the type of wood you choose for your deck railings.
Composite Deck Railing
Composite deck railing is a favorite option for many. You will pay $50 per linear foot to install composite deck railing on your deck.
Cable Deck Railing
If you choose to install a cable deck railing, you will pay $90 per linear foot.
Stainless Steel Deck Railing
Stainless steel deck railing is a proper alternative to aluminum deck railing. You will pay $80 per linear foot to install the stainless steel deck railing. A similar amount to the aluminum railing. Stainless steel is as durable and as strong as an aluminum deck railing.
Wrought Iron Steel Deck Railing
Wrought iron is an alloy of steel. It makes strong deck railings that similarly don’t corrode. They are also visually appealing and durable. It costs $130 per linear foot to install wrought iron deck railings for both materials and labor.
Plastic
You will pay $70 per linear foot to install polyethylene deck railings. The plastic deck railing is strong and durable. It may fade over time due to exposure to the sun’s UV rays. It is a little to no maintenance deck railing.
Glass Deck Railing
The glass deck railing is beautiful and elegant. It enhances the visual appeal of your home and enhances its value. It costs $150 to $850 to install a glass deck railing. How much you pay depends on the size and shape of your deck.
Benefits Of Installing Aluminum Deck Railing
Visual Appeal
The aluminum deck railing enhances the appeal of your home. It is available in as many colors as you like. You can choose colors that match your home to make your home and the railing blend and look more beautiful.
Durability
The aluminum deck railing lasts a lifetime. They are highly resistant to corrosion which means that they don’t rust and will not need to be changed regularly. Once you install your aluminum deck, you will not need to change it.
Strength
Aluminum is a strong metal material. An aluminum deck railing will protect and hold anyone on your deck regardless of weight or age. Also, the aluminum deck railing maintains its strength over its lifetime since it doesn’t rust. It also doesn’t warp or twist.
Little To No Maintenance Needed
Once installed, the aluminum deck railing requires little to no maintenance. They do not need to be painted as they retain their original color over their lifetime. Lack of maintenance for aluminum decks enhances their cost-effectiveness. You don’t need to spend money regularly to look after the deck railing.
Customizable
The aluminum deck railing is available in a variety of colors. You can order your aluminum deck railings in your preferred colors, height, design, and thickness. You can also buy your preferred deck railing from home improvement shops or have your contractor order for you.
Easy To Install
If you prefer to DIY your deck railing installation, the aluminum railing is one of the best materials to use. Aluminum railings are cut easily with tools that are easily available compared to stainless steel deck railings. You can save significant costs when you DIY deck railing installation.
Weather-Proof
Aluminum deck railing can withstand extreme weather. The sun and its UV rays don’t affect the aluminum deck railings to cause them to fade. They are strong enough to withstand strong winds and rain. It further ensures that your railings can last longer than other types of railings that will weaken and need replacing due to the effects of the weather.
DIY Or Hire A Pro
When it comes to aluminum deck railing installation, you can easily DIY or hire a pro. Aluminum is easy to work with and with the right skills, tools, and time you can DIY your aluminum deck railing cost. A DIY project ensures that you save on installation costs. If you decide to DIY, you still need to consult a pro to ensure safety and visual appeal.
If you hire a pro, you will spend more to have your aluminum deck railings installed. However, it will be done faster and better.
Use This Free Tool
Use the homegardenguides.com tool to hire a pro to install your aluminum deck railings.
At the top of the page, enter your location zip code.
Then, proceed to fill the form asking for more details on your deck railings project. Provide as much information as you can.
You will then receive three quotes and advice from pros. Go through the advice and the quotes and pick one within your budget.
Disadvantages Of Installing Aluminum Deck Railings
Cost
The prohibitive cost of aluminum deck railing materials keeps many people from purchasing them. The labor costs of the installation of the aluminum deck railing are also high.
Once installed, however, aluminum deck railings don’t have any additional costs. They are also long-lasting compared to cheaper alternatives such as wood and vinyl. With little to no maintenance costs, the overall cost of aluminum deck railings over their lifetime is minimal.
Range In Quality
You can buy aluminum deck railings of different qualities. The higher the quality the better the railing. The lower the quality of aluminum railings you buy, the more challenges you can expect. Low-quality aluminum deck railings can expand during summer and contract in winter. Making your deck railings less effective in their functionality.
High-quality deck railings are not as affected by the weather. They will cost more than low-quality railings.
Style Limitations
Aluminum deck railings are clean and strong, However, aluminum deck railings are not the if you are looking for elegance and visual appeal. For style, aluminum deck railings provide either wide or straight pickets. Other materials provide a wide range of elegant and beautiful styles for your deck railings.
If you have an elaborate deck design, aluminum deck railings will not provide the expected finish. Similarly, they are also available in a limited range of colors.
Scratch
Aluminum railings once scratched retain the easily visible scratch marks. If the top layer of paint on aluminum deck railings is glossy, a fingernail or key can easily add a scratch to the railings. The unsightly scratch marks make the railings look old and dated even when they are new.
To lower the visibility of scratches, manufacturers will either powder coat or make a rough finish on their aluminum railings.
FAQ's
Before you install deck railings on your home, check with your local city authorities on whether you need a permit for railings. Depending on where you live, you may or may not require a permit.
Hiring a pro makes it easier. They will advise you on everything you need before you start your project. If you need a permit, they will let you know and even advise you on how much and how to pay for it.
A damaged deck makes your home ugly and unsafe to be around. When your deck gets damaged, you can call the contractor who installed it for you or, rent a container or dumpster to dispose it of. Whether you hire a dumpster or a container will depend on the size of the deck. For a small to medium size deck, you can rent a dumpster. For a large deck, get a container.
It is more cost-effective to have your contractor dispose of it for you safely and professionally. It will cost you $5-7 per square foot. The cost of hiring a dumpster or container ranges from $200 to $400.
Depending on where you live, your deck needs to be inspected to ensure that it meets the building code of the area. Where this happens, you will need to pay for the permit to install the deck and railings and for inspection. It costs $30 to $150 to pay for permits and inspection where required.
Hire or consult a pro to ensure that your deck is built according to the building code in your home area. Make sure to use the recommended deck railings height for your home deck.
You can make your deck stand out by the materials you use for your deck railings. Aluminum deck railings are a unique solution for your deck. They are available in a range of colors to make your deck stand out from the others and the environment.
Hiring a pro also ensures that you can build a unique deck. If you have an elaborated design for your deck, a professional will help you build and install the railings to meet your dream. They will also help you come up with unique designs for your deck.
The highest height a deck can go without a railing is 30 inches off the ground. Any deck higher than this requires a railing. The railing is a safety protocol to ensure that everyone who uses the deck is safe.
Depending on the building code where you live, deck railings should be at least 36 to 42 inches high. They should also be strong enough to hold on to if you get into an accident.
You also need railings if your deck has more than four steps and the width of the steps is more than 44 inches.
