The cost of adding railing to a deck is lower than the cost associated with building a deck. The investment required for deck railing depends on both the dimensions of your deck and the materials you select. Adding railing to your deck enhances its look as well as increases its safety.
It costs $1,000 to $6,000 to install railings on a deck. The design, style, and materials you choose for your railings determine how much you will pay. Deck railing materials only cost from $150 to $6000. With labor charges between $30-$40 per linear foot, depending on your location.
You can use any material you like and afford to make your deck railings. The most popular deck railing materials are wood and aluminum.
| Cost per Linear foot | |
|---|---|
| Wood | $60 - $80 |
| Vinyl | $40 - 50 |
| Aluminum | $50 - $70 |
| Stainless Steel | $80 - $120 |
| Plastic | $40 - $50 |
| Wood Composite | $50 - $70 |
Wood Deck Railing Cost
If you choose wood as your preferred deck railing material, you will $40 to $50 per linear foot for materials. The average installation cost, including labor and materials, is $80 per linear foot.
The cost of a wood deck railing varies depending on the type of wood. The cheapest wood you can use for your deck railing is pine. The best and most expensive wood types you can use for your railings are cedar, mahogany, and redwood.
An advantage of using wood is that it is inexpensive. On the other hand, wood railings need extensive regular maintenance. Depending on the type of wood you choose, you may have to replace your deck before it gets to its expected expiration. Making it an expensive material to use in the long term.
Vinyl Deck Railing Cost
If you choose to use vinyl railings, you can expect to pay $30 to $40 per linear foot.
Vinyl is strong and long-lasting. However, it fades fast when exposed to the sun. Thus, you can expect to repaint or also replace the vinyl deck railing at least once over its lifetime.
Vinyl doesn’t rot or rust, making it a good material choice for deck railings.
Aluminum Deck Railing
Aluminum is a strong material. It is attractive and strong. Thus, it makes your deck appealing and safer as it can hold any weight.
Aluminum materials cost $50 -$70 per linear foot. It is much easier to install than wood rails, which come in prefabricated sections.
Aluminum deck railings require little to no maintenance. It will only need a regular wipe to keep it clean. It is also easy to install, and you can easily install it yourself.
Further, aluminum doesn’t rust. Thus, your deck railings can last a lifetime before you need to replace them.
Stainless Steel Deck Railing Cost
If you choose to install stainless steel, you can expect to pay $80-$120 per linear foot for installation and materials.
Stainless steel railings are attractive and will not rust. They will also last a lifetime and provide the utmost safety for everyone who uses the deck.
Stainless steel deck railings are easy to install and will not take much time. They are also environmentally friendly as they can be easily recycled into a different product when you change them.
Plastic Deck Railing Cost
Plastic deck railing costs $40 – $50 per linear foot for materials and installation. The plastic deck railing is cheap and easy to install.
Plastic is a low-maintenance material. It doesn’t need painting and is available in many colors. All you need to do is to wash it regularly to keep it clean. It doesn’t scratch and is insect resistant.
Composite Deck Railing Cost
Composite deck railing costs $50 -$70 for materials and installation. The composite railing is low maintenance. It is also strong and will not fold or bow. It also maintains its allure over a long time since it doesn’t rust.
It is eco-friendly, easy to work with, and can be shaped to fit the deck’s design. It also allows you to add lighting to it easily.
DIY Deck Railing Installation v Hiring A Pro
To DIY your deck railing installation, you need to count the cost. First, do you have the skills to install deck railing? If you are handy enough to install the railing by yourself, do it.
Another consideration is the availability of tools. Do you have the required tools, or will you hire or buy them? If you have to hire or buy the tools, you will increase the deck installation cost.
Also, consider the manufacturer’s instructions on the warranty. You may not get a warranty on your railings unless they are installed by a professional.
Lastly, consider your time value. Would you rather work on your railings or hire a professional?
You are better off hiring a professional to install deck railings for you. It will save you money and time. The work will be completed to professional standards. If an accident happens, professionals are insured thus, there won’t be a cost to you.
Hiring A Professional
Hiring a professional is the easy way to have your deck railing installed. One factor to consider when hiring a professional is your budget. Hire a professional who will charge as much as you are willing to pay.
How do you hire a professional deck railing cost?
You can use the homegardeguides.com tool.
At the top of the tool, enter your zip code. Then, fill out a form with the details of your deck. Enter the size of the deck and your preferred materials for railings.
You will then receive three free quotes and advice from professionals on how to carry out a deck installation project.
Scrutinize the quotes you have received and choose one of the professionals to install the deck for you.
Factors That Determine Deck Railing Cost
Rail Materials
The materials you choose to build your deck railing will determine how much you will pay. Wood, one of the most popular and attractive railing materials is also one of the cheapest. While aluminum, another popular railing material is on the higher end of the price spectrum.
DIY Or Hiring A Professional
If you have the tools and skills to install deck railings yourself, you will save a lot on labor costs.
When you hire a professional, you will forego your labor cost savings. How much you will pay depends mostly on the size of your deck, your location, and the materials you choose for your railings.
The Size Of The Deck
The size of your deck also determines how much you will pay for the deck railing. Professional installers charge per linear foot of the deck. Thus, the larger the deck, the more materials you need and the higher the labor cost.
If you do it yourself, a large deck will need more materials thus making it more expensive to install railings on than a smaller deck.
Your Location
Labor costs vary with location. If you are in a neighborhood with high labor costs, it will cost more to install deck railing when you hire professionals. If labor costs in your location are lower, you could save a significant amount when your railings are installed.
Design Of The Railings
The design of the railing also determines how much you will pay to install the deck railing. Plain deck railing material is affordable. Intricately designed materials are more expensive. You have to pay for the work done to design the railings.
How much you pay for the design of the railing will also depend on the material you choose for your deck railing.
Depending on the material you choose, some materials such as vinyl are available in different designs, styles, and colors straight from the manufacturer. This helps to lower the cost of the purchase of the unique design deck railing.
FAQ's
Composite is a material made from recycled wood fiber and polymer resin. Its components make it a strong material for construction projects. Though it consists of wood fiber, it doesn’t rot or attract insects. It is durable, strong, and stable. It is affordable, attractive, and suitable for a range of projects.
Depending on where you live, the deck railing code requires that your deck guardrails should be at least 34 to 36 inches high from the surface of the deck to the top railing. Deck railings on multi-family buildings should be 42 inches high.
Further, the deck railing code also applies to how you space your railings. For 4 inches by 4 inches deck rail posts, support posts should be a maximum of 6 feet apart. While for 6 inches by 6 inches deck railing posts, support posts should be a maximum of 8 feet apart.
The deck railing code helps to ensure that your deck is safe to use for the entire family. Hiring a contractor ensures that you meet the deck railing code requirements easily.
Depending on the materials you choose for your railing, you can expect it to last for about 15 to 20 years. Stainless steel, aluminum, wrought iron, and other metal material railings last longer.
Take care of your railings for them to last longer. Wood deck railings need proper care and maintenance such as regular painting and staining to keep away moisture which would cause them to rot and have to be replaced.
Whether you need a permit to install deck railings depends on where you live. Check with your local authorities if you need a permit and how much you have to pay for the permit.
For most locations that require a permit, it will cost you up to $200 to get a permit. It is also granted as soon as you have paid the required amount.
How much it costs to repair the deck railing depends on the extent of the damage being repaired. It will cost you more for serious damage than when repairing minor damage.
It will also cost you more money to replace your deck railings if they are completely damaged.
The cost of painting the deck railing will depend on the size of the deck. The larger the deck, the more deck railing needed, the more paint you need, and the higher the cost.
It costs $4 to $14 per linear foot to paint deck railing. This will depend on the materials of the deck railing and the type of paint you want to use.
The best material you can choose for your pool’s handrails is stainless steel. It will not rust for being in or around water and it offers a good grip when your hands are wet. It will cost you $100 to $600 to install these railings on your pool. The cost is determined by the size and design of the railings.
Cable deck railing costs $60 per linear foot for materials only. Depending on the size of your deck, cable deck railing may be an affordable option. A cable railing is easy to install and makes your deck and home more attractive. It provides you with a view and maximum safety. Additionally, it needs little to no maintenance and is durable.
Stainless steel is the best railing material you can choose. Its cost is much higher than most materials, but it offers great value for money.
Stainless steel is strong and durable. It doesn’t rust and a weatherproof coating on your stainless steel deck railing is all you need to ensure that it doesn’t lose its shine over time. It is also not affected by pests.
It is attractive and easily matches with decorations inside and outside your house.
