Railing shapes how a deck looks and how it feels to use. It frames the view, defines the space and, on any elevated deck, provides the guard that keeps people safe. Railing can be added to any deck coating project we install. We offer cable, glass and aluminum railing, installed by the same crew as part of the same project.
This guide compares the three options so you can choose the one that best suits your home, your view and the level of maintenance you prefer.
Cable Railing
Cable railing uses horizontal cables strung between posts. The slim lines keep the view open and give a deck a clean, modern appearance that suits contemporary homes and wooded or hillside settings.
- View: Very open. The cables nearly disappear from a distance.
- Appearance: Modern and minimal, often paired with black or metal posts.
- Maintenance: Periodic tension checks keep the cables taut, and occasional cleaning keeps the hardware looking its best.
Glass Railing
Glass railing uses panels of safety glass to create an almost uninterrupted view. It is the natural choice for rooftop decks, upper-level balconies and any space where the view is the main feature.
- View: The most open of the three options.
- Appearance: Clean and architectural.
- Wind: Solid panels can make an exposed deck more comfortable on windy days.
- Maintenance: Glass needs regular cleaning to stay clear, particularly in a rainy climate.
Aluminum Railing
Aluminum railing is the most versatile of the three. It is available in a range of styles, from traditional vertical pickets to more contemporary designs, and it works equally well on decks, porches, balconies and stairs.
- View: More visual separation than cable or glass, depending on the style.
- Appearance: Suits both traditional and modern homes. Black is a popular choice.
- Maintenance: Aluminum does not rust, and a powder-coated finish needs only occasional washing.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cable | Glass | Aluminum | |
|---|---|---|---|
| View | Very open | Most open | More separation |
| Look | Modern, minimal | Clean, architectural | Traditional or modern |
| Maintenance | Periodic tension checks | Regular cleaning | Occasional washing |
| Well suited to | Decks with a view, hillside homes | Rooftop decks, upper balconies | Porches, stairs, balconies, decks |
Safety and Building Codes
On elevated decks, railing serves as a guard and must meet the local building code. Residential codes in Washington and Oregon are based on the International Residential Code, which generally requires guards where a walking surface is more than 30 inches above the grade below, with a minimum height of 36 inches and openings small enough that a 4-inch sphere cannot pass through. Local jurisdictions may add their own requirements, so we confirm the code that applies to each project before the railing is installed.
Coordinating Railing With a Deck Coating
Railing and the waterproof deck surface work best when they are planned together. Every post location is a potential path for water, so posts mounted on top of the deck must be sealed and detailed as part of the waterproofing. Where the structure allows, mounting posts to the side of the deck keeps fasteners out of the walking surface entirely.
Because the same crew installs both the Westcoat ALX Pro deck coating and the railing, the sequence and the details are coordinated from the start.
Interior Stair Railing
In addition to decks and exterior stairs, we install cable and metal railing on interior staircases. You can see examples in the project gallery on our deck coating page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which railing preserves the view best?
Glass railing offers the most open view, followed by cable railing. Aluminum railing with vertical pickets provides more visual separation and a more traditional appearance.
Which railing requires the least maintenance?
Aluminum railing is generally the lowest-maintenance option, because it does not rust and its powder-coated finish needs only occasional washing. Glass needs regular cleaning to stay clear, and cable railing benefits from periodic tension checks.
Can railing be added to a deck coating project?
Yes. Railing can be added to any deck coating project. We offer cable, glass and aluminum railing, installed by the same crew as part of the same project.
Do you install interior stair railing?
Yes. In addition to deck and exterior railing, we install cable and metal railing on interior staircases.
Request a Deck Coating Estimate in Vancouver WA and Portland OR
360 Surfaces installs Westcoat ALX Pro deck coatings and railing across Vancouver, Camas, Ridgefield, Battle Ground and the greater Portland metro. Call or text (360) 685-7222, email info@360surfaces.com, or request an estimate. To see the system, the warranty details and recent projects, visit our deck coating page.