Beachfront Railing Ideas: Picking a Durable, Attractive Deck Railing

Whether you actively live on the beach or you own a vacation beach house, everyone can agree that living on the beach is amazing! From the smell of salt water to the gentle breeze and the occasional squawking of seagulls, being on the beach is amazing. 

Now, imagine walking out on the deck where your railings look old and rusty. Won't that suck all the fun away from enjoying the scenery? We bet it would. As you probably guessed, choosing a deck railing that is both durable and attractive is crucial. But you should know that the composition of your railings does not particularly matter as salt and water have a corrosive effect. Today, we discuss the best options for a durable and attractive deck railing.

Aluminum

Aluminum is a great choice if you want something that looks clean and simple and doesn't cost much to maintain. This metal is much less likely than many others to rust or corrode, but you should still get a powder-coated railing to ensure it lasts. 

Powder-coated and corrosion-resistant finishes add to the durability and low maintenance of aluminum products. Even though aluminum is strong, it is light and soft, which makes it easy to work with and install. It is not too expensive because it is the most common non-ferrous metal and the most common metal on Earth. 

Another benefit of aluminum is that it is recyclable. So, it's better for the environment than other materials. Most aluminum railing systems have balusters that are a bit wider than those made of iron or wood. This makes it look more like wood and focuses on making it look stronger. 

For safety reasons, an aluminum railing is also a good idea for decks that are low to the ground. Even if you don't own a beach house, consider using an aluminum railing for your composite deck installation in Orange County.

Vinyl

If you don't want to spend your summers fixing up your beach house deck and railing, you might want to consider using vinyl. 

Vinyl railing is cheap, lasts for a long time, and comes in many different styles. You have probably seen vinyl on many front porches and boat decks. It is in use in many places because it is affordable and durable. 

Vinyl doesn't need to get sealed or painted like wood, so it's easy to maintain. You can also use vinyl post sleeves to cover and protect your wooden railing, saving you money on replacement costs.

Iron

People used to think iron wasn't the best material for beachfront homes. But some manufacturers start with galvanized steel and finish their iron railings with a powder coating, an e-coat, and a corrosion-resistant finish. With these four layers of protection, very corrosive saltwater can't do much damage.

Wood

If your beach house is in an area with a lot of humidity or rain, or if it is very close to the water, you might want to use yacht varnish to seal the wood. If you don't mind the maintenance work, a wood deck railing is a great choice for your beach house. 

While wood will always be aesthetically pleasing, remember that you can't be lazy with a beach deck or railing. Every year, you'd need to sand and treat the wood. That way, you get a deck railing that will last as long as possible.

Composite

Composite materials are made by mixing wood fibers with strong plastic. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is often used to protect the base materials by coating them. PVC is the same material as vinyl. And like vinyl, it doesn't react to salt or water. 

However, like vinyl, it can fade over time. This material looks like wood but is easy to take care of, like vinyl, aluminum, etc. A composite railing is great because it won't bend or break in the sun or rain. If you want to learn more about composite decking, check out our article on the ultimate beginner guide to composite decking.

Cable

In a cable railing, the balusters get replaced by stainless steel cables. This is the right choice if you want railings that don't get in the way, are easy to clean, and let the breeze right through. You should also choose a vertical cable system instead of a horizontal one, especially if you have kids or pets who might try to climb the railing.

Even though stainless steel is resistant to corrosion, a deck near the ocean will still need regular cleaning to keep salt from building up. If you are not interested in any cleaning during your stay, you could always choose a deck cleaning service in Orange County, CA. 

Remember, if you let salt sit on the surface of the steel, it can start to rust early. High-quality cables come from 316 marine-grade stainless steel. And this is very resistant to corrosion. This means it will last longer than stainless steel 304 and 305, but not forever. 

Another reason why cable railings will need regular cleaning is that they have cracks. Salt doesn't get stuck as easily on smooth surfaces, but since cables have cracks, you'll need to wipe them down often.

Glass Balusters

Glass balusters are easy to take care of and don't get damaged by water or salt. You only need to worry about keeping them clean and free of marks and smudges. A quick wipe down now and then is all you need to keep them looking shiny. 

Full glass panels are a good idea if you want to keep your deck warmer. They block the wind and trap heat, which warms the deck. Alternatively, use glass balusters to let some air through and reduce how much full-panel glass heats a room.

Conclusion

Remember that, for your beach house, aesthetic excellence is not the major goal in choosing railings. Resistance, durability, ease of maintenance, and cost are what you should primarily consider. However, with the right materials and builders, you can achieve aesthetic excellence and longevity for your deck. Finally, if you need a deck builder in Orange County, trust OC Deck Builders to get the job done.