Deck Railing Accessories

You’ve probably heard the expression “God is in the details.” Well, when it comes to creating a truly unique and beautiful deck design, the right mix of details can create a heavenly result.

Every deck is essentially a blank canvas. Adding design details such as ornamental post caps, decorative balusters and deck inlays, can turn your blank canvas into a custom deck that is a work of art.

Not sure which details will work best for your tastes and design parameters?

Deck design software can help you envision how your deck will look with the addition of certain details. The Deck Visualizer is a free online program that allows you to choose from a selection of scenes and then dress up each with a variety of designer details, such as wood color, railing design, and baluster and post cap accessories.

Designer touches are limited only by your imagination – and creativity in forming combinations. In addition to ornamental post caps and decorative balusters – which we’ve talked about before in this blog – there are many other ways to customize your deck, including:

• Deck inlays – A deck inlay can be anything from decorative stone or ceramic tile to a design made up of different colored composite deck boards placed at interesting angles.
• Reversible boards – Unlike standard deck boards, Latitudes Intrepid composite deck boards can be placed with either side facing up. Each side has its own unique texture (woodgrain or brushed) and color variance, allowing you to create an interesting design while using just one type of decking material.
• Picture framing – By installing a trim board around a deck, you can give your wood deck surface a unique appearance, and protect plank ends that can deteriorate over time when exposed to the elements.
• Hidden fasteners – Strategically placed nails or screws can be incorporated into a deck’s design, but for an ultra-clean look, consider Latitude’s Equator hidden fastener. Concealed below the deck surface, Equator composite deck hidden fasteners fit into the groove on the side of the deck board secured at each joist to eliminate pre-drilling and allow for quick and easy installation, leaving a deck looking smooth and sleek. Installing the right hidden fastener will make your composite deck barefoot friendly.
• Recessed lighting – Deckorators recessed lighting kits use compact, ultra-bright, low-volt LED lights to make decks more appealing and accessible after dark. Build them into stairs, step-downs and anywhere you need illumination both for looks and safetypurposes.
• Benches and boxes – Built-ins are a hot deck trend and you can use Latitudes composite decking to build curved composite benches and planter boxes around your deck.

Whether you choose to add just one detail or many, designer touches can truly make your deck one-of-a-kind – and make you feel like you have your own little slice of heaven in your own backyard.

A graspable secondary handrail is an important component to consider when planning a deck with stairs. So whether you're constructing a residential composite deck, lumber deck or a deck made from other decking material, you're typically required to install a graspable secondary handrail on one side of the deck's stair railing when there are four or more stair risers present.

Key Residential Stair Handrail Requirements (IRC - International Residential Code)

1. Stairways having four or more risers, or rising more than 30 inches in height, whichever is less, must have at least one grab rail.
2. Handrails with a circular cross section shall have an outside diameter of at least 1-1/4 inches and not greater than 2 inches. If the handrail is not circular it shall have a perimeter dimension of at least 4 inches and not greater than 6-1/4 inches with a maximum cross section of dimension of 2-1/4 inches.
3. The grab rail must terminate at the newel post (top and bottom posts).
4. Clear space between a handrail and a wall or other surface shall be a minimum of 1-1/2 inches.
5. The height of handrails must be installed 34 inches - 38 inches from the upper surface of the handrail to the surface of the tread.

Graspable secondary handrails are required by more and more building codes / deck codes in areas across the country. Both Deckorators and Latitudes brands feature a secondary handrail system in their respective deck railing products lineups.

These attractive and highly versatile graspable handrails are ideal for meeting building codes when required. Made of heavy gauge aluminum and durable PVC, these systems include five different radius elbows and several styles of returns to meet every possible installation. The railing is available in three colors (adobe, tan and white) to complement a homes exterior.

Check out the American Wood Council's "Design for Code Acceptance" document for complete details. Stair handrail requirements are outlined on page 18.

Looking to distribute secondary handrails or components? Look to Waymark to supply all your fence and railing accessories.

New deck trends include low maintenance decking, unique railing and railing accessories as well as lighting options. And as the trend for enjoying customized decks and outdoor living space grows, personalized outdoor living areas are the latest in home improvement upgrades.

Building or updating an existing deck isn't simply a great investment: It provides opportunities to personalize your backyard or porch and customize the look to your taste. And with many families staying home this summer thanks to high gas pricing and a recovering economy, why not build your perfect area for entertaining?

By designing your deck with accents, lights and unique accessories, you can transform your backyard into an outdoor retreat you'll never want to leave, whether you're catching up with friends over a grilled dinner in the evening or are curled up with a book in a lounge chair on a sunny afternoon.

With a new emphasis on value, durability and ultra-low maintenance, many homeowners seek deck materials that resist fading and staining. Latitudes Capricorn Tropical composite decking and Captiva decking, sold through dealers nationwide, are good choices. Low-maintenance, eco-friendly composite decking material is made from a mixture of recycled wood fiber and postindustrial high-density polyethylene, which looks natural and feels great on bare feet.

Add unique touches to really make the deck your personal haven. Change your deck's look with interesting balusters to match other decorative accents on your house or in your yard. You'll find traditional bronze balusters, classic rounded rails or even scenic glass balusters, which give your outdoor room a clear view.

Then consider breaking up the wooden look of your deck with Deckorators postcovers, to help match the look of your deck to a stone house, to a backyard with stone pavers or to a stone wall. Easily installed over a wooden 4x4 or 6x6 post, faux stone postcovers come in several stone patterns. See my blog post on deck post covers.

Finish off your railing system with post caps. Deckorators post caps are functionally and artistically decorative. Maybe you're interested in the more traditional black, stainless or pewter colors, topping a solar LED light to illuminate your deck for evening use. Or try a creative look with stained glass post caps, bringing a colorful flair to each deck post.

With so many unique decking and railing design options available, you can transform your wood or composite deck into a new outdoor living area. And because you designed it, it will perfectly fit your lifestyle.

Check out my past blog for deck railing ideas.

Take a look around: So many decks these days settle for the same old 2x2 treated wood balusters that really do little to enhance appeal or add interest. You get what you settle for.

Deckorators balusters bring an entirely new visual dimension to deck railings—it's all about choices and alternatives.

The aluminum balusters zip up deck designs by introducing curves, angles and simulated lathe-turned profiles in Classic, Colonial, Architectural, Estate and Traditional designs.

Scenic Glass balusters let the views shine through with grace and distinction.

Further your flair with elegant baluster accessories.
Deckorators centerpieces attach to vertical balusters for an extra measure of design panache. Special collars and baskets lend a rich and elegant feel. And you can mix and match colors for contrast or complement. Try doing all that with standard 2x2 spindles!

Read more in one of my prior blog posts about how to accessorize your deck railing with style.

Solar post caps illuminate and color the enlightened way: Solar. No wiring. No load. Solar post caps gather the day’s energy for night's use and provide gentle, non-disruptive illumination for deck railings, stairs, overhangs and fence posts. Solar post cap installation is a breeze and the energy’s always free. See the complete lineup of Deckorators brand solar-powered deck and fence post caps.

See my blog on new deck accessory products perfect for spring projects.

Universal Consumer Products has added a second deck railing system to the Deckorators® brand lineup called CXT. The Deckorators CXT railing system is co-extruded for ultralow-maintenance and is available through Wolf, the newest distributor of Deckorators brand products. The CXT railing system will be showcased at the 2011 JLC Live tradeshow in New England, beginning March 25.

Deckorators CXT railing emulates the look of real painted wood and combines proven Strandex® technology on the interior with an ultralow-maintenance exterior cap stock for long-term durability and strength. Deckorators CXT railing boasts a 20-year limited warranty.

Available in two distinct profiles, Contemporary and Colonial, CXT deck railing kits are offered in 6- and 8-foot lengths and in 36- and 42-inch installed heights. The unique “U-Bracket” design provides a fastener-free look and makes installation easy, especially on stair rail applications. Pre-drilled rails increase the speed of installation by taking the guesswork out of baluster spacing.

Best of all, Deckorators CXT railing allows deck builders to work with several popular Deckorators railing baluster infills and post accessories. In addition, Deckorators offers four eye-catching post cap styles, including Tiffany-style Mission Glass, Copper, Solar and Traditional.

Available in spring 2011, the CXT railing system will be showcased at the 2011 JLC Live Show in New England (Deckorators booth 1036 and Wolf booth 306).

Deckorators deck, railing and fence accessories are available through an established network of building material retailers in the United States and Canada. Visit www.deckorators.com for complete information.

About Deckorators
Deckorators is the first name in deck railing accessories and the originator of the round aluminum baluster. The pioneering spirit behind the brand has kept the Deckorators name on the leading edge of designing products that create beautiful and unique decks. The brand started the low-maintenance aluminum balusters category with the Classic Series and has since led the industry with innovative products: Colonial balusters, offering the look of traditional colonial times; Architectural balusters, with the beautiful appearance of hand-forged wrought iron; accessories that provide the special accents needed to customize the look of your deck; Connector Series installation products that make installing Deckorators balusters simple and easy. The brand’s approach to developing exciting and distinctive deck rail and railing products allows customers the opportunity to express themselves on their deck as they do in their home.

Great deck railing ideas start with Deckorators! Deck building season is here and style calls for a look that enhances at a glance. Deck railing and deck railing accessories dial up the visual interest, whether designed-in or retrofitted. Deckorators offers decorative and functional metal deck railing systems and accessories to make your deck stand out from the crowd.

Put the sizzle on your composite lumber deck or treated wood deck with signature metal balusters in an array of colors and styles. Decorative glass balusters let the view come through. Solar post caps accentuate and illuminate. It’s easy to offer great suggestions when you know what’s available. There’s some very cool outdoor accessories in the Deckorators lineup.

The Deckorators brand of deck railing accessories offers decorative and functional balusters by style. It’s also a mecca for metal, glass, wood and illuminated post caps.

For even more deck railing ideas, check out the Deckorators deck visualizer and start designing your dream deck!

With the housing market on the rebound many homeowners remain cautious about overspending on home improvements. And lower-cost targeted improvements are becoming a popular way to add value to a home. Updating your deck is one improvement that nearly always offers a great return on investment.

Deckorators, an industry-leading brand which offer aluminum railing kits, decorative balusters, post caps and accessories, has seen demand increase for the past several years.

Consumers are investing in their homes by adding decorative elements to their existing deck and outdoor areas and creating expansions or adding tasteful accessories to compliment the space.

Also aiding growth is an emphasis on creative design by deck builders and do-it-yourselfers. The wealth of new products on the market lets homeowners differentiate their properties from those of neighbors and friends. It’s personalization once reserved only for interior spaces.

New products from Deckorators include LED deck lighting kits, unique baluster infills and aluminum railing kits. Deckorators also sees continued interest in their decorative glass balusters and stylish architectural balusters that offer the look of wrought iron with a finish that lasts for years. Demand for Deckorators solar-powered post caps has also skyrocketed as easy installation allows for even the most novice DIYer to easily and affordably update their deck railing.

Homeowners are taking more pride in their homes and investing in high quality products outdoors. That’s a smart move for increasing the value of your home.

Leigh Brown, a Charlotte, N.C., realtor with RE/MAX Signature Properties, says one of the most popular features home-buyers are looking for today is outdoor living space.

“Everyone wants to spend time outside, and communities are being built around greenbelts, golf courses and parks. This generation of first-time home-buyers is tilting toward a more environmentally conscious lifestyle, and it’s fitting that those same people want a home that has a nice flow between the inside and the out,” says Brown.

Deckorators deck accessory products appeal to deck builders and homeowners looking to express their style and individuality.

Today, many decks incorporate seating areas, cooking areas and often recreation areas. Hot tubs and spas are popular features, and families spend lots of time enjoying decks and patios.
“Today’s deck is much more than a place to park your grill,” adds Brown. “It’s the hub of the family’s social life.”

Design your dream deck with the Deckorators free online Deck Visualizer program.

Turn your deck design ideas into reality with the Latitudes Deck Visualizer interactive deck program. This deck design software allows you to freely design a unique, conceptual composite decking and railing layout.

The Latitudes Deck Visualizer is an intuitive program that allows users to create a custom look in just a few minutes. This unique deck design tool can be used on virtually any computer or mobile device and allows you to print your custom deck design, save it, e-mail it to your contractor or share it with friends and family.

Latitudes Deck Visualizer incorporates real life background scenes and gives the user control of selecting decking types and color, railing styles and a multitude of railing accessories like baluster infills, post caps and more.

Three simple steps for creating your custom deck design
 

1. Choose from hundreds of decking and railing product combinations
2. See how your choices look on various deck scenes.
3. Select a different deck scene and compatible product selections will transfer to the new scene

Program Features

• Information Icon: Click on the information icon to learn more about a product
• BOOKMARK: Save your design for future reference or additional changes
• EMAIL: Send your custom deck design to your builder and friends
• PRINT: Print a summary of your customized design—complete with a rendered image list of selected decking and railing products
• SHARE: Post your custom designer deck on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter

Deckorators, the leading brand of deck and fence accessories, has designed and introduced the first tropical hardwood cap rail for its aluminum deck railing system. Also, several new compatible solar, Tiffany-style glass and metal post cap accessories have been added to the aluminum railing system. 

Deckorators aluminum railing system with tropical hardwood cap rail is available in code-compliant 6-foot deck railing kit and an all-new 8-foot kit. The innovative cap and rail insert system allows installers to snap on the cap rail without visible fasteners. The tropical hardwood cap rail features a moulded appearance and is finished with an oil-based stain.

“The number of choices within the Deckorators lineup is a testament to our commitment to providing unique, attractive deck railing options and accessories in our offering,” said John Hess, director of sales for Universal Consumer Products. “The tropical hardwood cap rail for the Deckorators aluminum railing system provides a stylish appearance, which will appeal to deck builders and homeowners alike.”

Available in spring 2011, the new tropical cap rail kit and aluminum railing post caps will be showcased at the International Builders’ Show.

Deckorators deck, railing and fence accessories are available through an established network of building material retailers in the United States and Canada. Visit www.deckorators.com for complete information.

Deckorators, creator of the Postcover, has launched a new and improved cast stone Postcover deck railing accessory line that boasts the look and feel of real masonry.

Deckorators Cast Stone Postcover mimics the look and feel of real stone columns, and is made of glass-fiber reinforced concrete for increased strength and superior protection against the elements. The Deckorators Postcover is designed to coordinate well with wood, composite or vinyl deck railing, wood deck columns and fence posts. Postcovers are hand-painted and come in three unique styles: Gray Cobblestone, Gray Fieldstone and Beige Stacked Stone. All-new cast stone post caps (sold separately) complete the personalized look. 

The 8x8 Postcover is easy to install over deck and fence posts, and is available in 42” or 53” heights. It secures directly to 4x4 or 6x6 cedar or pressure treated wood posts with shims, and ties into the deck’s rails using a rail connector. Deckorators Postcover carries a 15-year warranty against cracking, splitting or warping.

Our new Postcover line offers three realistic options for adding design detail to any deck railing. The Postcover will also help create an inviting entrance on a porch or add a decorative touch to a mailbox, fence post or other design feature. The Deckorators Postcover is innovative and low-maintenance, and costs much less than real stone. Incorporating Postcovers allows homeowners and builders to add a touch of affordable sophistication into their deck design.

Deckorators Deck Visualizer is a free interactive deck design program for generating a unique, conceptual deck design.

The Deck Visualizer is an intuitive program that allows users to create a custom look within minutes. This unique deck design tool can be used on virtually any computer or mobile device and allows you to print your custom deck design, save it, e-mail it to your contractor or share it with friends and family.

Deckorators Deck Visualizer incorporates realistic background scenes and gives the designer complete control of selecting decking types and color, railing styles and a multitude of railing accessories like baluster infills and post caps.

Three simple steps for creating your custom deck design

1. Choose from hundreds of decking and railing product combinations
2. See how your choices look on various deck scenes.
3. Select a different deck scene and compatible product selections will transfer to the new scene

Generate a product summary and a final image of your rendered deck, so you'll know exactly which products you've selected.

Program Features
 

• Information Icon: Click on the information icon to learn more about a product
• BOOKMARK: Save your design for future reference or additional changes
• EMAIL: Send your custom deck design to your builder and friends
• PRINT: Print a summary of your customized design—complete with a rendered image list of selected decking and railing products
• SHARE: Post your custom designer deck on social media sites like Facebook and Twitter

Post cap deck lights are one of the most prominent deck enhancements available. Solar deck lighting accessories highlight the deck posts at the top and bottom of a stair rail and act as both a deck railing ornament and as a source of ambient light for composite lumber decks and treated lumber decks.

Solar lighted post caps are much easier to install than wired low voltage deck lights as they do not require an electric outlet. Regardless of power source, both types of post and rail lighting help improve deck safety.

Deck post cap lights are typically sold with wood, plastic or metal bases to fit the most common deck post sizes of 4x4 and 6x6. Wood post cap bases are often available in the same species used for constructing decks like pine, redwood or cedar so they can be stained to match a decks color. See article.

Some ornamental post cap lights have on/off switches so you can control which post caps illuminate at dark. By turning the switch off, you're able to maintain a consistent appearance in the daylight and can avoid over-lighting at night. If your solar post caps do not come with an off switch, simply pull the rechargeable batteries out of the post cap lights you don't want to illuminate.

Solar post cap lights are available in several styles and materials including metal, plastic and wood, so they can match deck balusters and complete the look of your outdoor living area.

See my past blog article on other deck accessories.

Here's a video from Extreme How-To magazine on how to build a pressure treated wood deck handrail using Deckorators deck railing accessories. This video features Deckorators balusters, post caps and deck railing baluster connectors and accessories.

Latitudes Intrepid composite railing is perfect for use as both deck railing and porch railing. It's a durable, easy-to-install deck railing system that will enhance your backyard deck or front porch with attractive looks and safety. Latitudes composite deck railing is a great alternative to wood, and best of all, it's available in six foot section kits for simple installation.

Key benefits of Latitudes composite deck railing include:

• Low maintenance
• Won't rot or split
• Resistant to insects
• Durable, lonterm performance
• Easy-to-install kits (video)

Unlike wood deck railing, composite wood railing never needs to be painted or sealed. In addition, composite railing will not splinters, has minimal fading and is low maintenance – simply wash twice annually in the Spring and Fall. See my past blog on maintaining composite decking and railing.

Composite deck rails can take virtually anything mother nature throws at it, season after season, in any climate. The best composite deck railing will not rot or become infested with insects. Composite deck rails retain their color and resist stains. They are non-porous and come in a variety of natural-looking, attractive colors to match any homes exterior.

Composite deck railing will add both beauty and comfort to any outdoor deck area. While composite deck railing will cost twice as much as a treated wood railing, composite lumber will typically outlast treated lumber and require less maintenance over the years. Composite deck railing also resist water damage and can be used for many types of deck designs.

Adding ornamental deck rail balusters, ornamental post caps and other deck railing accessories to composite deck rails will make your deck or porch area stand out, creating enduring beauty for years to come.

Create the look of your dream deck in minutes with the latest deck design tool.

The sky’s the limit with this new Deck Visualizer deck design software. The Deck Visualizer lets you explore your imagination by selecting from hundreds of decking and railing combinations, designed with two industry-leading brands in mind: Deckorators and Latitudes.

Deck Visualizer deck design software lets your imagination take over. Simply select a deck scene, then begin to drag and drop (or click) endless combinations of decking and railing products to create your custom deck design. Along the way to your finished design, you can find out more details on any of the products simply by clicking the information icon.

Choose from wood decking, composite decking, deck railing and accessory options. Before you’re done, add some pizzazz with deck railing accessories such as baluster baskets or centerpieces and solar post cap lights. Want to know what your selections look like on a different deck scene? It’s easy. Simply select a new deck and any compatible product selections will transfer to the new scene.

The Deck Visualizer is compatible with most any computer or mobile device and allows you to print your custom deck design, save it, e-mail it to your contractor or share it with friends and family. Your Deck Visualizer print out will generate a summary of the products you’ve chosen as well as a final image, so you’ll know exactly which decking and railing products you’ve selected for your project.

"I wanted to write to give you a testimonial about the Deckorators products.

Our company is committed to providing high-end design and construction services for our customers.  We try to stay on top of the latest products and trends in the industry. One of the greatest improvements in deck construction over the past generation has been the improvements in deck handrail design, and Deckorators has been a leader in this movement. All-wood deck handrails used to be the mainstay, but they had little architectural interest and they aged poorly. Deckorators came along and changed everything. For more than eight years Deckorators has given LandWorks the innovative deck railing product options we need to make our decks stand out from the competition. Your products are well designed, easily available, and have stood the test of time. We have been rewarded with countless customer referrals, industry awards, and even magazine exposure.

Thank you Deckorators for your fine products and thank you for your contributions to our industry."

Steve Patterson
Owner
LandWorks
Silver Spring, Maryland
www.elandworks.com

Transforming your deck into a one-of-a-kind outdoor living area can be as simple as updating your existing deck railing or installing unique balusters to the railing itself. When you decide to build a new composite lumber or pressure treated deck be sure to think about the type of material you desire for the railing and the style of baluster infill that will suite your needs. Deck railings are one of the most prominent parts of any deck, and today there are many unique deck rail options made from different material.

Aluminum Deck Railing
Aluminum deck railing from Deckorators is strong, durable and lightweight, which makes it a perfect choice on decks, docks and balconies or wherever durability is important. Deckorators’ aluminum railing is ultra-low maintenance, won't rot or corrode and is impervious to stains. What’s more, most Deckorators baluster styles are compatible with the Deckorators aluminum railing system.

Wood Deck Railing
Wood is the most common type of deck railing material used. Its strength and natural appearance have made it a timeless favorite among homeowners. Wood can be cut into unique shapes, or it can be mixed with other unique accessories, such as glass or aluminum balusters. Unlike other types of deck railing, wood deck rails can be stained and painted to a specific color. Keep in mind; wood deck railing has its limitations. Wood railing requires regular maintenance like staining and sealing at least every few years; Not to mention, you may need to replace some wood railing components if they warp, split and become unsafe. But, keep in mind pressure treated lumber deck railing is typically the least expensive type of railing, so if other railing options are too expensive, treated lumber may be your best or most versatile option.

Composite / Synthetic Deck Railing
Synthetic deck railing, such as Latitudes Intrepid railing, combines the natural beauty of wood with the durability of a synthetic (plastic). Composite deck railing is a popular choice among homeowners who like a wood look but desire a more stable railing material for varying weather conditions. Composite deck railing, available in a variety of colors, is usually made from a mixture of plastic (virgin and/or recycled) and wood flour material that typically last much longer than standard lumber railing. Composite decking railing should not split, warp, rot or become infested with insects. Most composite deck railings are sold in matching railing kits that allow you to mix and match with ornamental baluster styles to accentuate your outdoor living space and your home’s architectural style.

Vinyl Deck Railing
Vinyl railing, like Latitudes Luster railing, is a durable, ultra low-maintenance option that stands the test of time. Vinyl deck railing is resistant to scratching, fading, insect infestations and cracking, and stands up well in extreme conditions. Vinyl railing can also be purchased in kits and is one of the more expensive railing options on the market.

New outdoor deck lighting installation video from Deckorators, the leader in deck railing accessories. Deckorator's elegant low voltage, recessed LED deck lighting kit helps create an inviting environment on both wood decks and synthetic decks.