Blog>Ideas>Deck railing ideas for a stylish decking
Last updated: 27 September 2023
Deck railing ideas for a stylish decking
Surround your decking with practical and stylish railing. Here are some deck railing ideas to inspire you…
Does your garden decking look like it needs a finishing touch? Deck balustrades and railings create a well-rounded look that looks stylish and polished.
As well as having major style points, balustrades and railings are important for safety too. When wet, decking can get very slippery, so having an extra layer of protection to help you from falling can be a real bonus.
If you have already been inspired by our range of fun decking ideas, read on to hear more of our balustrade and railing top tips and ideas.
Decking balustrade ideas
Horizontal wood slats
You may have spotted horizontal-style fencing popping up in more modern homes and this contemporary look has made its way into decking design.
Rather than a traditional carved detailed wooden design, Scandi-inspired slats installed horizontally are a great option for a design-led home.
Glass panels
Ditch the wood altogether and opt for glass panels instead to surround your decking.
They work wonders for elongating the space and making your garden feel bigger as the glass is transparent and lets all of the natural light through.
Glass panels wound suit a contemporary outdoor space with fuss-free decking.
The classic look
Adopt the classic decking look into your garden with a solid wood balustrade and matching handrail.
Remember, it’s not one size fits all. You can stain the wood in your chosen colour to make it match the rest of your exterior space.
We suggest making your decking and balustrade the same shade of wood just so it looks cohesive.
Hang fairy lights
Add personality to your decking design by using the balustrade to hang fairy lights. Outdoor solar lights are great but there’s something special about the ambient lighting that sparkly fairy lights create.
Choose ones with multi-coloured bulbs for a fun, colourful feel or opt for warm light bulbs to create a sophisticated outdoor area.
Painted white
Brighten up your outdoor area by painting your decking balustrade and railings white. For that clean ‘white picket fence look’ make sure you use an exterior paint that is made for painting exterior wood so that it will be durable and stand the test of time.
If your current decking is looking a bit tired, give it a new lease of life by giving it a fresh lick of paint.
Industrial metal design
Rustic, industrial-inspired spaces incorporate lots of wood and metal. Choose a metal deck railing to create a garden or balcony space that feels stylish and industrial.
You can soften this design by using lots of plants to decorate it and make it feel more inviting.
Enclosed space
Use a decking balustrade design that zones off an entire space of your garden.
If you want to make an outdoor dining area for example feel totally separate from the rest of your garden, use an enclosed balustrade and handrail design to achieve this look.
Decking handrail ideas
Handrails are a must for outdoor safety and can stop you from hurting yourself, whether it’s from slipping on wet decking or tripping up accidentally.
Metal handrail
A metal handrail is one of the most popular designs and works well with industrial-inspired balustrades. It’s also very practical as it is easy to keep clean and there is no risk of rot, unlike wood.
Bannister rail
A bannister-style handrail allows a gap between the balustrade and the handrail and looks very modern.
The gap creates an open space, which makes your decking feel fresh and open whilst still being ultimately safe.
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