Pros and Cons of Composite Deck Railings
Deck railings serve not only as safety barriers but also impact the overall aesthetic appeal and property value of a deck. Composite deck railings have become a popular outdoor decor choice in the last few years. They are easy to take care of and last a long time. Composite railings come in many styles and have a wood-like look. They don’t need to be stained, sealed, or taken care of often.
Of course, their drawback lies in higher initial costs. Additionally, low-quality products may fade and may require support blocks to prevent sagging. If you want to make an informed decision, read this full article about the pros and cons of composite deck railings.
Table of Contents
What is Composite Deck Railing?
The core of composite deck railing lies in its unique material composition. It is primarily made from wood fibers and recycled plastic. Also, makers add things like UV protectors to make the material more resistant to weather and fading.
A complete composite deck railing system comprises multiple meticulously designed components, including:
- Top Rail: The uppermost horizontal member of the railing system. Composite top rails usually have rounded ends and a surface that people can grip easily. This makes them both a safety feature and a point of interest that people can look at more closely. Some models incorporate built-in channels for installing lighting fixtures or concealing cables.
- Baluster Posts: These vertical parts are set apart from each other to hold up the top rail and keep people from climbing.
- Post Covers: Post covers go around structure posts to make the whole thing look like one piece, serving both a decorative and protective purpose. They also shield internal structures from environmental impacts.
- Post Caps: Decorative components positioned atop posts. They keep moisture from getting into the ends of the posts and make the railing system look more polished. Composite deck railing cap designs range from minimalist modern to traditional ornamental styles.
- Infill: The central section of the railing. This includes glass panels, metal mesh, balusters organized horizontally or vertically, or other design parts.
- Fittings: Specially engineered fasteners, brackets, and connectors.
Pros of Composite Deck Railings
Composite deck railings combine the best qualities of wood and plastic. This material is made to look like real wood. It is also more durable and doesn’t need to be cared for as much.
Exceptional Durability and Resistance
Composite deck railings boast an outstanding lifespan. Once installed, homeowners can enjoy years of worry-free use. They withstand erosion from diverse natural environments, such as:
- Preservative and Insect Resistance: Composite decking materials don’t attract termites, wood ants, or other pests, unlike regular wood. Its non-porous structure stops moisture from getting in, which stops rot, mold, and fungus growth.
- Resistance to Warping and Cracking: Because it is consistent all the way through, composite decks don’t warp, twist, or crack when the temperature changes. High-quality composite decking railings boast bending strength 2-3 times that of ordinary wood.
- Impact Resistance: The plastic components provide composite decking railings with excellent toughness. They withstand accidental impacts without shattering or cracking. This trait is very useful in home settings, especially for people who have kids or pets.
Minimal Maintenance Requirements
Every one to three years, traditional wooden railings usually need to be stained or sealed again. If not, they might get damaged by wetness and UV exposure. Composite deck railings do away with this care job that takes a lot of time and work.
If you use high-quality composite deck railings, your deck will look new for years. They fight common stains, including red wine, oil spills, and mildew spots. All it needs is a rinse with water every day. Because of this, the prices and amount of time that must be spent on long-term maintenance are greatly lowered.
Diverse Appearance and Design
Modern composite decking production technology copies different wood grains exactly. The look and feel of it are very similar to real wood. Composite deck railings come in more colors than vinyl or aluminum, so you can find the perfect match for your home and personal style.
Environmental Sustainability
Composite deck railing is mostly made of materials that can be recycled. This lowers the amount of plastic trash that ends up in landfills and cuts down on the need for timber.
Composite materials also fight rot naturally, unlike pressure-treated wood, which needs chemicals to stay fresh. This lowers the amount of harmful chemicals that get released into the air. Their long life means that materials don’t need to be replaced as often, which saves resources.
Comfort and Practicality
When it comes to deck railings, composite ones have less heat conductivity than metal ones, especially when the composite is a lighter color. They stop heat from building up during hot weather, which makes things more comfortable.
A lot of designs with built-in cable channels, lighting, and places to put accessories. LED lights, planter hooks, and privacy screens are some of the useful things that homeowners can add. Composite deck railings are also easy to place. People who have simple skills can do the job on their own..
Cons of Composite Deck Railings
Of course, composite deck railings are not without their drawbacks. Below are some cons of composite deck railings:
Higher Initial Investment
Composite deck railings cost more than pressure-treated wood when you factor in the materials. This difference is due to the prices of the materials, how the things are made, and other reasons. Because they are heavy, they may need more support and to be installed by a professional. This also makes the cost of fitting even higher.
Even though it costs more at first, it is actually cheaper in the long run. Over their entire lifetime, composite deck railings may be 30% cheaper than wood ones. This is because the latter needs to be taken care of and might need to be replaced.
Low-Quality Products May Fade
If dark wood deck railings are in the sun for a long time, they might lose a little color. This process, on the other hand, happens evenly most of the time. Wood, on the other hand, looks uneven because it gets a spotted look. This doesn’t happen as much with high-quality goods, but it won’t stop happening completely.
Structural Limitations
After a few years, long-span composite deck posts might sag a little, especially when something heavy is on them. Installing support blocks or middle supports correctly can stop this from happening. Composite deck railings will also continue to expand and shrink when the temperature changes. During installation, the right amount of space for growth must be left so that deformation doesn’t happen.
Limited Repair Options
If composite deck railings get broken, there are usually fewer ways to fix them than there are with wood. Professional repair tools can fix minor scratches, but major damage usually means the whole part has to be replaced. Also, new parts might have different colors because of changes in production batches and aging levels.
How to Choose the Right Composite Deck Railing?
Generally, you can select high-quality composite deck railings based on the following points.
- Brand and Warranty: Choose well-known companies that give long-term guarantees, like Trex or EVODEK. Take a close look at the warranty terms. Find out if fading, structural stability, and material defects are covered.
- Product Construction: Prioritize co-extruded products or composite decking materials with a protective layer. These offer superior weather resistance and more consistent fading.
- Color Selection: Consider geographic location and sunlight exposure. In high-sun areas, choose lighter colors or products specifically engineered for high-UV environments.
- Certifications and Standards: Verify compliance with industry standards and sustainability certifications.
- Request Samples: Obtain samples from suppliers before purchasing. Evaluate color, texture, and performance in intended settings.
Conclusion
Composite deck railings strike a balance between aesthetic appeal, functional performance, and sustainability. Homeowners love them because they don’t need to be taken care of very often and last a long time.
Composite deck railings may have some problems, like being more expensive at first, but when you look at the overall value, they are the best option. For more information about composite railings, contact us. EVODEK provides expert solutions.
FAQ
Do Composite Deck Railings Increase Property Value?
Yes. High-quality composite railings typically enhance curb appeal and may boost resale value. Potential buyers appreciate their low-maintenance nature and longevity. Thoughtfully designed outdoor living spaces can deliver significant ROI.
Do Composite Deck Railings Rot? What is The Warranty Period?
Premium composite decking materials exhibit outstanding rot resistance. Reputable manufacturers offer limited warranties of 25-30 years. Note that warranties typically exclude improper installation or accidental damage.
How do I Clean Composite Deck Railings?
Routine cleaning requires only mild soapy water and a soft-bristle brush. For stubborn stains, use cleaners specifically formulated for composite decking materials. Avoid harsh acidic or alkaline cleaners, wire brushes, and pressure washers. A thorough cleaning every 6-12 months is recommended to maintain optimal appearance.
Can Composite Deck Railings Withstand The Heat From a Grill?
Most composite decking materials can handle moderate heat under normal use conditions. However, it is not recommended to place a grill directly against the railing or position it very close to it. Maintain a minimum safety distance of 24 inches and use a heat barrier.
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