Outdoor Railings and Safety: The Choices You Can Make for Prettier and Safer Decks

Outdoor deck railings have evolved beyond an aesthetically pleasing frame for your view. In modern households, outdoor railings have become a must-have safety feature, with materials like wood-plastic composite (WPC) offering the perfect blend of beauty and brawn.

This rot-resistant railing material stands up to weather concerns far better than traditional lumber and features the authentic look of wood without its downsides. In this article, we’ll explore other key points to consider when incorporating outdoor railings for your deck. 

Understanding Outdoor Railing Safety and Codes

No matter how beautiful your deck is, you can’t overlook outdoor railing safety. Reliable railing should prevent accidents, with decks elevated 30 inches or more off the ground requiring guard railing for fall protection. For typical residential decks, the International Residential Code (IRC) requires a railing height of at least 36 inches. If you live in a multi-family building, these requirements move up to 42 inches.

Baluster spacing also plays a critical role in deck safety, with codes typically prohibiting gaps of more than 4 inches wide. Infills must be installed so that no small child can fall through. 

Strength is equally important, as building codes require that guardrails be able to withstand a 200-pound concentrated load applied from any direction. Fortunately, many reliable manufacturers produce wood-plastic composite decking designed to meet these safety standards.

Still, homeowners should be proactive in researching code compliance to simplify the approval process and ensure a safe, seamless build.

Why Choose WPC Railings for Outdoor Safety and Style

WPC railing for composite decking is a clear crowd favorite, but it isn’t just about price and availability. What makes this unique material stand out is its impressive durability and low-maintenance performance. 

Because WPC comprises recycled wood fibers and plastic polymers, it yields a rigid material that is resistant to rot, warping, and splintering. They can also withstand UV fading and won’t attract termites or other insects. 

Another significant selling point for WPC is the fact that it requires minimal maintenance—no more sealing and staining every year. WPC comes with built-in weather protection, requiring only occasional washing with mild soap and water to maintain its appearance.

WPC railings also make an eco-friendly choice, as a high proportion contains recycled materials. When you choose WPC, you give new life to waste wood without compromising on quality or aesthetics. 

From a style perspective, WPC is highly versatile and customizable, as they are engineered to mimic the natural composition of wood. You can expect WPC railings to feature extremely fine details—down to the wood grain texture. They’re available in many colors and are realistic even to the touch. Its smooth, rounded profiles provide a comfortable grip, making it less likely to slip. 

Design Options and Customization with WPC Railings

Nowadays, when people think about composite decks and railings, they immediately jump to the sheer variety of design options available for WPC products. If you prefer the classic look of wood, you can opt for WPC balusters featuring colonial wood spindles and squared-off pickets. Oakio composite railings are available in rich, wood-toned finishes that evoke a rustic and traditional aesthetic.  

Is your vibe more industrial? Go for slim balusters with cable railing infill. Want to go even higher-end? Try glass panel infills. 

When it comes to colors and finishes, WPC railings spoil you for choice. You can pick from natural wood hues to contemporary solid colors, with white WPC railings being the most popular at the moment. You can even go for curved designs, as WPC components can be easily bent into gentle curves.

For top rail profiles, consider a breadloaf-shaped design for traditional elegance or a flat, broad top rail that provides clean horizontal emphasis to the design. Want to go a bit more ornamental? You can even integrate post caps, skirts, and lighting. 

Overall, the mix-and-match compatibility with WPC is virtually unmatched. Our own blog on railing design suggests designing railings in modular kits that you can alter as your style evolves.

Maintenance and Longevity of WPC Railings 

As we’ve mentioned, WPC railings are famously easy to maintain. But do they last long? High-quality WPC railings can withstand the elements for decades without significant degradation. It’s inherently moisture-resistant, so constant rain won’t cause it to break down. It’s also insect-proof, so you can rest assured that its internal structure will remain sound.

With WPC, a simple routine of cleaning with a hose-down and soapy water should suffice. If you notice mildew, a soft brush and mild household detergent should do the trick. As for sanding, resealing, or repainting, there’s usually no need. 

While WPC is generally low-maintenance, it’s still wise to perform the occasional inspection. Inspect the railing connections and look for signs of corrosion at least once or twice a year. With just a little bit of effort, you can comfortably assume your WPC decking will last at least 25 years. 

Comparing WPC Railings with Other Materials Briefly

It’s clear that WPC railings are a winning choice for deck owners, but understanding how they stack up against other materials can help direct your purchasing decisions even further. Let’s do a quick comparison.

Compared to traditional wood, WPC exhibits clear advantages in durability and maintenance. They won’t decay, splinter, or fall victim to insects and weather. WPC won’t require retouching, either, to maintain its natural look and texture.

Compared to metal railings, WPC offers a softer and warmer visual that complements natural surroundings, contrasting with a colder, more industrial environment. Installing WPC may be a little trickier and require more reinforcement. However, metal railings can be hot to the touch under the sun, which won’t be a problem with WPC decking.

As for high-end decks with glass and cable railings, WPC won’t give you an entirely unobstructed view of your surroundings. However, they have a more versatile framework and are more cost-effective compared to glass.

Regional Safety Considerations and Professional Advice for WPC Railings

An often overlooked aspect of installing railings for your deck is regional code compliance. In the United States, the IRC provides safety guidelines regarding deck heights. You should always check with your local building authority for spacing and load regulations. 

Composite railing manufacturers, such as Oakio, meet major international codes, while other composite railings also carry ICC Evaluation Service reports. Regardless of the circumstances, it is essential to verify that your WPC railing is approved in your local area. 

Beyond that, it’s also essential to consider the climate and environment. WPC railings are generally rated to withstand various weather conditions, although some regions, such as coastal areas, may benefit more from stainless steel or specially coated hardware. Thankfully, WPC will withstand just about anything, provided you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for your climate. 

Don’t forget—professional advice is invaluable. Whether you’re DIY-ing parts of your deck build or just want advice on how to go about installation, reach out to your contractor or engineer. Many manufacturers also offer ongoing support and resources, including answers to technical questions, online calculators, and design tools. 

Conclusion

Modern outdoor railings have truly evolved to marry form and function. WPC railings have proven to exemplify the best of both worlds. They offer a clever long-term solution that won’t deteriorate under harsh weather conditions and can be easily made to look as inviting as natural wood. 

When you choose WPC railing, you choose peace of mind. Your deck will ultimately be safer, stunning to look at, and more enjoyable on a day-to-day basis. If you’d like to experience the product firsthand, please reach out to us at Oakio to receive a complimentary sample of our composite railing materials. When you’ve found the perfect match for your home, we’ll be there to help you bring your deck to life every step of the way.