We've put together our opinions and experiences on the railing lines we offer, so that you can easily read about how they are more appropriate for certain applications or stylizations.
We hope to highlight the main differences between the various types and styles of railing, so that you can decide which one might be best for you. The information below is not intended as an endorsement of any one product, but to highlight the strengths of each for helping you plan, install, and enjoy your deck.
Aluminum Railing Systems
7.4
TOTAL SCORE
Westbury Aluminum Baluster Railing and Posts
Shop Westbury Railing System
Build Quality and feel
8
Durability
8
Ease of installation
7
Style and Color Options
8
Invisibility (for enjoying your view)
6
Ease of Configuration and Modification
7
Affordability
8
PROS
- Brackets are available for virtually every connection type, for a clean connection
- Drink rail adapter makes installing cocktail railing top easier than most other systems
- Offered in several panel lengths, competitive brands often only make 6' and 8' panel lengths
- Wide variety of post sizes (2", 3", 4" and 6") for different design options.
- All posts feature leveling bolts for making posts plumb
- Metal post skirt included with every post
- Top and bottom rails are easy to cut before assembling
- Crossover post and bracket options are easy to work with and can make large jobs go faster
- When using a stair crossover post, top rail is ADA compliant so no extra graspable handrail is needed
CONS
- Some powder coating options are rougher and make scuffs more visible
- Custom colors and combinations are special order only
- Panels come as kits, meaning assembly is required.
- Priced slightly higher than other aluminum railings
- Fascia-mount post option is custom order and is not as attractive as surface-mount post option
8.0
TOTAL SCORE
Ultralox Aluminum Baluster Railing and Posts
Shop Ultralox Railing System
Build Quality and feel
7
Durability
7
Ease of installation
9
Style and Color Options
9
Invisibility (for enjoying your view)
8
Ease of Configuration and Modification
7
Affordability
9
PROS
- Panels come fully assembled, making install time faster than knockdown kits
- Pickets have a slimmer width than a standard baluster, giving a better view
- Rail panels mounts are all hidden inside the internal structure of the rail, no screws are visible
- We manufacture panels to the nearest foot for minimal waste
- Panels can be manufactured easily with different colored balusters, top rails, or bottom rails at no extra cost, and with quick custom-order lead times.
- Post bases are coated, so you could skip the skirt for a slimmer look or a more industrial look
- We package our posts with the recommended screws for mounting to wood framing
- Multiple top rail options are available for different designs (rounded, modern, or classic)
- Brackets are available for installing a drink rail
- Fascia mounted post options are easy to install and have a slim profile
- Semi-gloss powder coating resists scuffing but isn't reflective
- Cut collars can be added to panels with imperfect cuts
- When using a stair crossover post, top rail is ADA compliant so no extra graspable handrail is needed
CONS
- Top covers/snaps can be hard to take off
- Ultralox extrusions use a thinner wall, making it feel slightly less solid than other railings
- Full size panels are more awkward to cut
- Stair crossover posts take more time to figure and cut
- Cuts at angles other than 90 degrees take more work to cut and figure, since no special brackets are available
7.4
TOTAL SCORE
Dekpro Prestige Aluminum Baluster Railing and Posts
Shop Dekpro Railing System
Build Quality and feel
8
Durability
8
Ease of installation
7
Style and Color Options
8
Invisibility (for enjoying your view)
6
Ease of Configuration and Modification
8
Affordability
7
PROS
- Fixed brackets are available for straight connections and hinged brackets are available for angled connections.
- Drink rail brackets are available for a cocktail railing top
- Surface mounted posts are available in 3" and 4", and 4" sleeves are available for mounting over a wood post
- All posts feature special shims for helping plumb posts easily
- Metal post skirt included with every post
- Top and bottom rails are easy to cut before assembling
- Multiple post cap options available
CONS
- Some powder coating options are rougher and make scuffs more visible
- No custom combinations are available
- Panels come as kits, meaning assembly is required.
- Fascia-mount post options are limited to a 4x4 wood post with sleeve, and no special bracketry
- No crossover options are available, so all stairs require a graspable handrail rod
7.6
TOTAL SCORE
Timbertech Impressions Express Aluminum Baluster Railing and Posts
Shop Impressions Express Railing System
Build Quality and feel
7
Durability
7
Ease of installation
8
Style and Color Options
7
Invisibility (for enjoying your view)
8
Ease of Configuration and Modification
7
Affordability
9
PROS
- Panels come fully assembled, making install time faster than knockdown kits
- Pickets have a slimmer width than a standard baluster, giving a better view
- Rail panels mounts are all hidden inside the internal structure of the rail, no screws are visible
- Multiple top rail options are available for different designs (modern, or classic)
- Brackets are available for installing a drink rail
- Semi-gloss powder coating resists scuffing but isn't reflective
- Cut collars can be added to panels with imperfect cuts
- When using a stair crossover post, top rail is ADA compliant so no extra graspable handrail is needed
CONS
- Top covers/snaps can be hard to take off
- Extrusions use a thinner wall, making it feel slightly less solid than other railings
- Full size panels are more awkward to cut
- Stair crossover posts take more time to figure and cut
- Cuts at angles other than 90 degrees take more work to cut and figure, since no special brackets are available
- Panels are only available in 6' and 8' lengths
- If flexed too much, stair panel balusters may end up rattling
6.9
TOTAL SCORE
Trex Signature Aluminum Baluster Railing and Posts
Shop Trex Signature Railing System
Build Quality and feel
7
Durability
8
Ease of installation
7
Style and Color Options
6
Invisibility (for enjoying your view)
6
Ease of Configuration and Modification
6
Affordability
8
PROS
- Brackets are available for virtually every connection type, for a clean connection
- Drink rail brackets are available for a cocktail railing top
- Metal post skirt included with every post
- Top and bottom rails are easy to cut before assembling
- Crossover post and bracket options are easy to work with and can make large jobs go faster
- When using a stair crossover post, top rail is ADA compliant so no extra graspable handrail rod is needed
CONS
- Some powder coating options are rougher and make scuffs more visible
- Custom colors and combinations are special order only
- Panels come as kits, meaning assembly is required.
- No fascia mount option for posts
- Top rail options are limited to the standard top or a drink rail
- Only 2.5" post size available
6.7
TOTAL SCORE
Trex Signature Rod Railing and Posts
Shop Trex Signature Railing System
Build Quality and feel
7
Durability
8
Ease of installation
7
Style and Color Options
7
Invisibility (for enjoying your view)
6
Ease of Configuration and Modification
6
Affordability
6
PROS
- Brackets are available for virtually every connection type, for a clean connection
- Drink rail brackets are available for a cocktail railing top
- Metal post skirt included with every post
- Top and bottom rails are easy to cut before assembling
- Crossover post and bracket options are easy to work with and can make large jobs go faster
- When using a stair crossover post, top rail is ADA compliant so no extra graspable handrail rod is needed
- Horizontal rods have a similar look to cable, but without the need to tighten periodically
- Rods can be cut together and inserted quickly into vertical spacer-balusters for faster installation
CONS
- Rods can be a climbing hazard for children
- Powder coating is slightly rougher and can make scuffs more visible
- Panels come as kits, meaning assembly is required.
- No fascia mount option for posts
- Top rail options are limited to the standard top or a drink rail
- Only 2.5" post size available
6.7
TOTAL SCORE
Dekpro Prestige Rod Railing and Posts
Shop Dekpro Prestige Rod Railing
Build Quality and feel
7
Durability
8
Ease of installation
6
Style and Color Options
8
Invisibility (for enjoying your view)
6
Ease of Configuration and Modification
7
Affordability
5
PROS
- Fixed brackets are available for straight connections and hinged brackets are available for angled connections.
- All posts feature special shims for helping plumb posts easily
- Drink rail brackets are available for a cocktail railing top
- Metal post skirt included with every post
- Top and bottom rails are easy to cut before assembling
- Horizontal rods have a similar look to cable, but without the need to tighten periodically
- Surface mounted posts are available in 3" and 4", and 4" sleeves are available for mounting over a wood post
- Multiple post cap options available
CONS
- Rods can be a climbing hazard for children
- Powder coating is slightly rougher and can make scuffs more visible
- Each rod must be manually installed with a template
- Top rail options are limited to the standard top or a drink rail
- No crossover options are available, so all stairs require a graspable handrail rod
6.7
TOTAL SCORE
Trex Signature Wire Mesh Railing and Posts
Shop Trex Signature Wire Mesh Railing
Build Quality and feel
7
Durability
8
Ease of installation
6
Style and Color Options
6
Invisibility (for enjoying your view)
7
Ease of Configuration and Modification
6
Affordability
7
PROS
- Brackets are available for virtually every connection type, for a clean connection
- Drink rail brackets are available for a cocktail railing top
- Metal post skirt included with every post
- Top and bottom rails are easy to cut before assembling
- Crossover post and bracket options are easy to work with and can make large jobs go faster
- When using a stair crossover post, top rail is ADA compliant so no extra graspable handrail rod is needed
- Wire mesh is more see-through than aluminum balusters
CONS
- Some powder coating options are rougher and make scuffs more visible
- Custom colors and combinations are special order only
- Panels come as kits, meaning assembly is required.
- No fascia mount option for posts
- Top rail options are limited to the standard top or a drink rail
- Only 2.5" post size available
- Wire mesh requires a grinder and is more work to cut
Composite Railing Systems
6.3
TOTAL SCORE
Timbertech Premier Composite Railing and Posts
Shop Timbertech Composite Railing
Build Quality and feel
10
Durability
8
Ease of installation
4
Style and Color Options
7
Invisibility (for enjoying your view)
4
Ease of Configuration and Modification
6
Affordability
5
PROS
- Robust, solid feeling capped composite construction
- Parts can be ordered individually for different color combinations
- Mounting brackets are hidden inside top rail for a cleaner look
- A great option for a robust look and feel
- Able to accommodate wider drink rail for more "counter space" (i.e. a 7-1/4" wide Coastline deck board)
- Railing design can accommodate more lighting options on post caps and also under rails and in posts
- Both aluminum and composite balusters are options for panel infills
- Square post sleeves are available in 4" and 5.5", as well as a 5" sleeve with chamfered corners
CONS
- Each baluster must be manually screwed into top and bottom rails
- No crossover posts are available, meaning stair rails require an extra handrail rod for ADA compliance
- Posts must be installed over a wood 4x4 or a special metal structural surface-mount post
- Not a great option if you want a slim railing profile
- Installation time is much longer due to every baluster and part needing individual fastening
6.1
TOTAL SCORE
Trex Transcend Composite Railing and Posts
Shop Trex Transcend Composite Railing
Build Quality and feel
6
Durability
6
Ease of installation
8
Style and Color Options
8
Invisibility (for enjoying your view)
3
Ease of Configuration and Modification
6
Affordability
6
PROS
- Parts can be ordered individually for different color combinations
- Top and bottom rails use plastic insert for spacing out balusters, making installation faster
- Mounting brackets are hidden beneath rails for a cleaner look
- Able to accommodate wider drink rail for more "counter space" (i.e. a 7-1/4" wide Coastline deck board)
- Railing design can accommodate more lighting options on post caps and also under rails and in posts
- Both aluminum and composite balusters are options for panel infills
CONS
- Since parts are not screwed together, Transcend rail can feel less stable and solid
- No crossover posts are available, meaning stair rails require an extra handrail rod for ADA compliance
- Posts must be installed over a wood 4x4 or a special metal structural surface-mount post
- Not a great option if you want a slim railing profile
- Installation time is longer because of more parts being used in panels and posts
- Only 4.5" post sleeves available
6.0
TOTAL SCORE
Trex Select Vinyl/Composite Railing and Posts
Shop Trex Select Vinyl/Composite Railing
Build Quality and feel
4
Durability
5
Ease of installation
8
Style and Color Options
2
Invisibility (for enjoying your view)
6
Ease of Configuration and Modification
7
Affordability
10
PROS
- Holes are pre-drilled in top and bottom rails for easy installation
- Can be combined with different Transcend post colors
- Aluminum balusters are slimmer and more sturdy than hollow composite balusters
- Budget-level (low price)
- Railing design can accommodate more lighting options on post caps and also under rails and in posts
CONS
- Light construction and external brackets make it a less sturdy feeling railing
- Only available in kits with white 2"x4" top and bottom rails and round black aluminum balusters
- No crossover posts are available, meaning stair rails require an extra handrail rod for ADA compliance
- Posts must be installed over a wood 4x4 or a special metal structural surface-mount post
- Since panels are only available in white with black infill, using different colored posts is the only way to get different color options on the railing
- Brackets are installed beneath the rails and are visible (and black)
- Very plain rectangular top and bottom rails
Cable Railing Systems
6.9
TOTAL SCORE
RailFX Horizontal Cable Railing and Posts
RailFX Horizontal Cable Railing
Build Quality and feel
8
Durability
8
Ease of installation
6
Style and Color Options
7
Invisibility (for enjoying your view)
9
Ease of Configuration and Modification
6
Affordability
4
PROS
- Cable systems by nature involve less cutting than a standard panel system
- RailFX can be installed with posts spaced at 55", instead of the 48" like most cable systems
- All top profiles use hidden splices, and do not need to be spliced over a post
- Cable fittings fit inside end posts, and are tightened with an allen wrench
- Matching narrow stair top rail integrates into the top of the post easily and satisfies graspable handrail requirements
- Posts and top rails are designed to be a smooth, sleek top rail for a more modern cable railing look
- All-metal construction and integrated fittings minimizes the need for periodic cable tightening
- Fascia mount brackets are clean-looking and robust
- There is a unique profile for a drink rail top, which hides the screws fastening the deck board, and individual and unsightly brackets are not required
CONS
- Some stair and angle joints and connections can be difficult to cut and fasten
- Horizontal cables can be a climbing hazard for children
- Cables may need to be periodically tightened
- Posts only available in 2-3/8" size.
7.0
TOTAL SCORE
Westbury Vertical Cable Railing and Posts
Westbury Vertical Cable Railing
Build Quality and feel
8
Durability
8
Ease of installation
8
Style and Color Options
6
Invisibility (for enjoying your view)
7
Ease of Configuration and Modification
7
Affordability
5
PROS
- Vertical cables have the advantage of cable but less work to tighten and no climbing hazard for children
- Drink rail adapter makes installing cocktail railing top easier than most other systems
- Wide variety of post sizes (2", 3", 4" and 6") for different design options.
- Brackets are available for virtually every connection type, for a clean connection
- Metal post skirt included with every post
- Panels come fully assembled
- Crossover post and bracket options are easy to work with and can make large jobs go faster
- When using a stair crossover post, included top rail is ADA compliant so no extra graspable handrail is needed
CONS
- Some powder coating options are rougher and make scuffs more visible
- Custom colors are special order only
- 3/4" stabilizing rods replace every 4th cable, which does take away from the view
- Stair panels only available in 6' length
- Fascia-mount post option is custom order and is not as attractive as surface-mount post option
Glass Railing Systems
7.4
TOTAL SCORE
IG Illuminated Glass Railing
Shop IG Illuminated Glass Railing
Build Quality and feel
10
Durability
9
Ease of installation
7
Style and Color Options
7
Invisibility (for enjoying your view)
10
Ease of Configuration and Modification
6
Affordability
3
PROS
- Frameless glass means your view is unobstructed
- No posts or top rails are required, meaning there is virtually no cutting required
- Can be installed with lights to illuminate the glass panel
- All stainless steel metal parts means everything is compatible with oceanside projects
- Color-changing lights can be configured to your style or theme via a remote or the app
- Lighting system uses easy-connect plugs for faster wiring
CONS
- Figuring glass to fit your project takes more planning, and may require building your deck to work with preset glass sizes
- Leveling and aligning glass may take more work if not using glass connectors
- No fascia mount option available
- Railing on stairs either needs custom glass or other brand of railing
- Installing wiring for lights adds to install time
6.7
TOTAL SCORE
Impressions Express Glass Railing
Impressions Express Glass Railing
Build Quality and feel
7
Durability
7
Ease of installation
6
Style and Color Options
7
Invisibility (for enjoying your view)
9
Ease of Configuration and Modification
6
Affordability
5
PROS
- Full glass panels provide the best view compared to aluminum or composite baluster panels
- 1/4" glass for panels is easy to handle
- Glass can be inserted after all metal frame parts are installed, making installation easier
- Top and bottom rails are easy to cut before assembling
CONS
- Glass panels cannot be used on stairs. Use standard Impressions Express baluster panels for coordinating stair rail panels
- Glass panels need to be custom ordered to size
- Top rail options are limited to Classic and Modern top snap
- Only 3" post size available
- Still requires aluminum posts and top/bottom rails
- If pets and children are around, glass may require cleaning more often
- No drink rail option is available for top rail
6.4
TOTAL SCORE
Trex Signature Glass Railing
Shop Trex Signature Glass Railing
Build Quality and feel
7
Durability
7
Ease of installation
6
Style and Color Options
6
Invisibility (for enjoying your view)
9
Ease of Configuration and Modification
5
Affordability
5
PROS
- Full glass panels provide the best view compared to aluminum or composite panels
- 1/4" glass for panels is easy to handle
- Crossover post and bracket options are easy to work with and can make large jobs go faster
- When using a stair crossover post, top rail is ADA compliant so no extra graspable handrail rod is needed
- Top and bottom rails are easy to cut before assembling
CONS
- Glass panels cannot be used on stairs. Using Signature mesh, rod, or baluster panels is recommended for coordinating style
- Glass panels need to be custom ordered to size
- No fascia mount option for posts
- Top rail options are limited to the standard top
- Only 2.5" post size available
- Still requires aluminum posts and top/bottom rails
- If pets and children are around, glass may require cleaning more often
