Railing

What are the differences between low maintenance and wood railings?

If you’re thinking about building a new deck or replacing the one you already have in your yard, it’s important to consider whether low-maintenance composite or vinyl railing or traditional wood railing is better for your home and lifestyle. Learn the differences between the two so you can make the right decision for your deck.

Composite and vinyl railings

Composite and vinyl railings are considered low maintenance. They are easy to clean with water and a mild, non-abrasive detergent. And, they do not require painting, staining or nails. Installation is easy with the many options offered through Barrette Outdoor Living’s RDI® Collection* — including products like Titan Pro Rail®, where the screws are hidden for a clean seamless design.

Composite and vinyl railings also have many attractive profiles that fit with a variety of personalities and lifestyles. For example, you can choose from different infill options — like glass or black round aluminum balusters — available with Endurance® Original Rail™.

If you like the openness of cable infills, consider Transform® Composite Railing, which looks and feels like wood, but without any upkeep that typically goes along with a traditional wood railing. All Barrette Outdoor Living® railing products — including Finyl Line™ — also come with the opportunity to add ambiance with LED lighting.

All Barrette Outdoor Living composite and vinyl railings are code compliant and undergo thorough testing to make sure they are safe and will last for years. In the long run, homeowners may end up spending less money on composite and vinyl railings.

Wood railings

Traditional wood railing is a classic option to consider. However, unlike low-maintenance composite or vinyl railing, wood railing offers limited options. You can choose from two types of wood for the top and bottom rails — cedar or pressure-treated pine — as well as limited infill options with square or beveled-edge wood balusters. Fasteners like nails and screws may also be exposed.

It’s also important to think about whether you have the time to maintain your wood railings, as they aren’t built to last forever. There will be natural imperfections like splinters and knots, and since wood is more porous, it is more susceptible to staining than composite or vinyl railing.

Pressure-treated wood may also appear green or fade to a grayish color over time, requiring new paint, stain or sealer every one to three years. You will also need to keep an eye out for mold, rot, fungus and other natural decomposition with wood railings. This upkeep and maintenance costs money, which can add up over time.

Wood railings are also not required to be code tested, so safety could become an issue, especially as the railing ages over time.

Low-maintenance vs. wood railings

Low-maintenance Wood
Several composite and vinyl options Only 2 options: cedar or pressure-treated pine
No painting or staining required Painting and staining required every 1 to 3 years
Several infill options Limited infill options
Hidden fasteners Exposed fasteners
Code tested for safety Code testing not required
Minor upkeep may keep costs to a minimum Costs can add up over time

At the end of the day, you should install the type of railing that is the best fit for your home. Wood railing offers a natural look with more upkeep, while composite and vinyl railing offers several low-maintenance options along with style and safety. Be sure to take the time to think about all of the differences before deciding which railing is right for your deck.

*The RDI Collection is Barrette Outdoor Living’s premium collection of railing with the widest range of materials, designs and profiles — perfect for both residential and commercial settings.