Deck Railings, Balusters, and Post Caps

More than any other feature, deck railings give your deck design its individual style. It's an upgrade that's worth investing in. By complimenting architectural details of your home, railings and post caps can turn an otherwise ordinary deck into the perfect cottage, contemporary, or craftsman extension of your home.

Fortress Railing Systems
The Fortress Railing systems are low labor and always look beautiful.  They are powder coated iron rails with options for most homeowners.  Instead of trying to align individual aluminum or wood balusters the Fortress arrive as a complete panel.   Fortress Photos and Parts Lists are found on this site.

Deck Railing Specifications
 Always check local building codes for specs on deck railings.

Usually deck railings are required for any deck higher than 30 inches above the ground, and for stairs with five or more steps. Local building codes are quite specific about this so check the code in your area for the specification. The height of a deck railing is usually between 30 and 40 inches, but again this can be subject to various restrictions.

Here are some typical specs for deck railings so you know what to expect.  Be sure to verify with the building codes in your area:

• railing height: 36" to 42"
• baluster spacing: 3 1/2" to 4" - the inspector will check with a ball
• post-to-baluster spacing: 3 1/2" to 4"
• deck-to-bottom rail spacing: 2" to 4"
• no footholds - kids should not be able to climb over them
• They need to meet certain strength ratings, typically, if a 300-lb man were to fall against the deck railing, it should not move more than 1"
• pool deck railings can be different in every area and must be verified
• You may be surprised to find that there is no appeal process in place. You might consider submitting drawings for approval ahead of time when you plan on doing something different than the norm

Home Owner's associations is different again.  Do not be surprised to see "No building whatsoever without approval by the association."

There are historic districts in most cities and a committee rules these.  These areas are far better looking than the norm, because the architects are challenged to do their best work.