Manufactured Deck Railings Look Good, But Do They Last?

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1. 
   PatMc1 | Apr 22, 2009 01:58pm | #1

   Hi Jean-Paul:

   I am a Representative of Trex and would like to comment on your article "The Pros and Cons of Manufactured Deck Railings. This article states under the listing for composites that Trex railings can be ordered in curved sections. Our Trex Railing products cannot be ordered in curved sections as stated but can be bent by heating.

   Instructions on this process are included on our website Trex.com in our Installation Guide here http://www.trex.com/litcenter/

   If you need any further assistance, please contact me at 800-BUY-TREX or at question@trex.com.

   Pat M - Trex

2. 
   FHB_WEB | Apr 29, 2009 10:09am | #2

   Thanks for the clarification.

3. 
   MikeGuertin | Aug 11, 2009 03:11pm | #3

   One more Con for many of the manufactured deck railings: Most mounting systems will not pass the ASTM D7032 - 08 (Standard Specification for Establishing Performance Ratings for Wood-Plastic Composite Deck Boards and Guardrail Systems).

   Though not specifically integrated into the 2009 IRC, I expect to see something pop up in the 2010 IRC Supplement. From what I understand most railing systems won't support the code required loads even many have ICC-ES reports for railing suitability.

4. 
   BobKnights | Sep 24, 2009 05:57pm | #4

   Any suggestions where I might find the cable rail system displayed above? I've been looking and haven't had any luck.

5. 
   littleshuswap | Oct 20, 2009 08:58pm | #5

   First time I've commented on a submission on this site. I have looked at some discussions (not a lot) on manufactured deck railings. It is interesting to me that often the context is missing - sometimes it is clear people were looking for a lower cost alternative and got a lot of information that would be useful if cost was no object. I'm wondering if there is any definitive evaluation of deck railings for someone looking for a lower or least cost alternative. It was an intellectual interest before, now I'm heading into replacing a two level deck on a lake cottage where cost is king. Any suggestions?

6. 
   MFournier | Jan 02, 2010 10:13am | #6

   To littleshuswap
   Well First off I can tell you cost is always a consideration but cost is more then just the initial cost of the materials. There is the labor to install it as well as the cost of finishing preserving and maintaining the rail (and Deck) once it is installed.

   So you really should consider the total cost of the rail over the amount of time you will be using that deck.

   As for the cheapest rail as far as materials goes not counting finishing and maintaining it or the labor to install it is a simple pressure treated pine rail but if you consider the cost of hiring someone to put this together then apply a wood preservative or paint if you want that look and then the cost to refinish it over the years. And even the best maintained wood rail will need sections replaced over time especial if you went with cheap PT pine. (a high quality ipe or teak rail is another story but they cost even more then composite rail systems)
   When you consider all these costs a composite or vinyl railing systems that goes together in less time then cutting and assembling a wood rail system and never needs finishing or wood preservatives starts to look like the cheaper way to go even though the initial cost can seem much higher.

   Now if you are a DIYer do the cost evaluation yourself and don't forget to include your time remember what you get paid a hours at your job and think of your time as if you took time off from your job to do the installation and maintenance. I know all DIYers plan project for their free time but think if instead you put in a few extra hours at what you do for a living instead? Why? well after all doing home improvement is work no matter if it is your own house or not so think about it most professionals make more per hour at their own jobs then what most home improvement labors make per hour. So think about it you are putting in X numbers of hours of your time working are you paying yourself what you could make if you spent that time doing what you do for a living. I doubt you are saving what you could make. So what did that DIY project really cost??? If you make $50.00/ hour at your job and you put in a extra 8 hours at work on a weak end or doing work on the side in your profession you more then likely make more then enough to hire someone to do the DIY project and you still make a profit. And the job was done by someone who does that job every day and does it right. Instead of you taking the time to do something you have never done before.

   I know it is not the way to day with all these DIY shows on TV and how they talk about how much you can save doing it yourself but I say people have it all wrong if you are going to spend hours doing extra work why not spend those hours doing what you know how to best your job or profession and hire someone else to do what they do best. For most professionals it is actually finically better to hire someone then to try and be a part time home improvement contractor. Just my 2 cents

7. 
   littleshuswap | Jan 15, 2010 05:12pm | #7

   TO M Fournier,

   Thanks for the comments. I do agree with the approach and in fact am not building the deck myself so your comments are particularly relevant. My only previous experience was with wrought iron and it has certainly served the purpose and done so without really affecting the view at all. I had pretty much decided this time around to go with vinyl but as cost is always a prime consideration I just wasn't sure how the various options compared and was looking to save some time. I was also concerned that I would miss an option that has developed or where prices have fallen since we did our previous deck. I appreciate the time you took to contribute.

8. 
   dobbsj | Jan 23, 2010 08:23pm | #8

   I have looked at composite decking and railing for our new deck. I would never use. All I have looked at, including TREX, looks terrible after a few years. Even two of our local building centers who sell it don't recommend it.

9. 
   ebbs1939 | May 06, 2010 12:44pm | #9

   I installed Premier railing three years ago in cedar color. I wanted the best warranty AND the best product. It sure looked nice up until this spring.
   Guess what?
   ALL post sleeves are cracked. ALL top rails are cracked. Some bottom rails are cracked. Some balusters are cracked. This was installed in Vermont but the product was developed in Canada and we had a really mild winter so they can't blame this on cold weather.
   This is not an isolated event - see the Journal of Light Construction blog on the subject. I have contacted Azek for replacement but they have indicated they will not cover labor. PLEASE POST IF YOU ARE AWARE OF SIMILAR DEFECTS ON THIS PRODUCT. I am also wondering if trex railing holds up better.

   http://forums.jlconline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47456

10. 
    AmyStern | Sep 13, 2010 09:56am | #10

    Installing outdoor stair railings has lots of benefits. Safety is obviously the main benefit and having a hand rail to hold on to when going up or down the steps can help to prevent accidental falls. The most important issue is having them installed properly. If you decide to install your outdoor stair railings at your property, check out McGraw-Hill, my employer. There are so many choices of materials and styles to choose from. They have a complete list of what you need to know including what Supplies, etc., you will need. Remember safety is number one.

11. 
    jeschiller | Feb 28, 2012 01:23pm | #11

    I think my favorite thing about composite materials is that it is great for the forests and the endangered species being threatened by deforestation. People need to start caring more about the environment, people, and animals effected by those cutting down trees in Africa, Brazil and Asia so they can have a nice long lasting deck. Really!!?

    The good news is the new composite pvc materials look GREAT and don't require maintenance.Luckily many of the highend homeowners and deck builders in Charleston South Carolina are starting to push pvc decking more and more.

    Please look into using this material before you choose an exotic hardwood.

    James Schiller
    Owner,
    SC's premier construction contractors
    Precision Construction

12. 
    Benjamin1988 | Mar 27, 2012 04:33pm | #12

    Great comparison of the different railings and the pros and cons.

    BENJAMIN RAUCHER

13. 
    MrHandrail | Jun 11, 2012 09:54am | #13

    If you're considering Metal or Cable railings, check out this gallery for some good ideas about style and finish.

    http://www.mrhandrail.com/gallery-iron-stair-railing-handrail

    Enjoy!
    - Andrew

14. 
    Marlo22 | Mar 08, 2013 08:16am | #14

    Manufactured Deck Railings are more designer even they not last long. and every one want look & difference in every year.

15. 
    IronManDan | Nov 06, 2013 04:42am | #15

    To respond to BobKnights comment:
    The railing pictured above is designed and manufactured by
    http://www.keuka-studios.com (were are actually not far from Penfield).

16. 
    Skierarc | Dec 04, 2013 02:57pm | #16

    Bob,

    The cable railing system (Keuka Style) and Adirondack chair are both manufactured by Keuka Studios in Rush, NY.

    The website address is: http://www.keuka-studios.com/

    Josh

17. 
    TylerL | Apr 14, 2016 11:22am | #17

    I am a contractor in Greenwich CT. I have found many different railing systems and hands purchased online. The website that I use for all my railing needs is: http://www.deckexpressions.com

    They offer free shipping and have great service.