Low Maintenance Composite Deck Railing Ideas
Composite deck railing is increasingly recognized as an alternative to the traditional wood railing. Composite railing is both aesthetically pleasing and easy to maintain while having a long service life. Compared to the wood railing, the composite deck railing is very low maintenance. Also, the composite material will not split or crack. Composite materials do not require frequent painting and are available in a variety of colors and styles to match your home, environment, and decor.
Traditional wood deck railings are very widely used and are relatively inexpensive. However, the wood deck railing has many disadvantages. Such as peeling paint, warping, and rotting of the railing. Therefore, the wooden deck railing is unsafe and unattractive. In everyday life, wood requires regular maintenance and care. Wood railing needs to replace and repaint every few years.
Therefore, for those who seek to enjoy life. A composite deck railing is more suitable for your outdoor space.
Composite railing vs wood railing
The wooden railing has been a very widely used option for the past few decades. However, wood railings still have many shortcomings. Complex maintenance is required, and termites can damage the structural integrity of wood railings.
Rain, snow, and hot sunlight from daily life can harm wood railings. Fluctuations in temperature can cause the wood to expand and contract, causing the railing to bend and chip. It can also cause the paint to peel off the wood railing. In order for wood railings to work properly, you need to repaint and replace them frequently, which is time-consuming and expensive.
Composite railing, as a composite material, is gradually replacing traditional wood products and is being accepted and approved by more and more homeowners. Composite railing is produced by mixing wood fiber and recyclable plastic together. Not only do you get the surface appearance of wood, but you also get the additional benefits of plastic.
For example, plastic protects against rot, moisture, and insects. This reduces the amount of time spent maintaining your deck and railing, giving you more time to enjoy it. Composite railing systems come in a wide variety of colors, so you don’t need to paint stains to choose the right color. They are also easy to clean and have a long life span.
How to clean composite deck railing?
Deck railings match outdoor decks and can enhance the appeal of your outdoor living space. Of course, composite deck railings can get dirty. Low maintenance deck railings can easily clean with soap and water. For homeowners who enjoy outdoor gatherings, easy-to-clean decks and railings mean better enjoyment of outdoor living.
It is a good habit to perform a deep cleaning once or twice a year. This will keep your composite decking and railing in tip-top shape. To clean composite railings, simply spray them with soapy water and then scrub the dirty spots with a soft cloth or soft bristle brush. The soft bristles will ensure a deep clean and won’t cause too much wear and tear on the surface of the composite railing.
If you live in an area where it snows a lot in the winter. Your outdoor deck and railing will be buried in heavy snow. Then, when spring comes, you may need to do some extra cleaning. Start by removing any remaining debris, such as messy leaves and dirt. Then, do a general cleaning with soapy water and a soft-bristle brush.
Composite railing on wood decks
Can I mix composite railing with wood decking? Theoretically, of course, you can. But there can be some problems. For example, wood decking needs to be painted or stained, which may not match the color of the composite railing.
In addition, composite materials are fade-resistant and will retain their fresh color even after years of use. In contrast, wood decking may fade. Even if there is initially a perfect color match between composite railing and wood decking, years of use can leave the wood decking several shades lighter than the composite railing.
How do I choose a composite railing system?
There are many options when it comes to choosing the right composite railing for your lifestyle and climate. Composite railing can use in combination with other low-maintenance options such as glass and aluminum. If you live on the beach or in a scenic area and want to better enjoy the views around you. Then you can try using glass or mesh panels instead of traditional railings.
Before building a deck and choosing a deck railing design, don’t forget to check local safety regulations. Consider the appearance and practicality of the deck railing and clean it according to local ordinances.