When customers come to us, looking for a solution for their worn-down deck, we often recommend installing high-quality composite decking over their existing framing. If you plan to upgrade your backyard with composite decking, don’t forget to choose the perfect deck railing to complete the space.
As a proud TrexPro Platinum Builder, we are experts in this brand and are here to help you choose the best Trex railing for your deck. Trex currently offers railing systems in a range of materials, styles, and price points, including composite, aluminum, steel, and different infill options. If you have any questions about deck railings or want a free quote for your upcoming decking project, please don’t hesitate to call us at 571-707-8772 or contact us online.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Deck Railing in Northern Virginia
Before you decide on which railing to pair with your upgraded deck, we recommend keeping the following considerations in mind.
How Much You Want to Spend
As with almost any home improvement project, the first step to getting started is setting a budget. Often, homeowners forget to include the railing in their overall decking budget. When planning how much you want to spend, don’t forget to account for the type of railing you want in the process.
The railing collection you choose can make a significant difference in the overall project cost.
Trex’s current railing lineup ranges from more budget-conscious Select options to premium Signature systems, with Transcend and other options in between. Trex lists Select as a $$ option, Transcend as $$$, and Signature as a premium $$$$ option on its current railing pages.
Any Enhancements You Might Want to Add
The right deck railing can be so much more than just a place to rest your hand as you move around your deck. If you want to add enhancements to your railing, such as lighting options or a cocktail railing where guests can easily place their drinks, make sure you choose an option that’s compatible with these little extras.
Trex currently offers railing accessories and options such as cocktail rails, while its Signature system can be configured with different infill styles. Trex notes that cocktail railing can be added to many Signature configurations, although the glass rail kit is an exception.
It’s also worth planning these details before installation begins. Adding lighting, drink rails, stairs, or specialized infill after the railing has been selected can affect the materials and installation approach.
Materials You Want to Use
The deck railing materials you choose are a matter of the look you want to create. In most cases, homeowners choose to install either composite railings, aluminum railings, or a combination of both materials for a complementary design.
Trex’s current railing lineup gives homeowners several material choices. Select includes composite and aluminum options, Transcend uses composite rails with composite or aluminum balusters, and Signature is centered around powder-coated aluminum with aluminum, glass, mesh, or rod infill.
Choosing different materials can also change the appearance of the deck. Aluminum creates a more streamlined, modern appearance, while composite railing can provide a more traditional look that coordinates closely with composite decking.
What Style Will Work Best for Your Space
You’ll want to choose a railing style that not only complements the overall look of your deck but also fits in with the architectural style of your home. For example, if you have a modern home, a deck railing that features a combination of metal and glass could fit in perfectly, whereas that same style might not look as cohesive with a more traditional architectural style.
Your surroundings should also influence the type of infill you choose. If preserving a scenic backyard view is important, glass or horizontal rod railing can create a more open appearance. Trex Signature glass railing uses tempered glass panels specifically designed to keep sightlines open, while its rod railing uses horizontal rods for a streamlined look.
Trex Composite Deck Railing Options
We believe that Trex railings are the best decking materials on the market, so it’s no surprise that we love the company’s railing options as well. Here’s a closer look at Trex’s three product lines so you can confidently choose the best option for your space. Trex’s current railing lineup includes Signature, Transcend, Select, and Enhance options, giving homeowners more configurations to consider than the three collections described in this older version of the article.
Trex Signature® Railing
The Trex Signature® railing line is a contemporary option that features powder-coated aluminum rails designed to resist corrosion and fading. The current Signature collection offers four primary infill choices: traditional aluminum balusters, glass, mesh, and horizontal rod railing.
Customers love this line because it has options that will work with almost any space, including the following railings:
- Aluminum railing: Features traditional vertical posts made from either composite or aluminum.
- Mesh railing: Features a crosshatch stainless steel infill, ideal for creating an industrial look.
- Glass railing: Features infill panels made from tempered glass so there’s nothing to obstruct the view in your backyard.
- Rod railing: Features horizontal rods for a sleek and modern look.
The Trex Signature® railing line is available in Charcoal Black, Bronze, and Classic White for its aluminum railing configurations, while individual infill systems have their own available color combinations.
Trex currently backs Signature railing with a 50-year Limited Residential Warranty on its consumer product page, making it one of the company’s premium railing options.
Trex Transcend® Railing
When customization is important to you, Trex Transcend® railing remains a versatile option. The current collection allows homeowners to mix and match composite rails with either composite or aluminum balusters to create a customized appearance.
Current Transcend railing colors include Charcoal Black, Classic White, Rope Swing, and Vintage Lantern.
Trex currently backs Transcend railing with a 35-year Limited Residential Warranty.
If you’d prefer some guidance on choosing the perfect design, Trex also provides railing combinations and design resources to help homeowners coordinate railing with their decking.
While many deck railings are made with wood balusters, which are susceptible to rotting, Trex’s composite railing is designed as a low-maintenance alternative and does not require the routine painting or staining associated with traditional wood railing.
Trex Select® Railing
Would you prefer a simple and classic railing? The Trex Select® line is a more budget-conscious option designed around simple, streamlined configurations. The current Select collection includes Classic and T-Rail configurations, along with aluminum and mesh options.
Select Classic uses composite rails with round aluminum balusters, while the T-Rail configuration can be paired with round aluminum or square composite balusters.
Trex Select railing is currently backed by a 25-year Limited Residential Warranty. Trex also offers one-box railing kits that include the top and bottom rails, balusters, and required hardware for a railing section, although posts, caps, and skirts are sold separately.
The Trex Select® railing line is available in Classic White and a Charcoal Black-and-Classic White combination, depending on the configuration.
Trex Enhance® Railing
If you’re looking for another budget-conscious option, Trex also currently offers Enhance railing. The collection includes steel and aluminum railing configurations and provides another way to create a coordinated Trex deck and railing system.
Because Trex’s product lineup and availability can change, homeowners should confirm the currently available colors, configurations, and warranty for their specific railing system before ordering.
Don’t Forget About Safety and Local Building Requirements
While appearance and maintenance are important when selecting a railing, safety and code requirements should come first. Deck railing height, spacing, structural attachment, and stair railing requirements can vary based on the deck and local building requirements.
Your contractor should verify the applicable local code requirements and install the railing according to Trex’s current installation instructions.
Here for All Your Decking Needs
After learning about composite deck railing options and how to choose the right one for your needs, don’t wait any longer to get your project on the books. To request a free estimate, please call 571-707-8772 or contact us online today.
