10 of the Best-Looking Deck Railing Ideas

The railing you choose influences the appearance of your deck. Whether you prefer rustic or modern, try one of these deck railing ideas to add privacy and breathe new life into your outdoor space.

Deck Railing Ideas

There’s no shortage of deck railing options – from metal to wood to lattice, each style can give your deck a new look.

Top 10 Deck Railing Ideas

Choosing a type of railing is a big and, often, expensive decision. We’ve rounded up ten of the best-looking deck rails to serve as inspiration.

1. Horizontal Deck Railing with Metal Cables

Deck Railing Ideas
Image from Stair Solution, LLC

Stair Solution, LLC built this deck with black metal posts and horizontal cables. No matter the material, a horizontal deck rail adds to a modern design. Use this idea to add a modern touch to a classic house or finish off your contemporary deck.

2. Wood and Metal Deck Rail

Deck Railing Ideas
Image from Squareroot Construction

When you can’t decide between wood or metal deck rails, combine them. The black metal bars give this wood deck a modern touch, fit for most homes. You’ll often find this style on modern farmhouse designs. By adding metal, the designers broke up this wood deck, creating visual interest.

3.  Horizontal Metal Railing

Deck Railing Ideas
Image from Prideaux Design

Prideaux Design installed a slim horizontal deck rail to this desert residence, adding a wood top rail that matches the decking material. An option like this is fit for those who like simple, clean lines and a minimal aesthetic.

4. Metal Bar Deck Railing Idea

Deck Railing Ideas
Image from Great Lakes Metal Fabrication

Great Lakes Metal Fabrication suggests another horizontal deck railing, this time with a metal bar construction. Black metal railing complements wood decks without competing for attention, and the horizontal bars add a contemporary touch.

5. Wood Posts with Wire Grids

Deck Railing Ideas
 Image from Ignacio Salas-Humara Architect LLC

Designed by Ignacio Salas-Humara Architect LLC, this wooden deck and railing consist of cedar lumber and galvanized wire panels to serve as inserts. The mix of materials adds visual interest, while the wire panels are a nice break from the typical black metal design.

6. Chippendale Deck Railing

Deck Railing Ideas

The Zhush added Chippendale railings to their porch, creating a playful geometric pattern that matches the large white columns. A style like this works on classic homes but is also appropriate to add an element of fun to a deck or porch.

7. Lattice Deck Railing Privacy Screen

Deck Railing Ideas

Home Talk created this lattice privacy screen. It’s a DIY deck railing solution when you need to block out your neighbors. You can add vines or hanging plants to the lattice or paint it if you don’t like the bare look.

8. DIY Lattice Panel Railing

Deck Railing Ideas

Forsythia Hill created a DIY deck railing with lattice screens that they made a pattern out of. Lattice is a great option when you’re on a tight budget. You can replace it in the future when your budget allows.

9. DIY Deck Railing with Three Boards

Deck Railing Ideas

Newly Woodwards used a simple natural wood railing system for a clean look. It is a budget-oriented solution that looks as good as the expensive deck railing options.

10. Steel Conduit Deck Railing Idea

Deck Railing Ideas

Instructables offers a step-by-step tutorial that will show you how to make deck rails out of steel conduit. It is yet another inexpensive approach to deck railing that looks nice and is DIY friendly.