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IN DEPTH EXTRA: Deck Accessories

A change in perspective on railings has led to this expansion. “Two key driving factors for all deck railing products are the desire for reduced maintenance and improved views,” says Scott Rolufs, regional sales manager for BW Creative. “Homeowners definitely want less maintenance in products but also are looking for value. Aluminum railing seems to be hitting the mark on both counts. There can be an increased cost in metal railings if moving up from wood, but they’re cheaper than composites, so they offer a compromise.”

The desire for improved views has led to a variety of infill options being explored. “Homeowners are spending a lot of money on their outdoor living space, and they want to be able to see out to the garden or yard,” says Andy Penny, vice president of marketing and advertising for Feeney Inc. “Cable is popular because it doesn’t impair the view and offers low maintenance.”

Glass inserts also are growing in popularity, explains Fortress’ Dennis. “People aren’t as scared of using glass as they used to be. They like the look it provides.” Fortress emphasizes that its system provides drop-in installation, keeping it simple to install.

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probuilt-railing-systemThe ProBuilt Railing System from BW Creative offers a low-maintenance, contemporary look. The aluminum railing comes in 11 powder-coated colors and three styles: Straight Picket, with 5/8″ square pickets; Wide Picket, with 1-1/2″x 5/8″ rectangular pickets; and Glass with 1/4″ tempered-glass panels.

Mix and Match Styles Grow
The expanding options are causing customers to explore more materials and brands. “A strong trend in deck railing that continues to grow is the use of mixed materials, in particular wood rails with powder-coated metal baluster infill,” says BW Creative’s Rolufs. “A key reason for this trend is their excellent price point, comparable to wood balusters, ease of installation and relatively low maintenance.”

Adds Digger’s Boyts, “Consumers are asking for a mix of accent posts, big, chunky lights and streamlined rails and balusters. The metal category has become much larger, with new looks and more choices within each look.” Fairway Building Products also has seen the options diversify, says Andrew Hickey, marketing manager. “Customers want options, and we have continued to expand our line in both product offerings and substrate materials with several railing infill options to fulfill those needs. We’re committed to providing a full railing-material range of aluminum, vinyl and composite in our lineup.”

The desire for different looks and fewer obstructions has led many homeowners to cable designs. “Cable railing is definitely growing,” says Fortress’ Dennis. “Horizontal was the first option available, now there are vertical cable-railing options.”

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The dominant cable-strand size is 1/8 inch, although some prefer 3/16 inch, notes AGS’ Harris. Dan Nourse, manager of Sales and Customer Service at The Cable Connection, agrees, noting that preferences used to be for the larger diameter. He also has seen a shift to swageless fittings. “We’re getting a lot of requests, even with commercial projects,” he says. “There are more options available today, so it may be more prominent.”

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