Wood
Wood is a simple, affordable and beautiful solution for deck railing, especially if you’re building a wood deck. Many homeowners prefer uniformity in the look of their decks, and with wood, you can match the exact wood type and stain throughout. Wood also gives you the option to mix and match species, creating a completely unique look. Wood is also entirely customizable. With the right tools and the right plan, you can design it to match your vision. Of course, wood does require upkeep and maintenance. To keep your wood deck railing looking fresh and new, you’ll likely have to sand and/or stain them annually.
There are a multitude of ways to design and install wood railing, but did you know that certain design elements must be satisfied to pass the Ontario Building Code? We have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the Supplementary Standard SB-7, making sure to provide a stylish yet safe guardrail. There are two systems to use when fastening a wood railing to a deck, each with their own specific connection details.
Post and Rail System
This is a system where the posts provide the strength and stability for the entire guradrail. The posts, typically 4″ x 4″, can either be framed into the substructure or anchored to the surface of the deck through the use of an anchor base. Our anchor base of choice is Titan™ Post Anchors when using this method of installation, for their modern appearance and code compliant engineering.
A combination of wood railing and aluminum balusters is a growing trend. For this type of design we use Deckorators™ aluminum balusters which come in a variety of styles. We attach the wood railings to the posts using rigid plastic connectors that eliminates the need for toe nailing which can cause twisting and cracking, but also gives your railing a tailored look. We can install a continuous top rail over the posts, or end the top rail at each post which allows for the installation of a post cap. Some customers like the option of post caps as they can provide solar powered LED lighting to your deck, setting an inviting atmosphere.
Cantilevered Picket System
This is a system where the pickets provide the strength to the entire guardrail. The pickets are fastened to the side of the deck and are tied into the handrail using a combination of techniques. This system is most typically seen in new home construction for it’s quick and easy installation.
Aluminum
Regardless of what others say, looks always matter. To help you show off your personality, aluminum deck railing comes in a variety of designs, colors and patterns that doesn’t only match your aesthetic taste, but also blends seamlessly into your surroundings, giving you the opportunity to improve the overall appearance of your property.
Aluminum is a non-ferrous metal, which means that there is no need to worry about excessive corrosion and rust. Delivering one of the most weather-resistant materials available today, aluminum can easily withstand any environmental elements, including rain, snow, and UV rays.
An aluminum deck railing system is much cheaper than wrought iron or steel. On the other side, although aluminum is more expensive than wood, it doesn’t require any of the costly and time-consuming maintenance tasks that a wood railing system needs regularly. As aluminum is quite affordable and implies one-time investment without additional costs and maintenance, it’s more advantageous than any other railing option.
Kerry has had the opportunity to be presented with many different manufacturers of aluminum railing over the years for use in new home construction, and he can confidently say that Imperial Kool Ray™ is the best of the best for it’s ease of installation, strength and appearance. Don’t take our word for it, most new home builders in the Ottawa area have been using this railing on their homes for the last 20 years and continue to do so today!
Imperial Kool Ray™ aluminum railing is backed by code compliant engineering specifications and we install the railing to satisfy those specifications as well as the Ontario Building Code. You have a wide selection of handrail profiles, colours, post sizes, spindle design and size to choose from, and Imperial Kool Ray™ aluminum railing can even be used in combination with clear or tinted glass panels to give a clear view from your deck or porch!
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1500 Series, Empire Series, and Renaissance Series are available in Black or White only. 5000 Series is available in the following colours:
View the Imperial Kool Ray™ brochure
View the Imperial Kool Ray™ warranty
Vinyl
Alpa Outdoor Product’s™ railing collections are the strongest exterior vinyl railings on the market. Built with galvanized steel for reinforced strength and cladded in the highest quality vinyl, these railings have the charm of wood without the cost and maintenance.
Perfect for decks, porches, or as handrails for stairs, we offer a variety of distinctive styles and colours to ensure a match with your home improvement project. From timelessly classic looks to modern glass chic, there is a vinyl railing collection that can be customized to your taste and project.
Each of the railing products are engineered to meet and exceed building code requirements. Alpa’s railings are easy to install and with no exposed brackets or connections, these railings never rust or rot, keeping your costs and maintenance to a minimum. Plus, all of the outdoor products are manufactured in Ontario, so you can feel confident you’re adding the best railing to your home.
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View the Alpa Outdoor Product’s™ brochure
View the Alpa Outdoor Product’s™ warranty
Continuous Handrail
We all need a little support from time to time. If you’ve ever walked down a flight of stairs, chances are you’ve paid little to no mind to the handrail supporting your descent. And if you’ve never stopped to examine a handrail, you likely haven’t noticed continuous sections – connected handrail sections that serve as an important support, especially for individuals with mobility issues. The importance of a continuous handrail can’t be overstated, especially in terms of safety and building code requirements.
When it comes time to install a new handrail, safety should be the absolute priority. After all, falls can be devastating. Continuous handrails allow individuals with mobility issues – seniors, for example, or differently-abled individuals – to ascend and descend staircases or ramps without having to worry about breaks in the handrail. Continuous handrails also reduce the risk of falls within your building, helping to address potential liability concerns.
Our graspable hand rail is supplied by Century Aluminum Railings™ and provides added safety and security to any stair or ramp. Aluminum pipe deck railing systems are versatile. They allow you to design from the start or add on after the fact. The pipe can be cut on site to fit any design. This ingenious product is extremely adaptable. Pipe railings can be used for residential and industrial projects for various types of projects such as staircases, water-rich environments, hard to reach locations, pedestrian barriers, handicap ramps, and gates to name a few.
View the Century Aluminum Railings™ brochure
View the Century Aluminum Railings™ warranty