With a wide variety of outdoor railing systems available in today’s marketplace, homeowners have more options than ever before when selecting a railing to complement their deck, patio, porch, and, in some cases, even their interior room remodels.

While traditional wood and white picket spindled railing were the norm for decades, railing manufacturers have fully embraced design trends that are appearing in new home construction and outdoor renovations, responding with railing systems that offer safety, less maintenance, a more modern aesthetic, greater customization, unobstructed views, and increased privacy.

Aluminum railing is surging in popularity, with homeowners placing greater importance on choosing a railing system that not only complements their deck, patio, or porch but also allows for customization that reflects their personal style and needs.

RDI Avalon Aluminum Railing offers a great degree of customization—such as glass slat infills and an adapter piece that easily creates a distinctive three-rail design. RDI Privacy Rail uses mixed materials to provide a modern look while offering the option of increased privacy for outdoor spaces.

ALUMINUM RAILING: MODERN AESTHETIC AND LESS MAINTENANCE

Rust-resistant, powder-coated aluminum railing has seen unprecedented growth over the past few years, making it the hottest trend going into 2024. Advances in powder coating over the years mean aluminum railing can stand up to harsher environments in areas that used to rely primarily on vinyl—like coastal areas with saltwater exposure.

Aluminum railing not only provides homeowners with lower maintenance, but it also offers modern infill options—like decorative screen panels, privacy walls, cable, and glass inserts—that can elevate railing systems to a whole other level.

Manufacturers have also seen a marked increase in the use of aluminum railing in new construction as home designs trend toward more modern, sleek styling. “The use of black aluminum railing in new home builds is reflective of a relatively new exterior design trend that uses black accents in places that traditionally were white—like window frames, window grilles, and framing around entryway doors,” says Patrick Bertke, industrial designer at Barrette Outdoor Living.

RDI Elevation Rail is an innovative horizontal cable railing system that features a continuous top rail and adjustable pre-strung panels for easier installation—providing unobstructed views both outdoors and indoors. RDI Finyl Line Vinyl Railing offers an option that allows decorative screen panels to be used as infills.

HORIZONTAL RAILING: UNOBSTRUCTED VIEWS 

For properties that back up to open lands or feature extensive landscaping, homeowners are seeking railing options that provide unobstructed views, allowing nature to be on full display while also providing a clear site line for active kids and pets.

“Homeowners don’t want to be boxed in while sitting on their deck—they want to soak in the views,” says Matthew Bruce, vice president of sales at Barrette Outdoor Living.

Aluminum railing systems that feature stainless steel cable infills are a great way to provide open views and a modern industrial style. Composite railing systems—that offer the look of wood but resist moisture, mold, and warping—are also embracing the cable infill trend.

Steel railing with horizontal rods is yet another alternative that provides unobstructed views with an innate ability to blend into its surroundings. Trending heavily in drier climates and on the West Coast, steel railing is also a popular choice for interior applications.

PRIVACY RAILING: VERSATILITY AND STYLE 

For homeowners in suburban or urban areas where properties may sit closer together, privacy may be more of a concern than open views. As the trend of moving indoor spaces outdoors continues into 2024, the need to establish some level of privacy around these spaces—which are often decks or patios—is important for many homeowners.

Mixed-material railings that offer versatility by combining aluminum framing and vinyl infill boards can provide complete seclusion, while framing systems that incorporate decorative screen panels can create a distinctive semi-private design.

“Integrating decorative screen panels into railing products has been a great way to provide a high-end, customizable product that provides an easy way for homeowners to maintain some privacy while showcasing their creative style,” says Bruce. 

Kim Espenschied is Communications Manager at Barrette Outdoor Living, a division of Oldcastle APG. A seasoned writer, creative director and marketing professional, she has published articles on topics in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare and nonprofit.