The Deck Handbook: Railings, Lighting, Pergolas and Seating
The Deck Handbook - Contents Click to select another page
Introduction to Decks
Domestic Wood for Decks
Exotic and Imported Wood Decks
Composite and Plastic Decks
Railings, Lighting, Pergolas and Seating
Staining, Sealing and Maintaining Your Deck
The feature that brings the most character to a deck is its railing. Deck railings are required in most localities on any deck higher than 30" (24" in some places) from the ground. Most building codes specify criteria for deck railings by characteristic and performance rather than material. This gives deck railing designers a lot of flexibility. Aluminum Balusters Wood rails are complemented by inexpensive aluminum balusters in this striking but simple-to-build handrail. Railings must be a minimum of 36" high (measured from the deck boards) — 42" if the deck is higher than 5'-10" from the ground. A deck rail should be strong enough not to be pushed over by people leaning against it — even a lot of people. In technical terms, it must stand a horizontal force of 200 lbs. per square foot. The balusters should be close enough so that a 4" diameter ball cannot be pushed through the railing at any point. This keeps kids from getting their heads caught in the railing. (It used to be a 6" ball — apparently a child with a head smaller than 6" has been discovered somewhere. Lord knows where — but better safe than sorry). Wood Railing Types The most common railing types: vertical balusters, lattice and horizontal rails. Horizontal rails are illegal in many jurisdictions.



By far the most common material for home decks is wood, and the most common railing pattern is the vertical baluster. In many localities in Nebraska horizontal rails are discouraged, even prohibited, because of the "ladder" effect that tempts small children to climb the rail.

However, railings can be found made of metal, composite materials, vinyl, fiberglass and even tempered glass. Composite and vinyl decks usually feature matching composite or vinyl railings. All of these must be tested to comply with national building codes and the test results must usually be submitted to the local building code authority in order to get a permit.

Metal railing, however, is usually assumed to be strong enough without special testing. Inexpensive coated aluminum balusters are now on the market. Available in an increasing range of colors and shapes (black and round being the most CableRailing Cable railing requires strong posts to support the high-tension wire cables. popular), these are installed in guide strips available from the manufacturer or into holes drilled on site using templates. These balusters are a striking improvement on the standard 2-inch square wood baluster and roughly equivalent in cost.

More stringent building code requirements have definitely made deck, stair and porch railings safer in recent years. The consequence, however, has been to increasingly hide the view through the railing. As more balusters are added for safety, more of the view through the railing is blocked.

One effect has been to force designers to come up with materials you can see through. The cable rail is one such product. It is a series of wires strung close together under high tension. The wires, nearly invisible, provide protection without hiding the view but, because they are strung under high tension, very strong, usually metal, deck posts are required. More recently low-cost tempered glass balusters have been offered to the market. Glass is, of course, the ultimate see-through material. Tempered glass panels are attached to top and bottom rails using special hardware. Strong but still somewhat fragile, glass is probably not the material of choice for homes with small children or very active deck usage. Glass Balusters Tempered glass balusters like these by Deckorators provide the most unobstructed view through the railing.

Pergolas, Roofs and Other Overheads
Deck overheads offer shelter, add an interesting architecturally feature and can help re-define the space of all or a part of a deck. Roof beams and rafters can be ornately carved or painted to offer a little extra design excitement.

Pergola Vines provide shade in Summer, but sun in Winter after they lose their leaves. Thick vines on a pergola produce shade that feels more natural and comfortable. And, as a bonus, gives flowers in the Spring. Deck overheads can be partially or fully covered. Wood is a common material used both in the structure and in the features of many overheads.

Many choose to hang flowers or wind chimes from them or grow climbing vines on the sides. Deck overheads can cover just a part of a deck such as a sitting area or a hot tub. Some choose to cover their deck entirely. Partially covered decks are offered in many styles. Some have small gaps between the boards similar to those found on the deck flooring. These gaps will let water pass through.

Some overheads, called "pergolas", feature large openings that add little protection from the sun and none from the rain but serve as design elements. These open overhead structures are simple, elegant and greatly change the feel of the deck. They also provide support for climbing vines that shade the deck in the heat of summer, but allow ample sun during the other three seasons where more warmth is appreciated.

Pergola Kansas Wisteria on an open lattice pergola. Within three years, this structure will be completely covered in vines. Some deck overheads have rafters that are tilted on their side to better stop the sun from getting in. These types of overheads shelter but also make one feel like they are still in nature.

Fully covered deck roofs are common over hot tubs. Fully covered enclosures provide constant shade and shelter from inclement weather. Deck roofs that are fully covered often have gutters installed to drain the water off — just like a regular roof. Fully covered roofs often are built with a slight pitch to ensure the water flows off readily.

Benches, Tables and Storage
Benches can be either built into a deck or can be unattached to allow for easy furniture rearrangement. Benches add a comforting and inviting look to a deck. They also offer a quaint space and practical location for relaxation and enjoyment. Benches are best situated around the perimeter of your deck so that they are out of the way from general traffic.

Bench This cedar bench seats six in comfort. Bench styles range from the simple to the ornate. A built in L shaped bench along two sides is even more elegant with cushioned seating. Portable benches also offer extra convenience and give a deck a distinct look. Benches can also be painted or feature carved designs for extra panache.

Benches require proper framing support. Built-in benches should be part of the initial deck design to ensure that they are properly secured to the joists and are adequately supported. Additional framing is often needed under a bench.

Many choose to also build in tables beside the bench which guarantees a consistent look and adds even more practicality. Portable tables that match the deck and the benches are great in that they can be easily moved for different occasions.

Storage can include chests, boxes and even cupboards. Frequently these are made off-site and attached to the deck when it is completed. Deck lighting Effective lighting is required for nighttime use. Here the main overhead lamp is off and the deck is illuminated by low-voltage accent lamps

Electricity and Lighting
To make the most use of your deck, you will need at least one electrical outlet and some sort of lighting. Without lighting, your deck is largely unusable at night when, especially in the Summer, it is the most enjoyable.

Deck lighting is a subject for an entire book. In short, though, you will see three general types of lighting on decks:

•   Some form of general overall lighting commonly in the form or overhead lights or carriage lights attached to the wall of the house. This lighting is usually fairly bright and intended to illuminate the entire deck.

•   Perimeter lighting that defines the edge of the deck and any stairways. Usually low-voltage, these unobtrusive lamps provide dim lighting that make it safe and convenient to use the deck at night with the overhead lights turned off.

•   Accent lighting, commonly spot lighting, that illuminates a special deck feature.

For general lighting, we like line voltage (120 volt) lamps at the top of newel posts, carriage lamps attached to the house and, if the deck has an overhead structure, overhead lamps often integrated into exterior fans. Dimmer switches make it possible to have as much or as little general light as you want for any particular activity. We frequently also install motion sensors that turn on at least one lamp when movement on the deck is detected.

For perimeter lighting we generally install small, 12-volt, exterior lamps at the base of each newel post, at the top of the stairs, and on each stair tread. These are the spots you want to mark so guests and family do not fall off the edge or down the steps. They make it possible to use the deck at night without the glare of the main lights.

Other interesting lighting effects can be incorporated using rope lights and spot lights aimed at the deck from the yard.

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