Spring has officially arrived, and many of us are looking forward to spending more time outside in our backyards. Having a deck in the yard can increase your home’s functional living space. It provides a space for relaxing, dining, and spending time as a family.
Deck additions can also increase your home’s value. It has a good return on investment compared to other home renovations. In Remodeling’s 2020 Cost vs. Value report, it showed that a wood deck addition had a 72.1% return on investment. A composite deck addition had a 66.8% return on investment. That means that you can see that percentage of the deck’s cost added to your property value.
If you’re building a deck, you have several options. What kind of deck do you want? Will you DIY or hire a professional deck builder? Will your deck meet local code requirements? One of the most common questions we encounter is whether a deck needs a railing or not. Here are things to consider when it comes to deck railing Edmonton:
Check with local building code requirements
Every city will have different building code requirements for decks and other outdoor structures. In the City of Edmonton, the sides of a deck must be protected by a railing when the deck is more than 24 inches high. Railings is required on all sides of the deck that not built against a wall. You will also need a railing if the ground within 4 feet of the deck is sloping away from the deck at a rate steeper than 30 degrees. These requirements are put in place to prevent fall hazards.
The city also requires railings to be at least 1.07 metres high. Measure from the surface of the deck to the top of the guardrail. They can be 0.9 metres high if the deck is lower than 1.8 metres. To keep everyone safe, especially kids, the railings cannot be climbable. That means keeping them between 6-36 inches above the walking surface.
You also need to watch the spacing between railings. The railings need to be 4 inches apart or less. This spacing will keep a 4-inch diameter sphere from passing through. The biggest concern here is a pet or child putting their head through the railing and getting hurt, or worse.
Railings and handrails are also required on staircases on your deck. Build gaurds on edges that are not up against a wall and that have more than three risers. The guards also need to be 0.9 metres high measured from the nosing of the step. Handrails must be smooth and easy to grab, and a specific distance away from a wall. Stair railings have the same code requirements as regular deck railings.
You can find more details on guard, railing, and handrail building requirements on the City of Edmonton’s Deck Design Guide. You can find more safety tips and information from Alberta Municipal Affairs.
Determine your specific needs for function
If your deck is 24 inches high, or less than that, you still might want to have a railing installed on your deck regardless of building code requirements. If you have small children who will be using the deck, or pets, you might want a railing to ensure their safety. It also means you can let them be on the deck without worrying about them getting out of the yard and wandering off.
A deck railing can also provide privacy for your deck. If your neighbours can easily see into your yard, or you live near a busy street with lots of foot or vehicle traffic, a deck railing can help provide much-needed privacy. Homeowners in these situations might opt for a privacy wall on one side of the deck, with a regular railing installed around the rest of the perimeter.
If you live in a windy area, or your yard is exposed, you might want to consider having a wind wall installed with your railing. A well-designed wind wall system can keep you protected from the wind and sun while enjoying time on the deck. There are many design options for wind wall systems.
You might need a railing replacement
If you already have an older deck, it might be time to update the railing. Are there any loose or rotten rails? Is the railing still doing its job keeping deck occupants safe? Is it becoming an eyesore? If you need to replace a deck railing, consider an aluminum railing. Aluminum is an attractive, versatile, railing option that can improve safety and aesthetics. Whether your deck is wood, vinyl, or composite, an aluminum railing is an excellent choice for a railing replacement. You can purchase aluminum railings for a DIY project, or have a professional deck company like Alberta Vinyl Decking and Railing install it for you.
Railings can add style and curb appeal to your deck
If your deck does not require a railing because it’s lower than 2 feet, you might still choose to add a railing for design purposes. Railings can be decorative, and indeed add style and aesthetics to your deck and yard. Aluminum railings can modernize your outdoor living space. They come in a wide range of custom colors, and can even be re-painted if you choose to change the look down the road. If you have an old deck that needs to rejuvenating, whether it has railings on it already or not, a new custom-made railing can do the job.
A deck railing can make your home sale-ready
Adding a new railing to your deck will improve curb appeal and add a competitive edge for your property. Whether you need a railing to meet building code requirements, enhance safety, function, or style, it will have a good return on investment when it comes time to sell your home. Potential buyers will appreciate the outdoor living space and the fact that it is ready for them to enjoy.
Trust the professionals at Alberta Vinyl Deck and Railing
If you need assistance with your new deck and railings, trust the professionals at Alberta Vinyl Decking and Railing. We have the tools and expertise to provide you with the aluminum railing you need to meet safety, function, and aesthetic needs. You’ll appreciate competitive pricing and lasting craftsmanship for your new deck and railing.
Call us at 780-708-3456 for a free estimate today.