The modern deck is a far cry from the basic wooden rectangle off the kitchen of the past. Today, decks are complete and sophisticated outdoor living areas and true extensions of indoor living that you can customize with various features, including the type of railing you choose. Here are some tips on choosing the right vinyl railing design for your deck in Somerset County and Bergen County, NJ.
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Narrowing Down Your Selection
Railings can make or break the appearance of your deck, but you don’t want to let too many choices become overwhelming. Whether you’re starting from scratch with a new deck, or breathing new life into an older deck by replacing the railings, you could begin the process by determining how to best complement the architectural style of your home.
Focusing on Vinyl
First, why choose vinyl? Vinyl is usually the ideal choice for homeowners who want the look of a wood railing without the constant maintenance that wood demands. Vinyl is lightweight and easy to install (the panels snap securely to the posts, which means you could use your deck in less than a weekend if you have some handy helpers). Vinyl is also available in a wide variety of designs, colors, and styles, making it the perfect solution for many homes.
Basing the Choice on Your Home Style
If your home is a craftsman style, which prioritizes hand-made over mass-produced, then the focus should be on simplicity and allowing the unique characteristics of the railing to take center stage over any excessive embellishment. Choose a darker color railing that won’t take away from the beauty of the home.
If your home is modern, then a more minimalist design on your deck could beautifully complement it. Look for railings with smaller balusters and posts with very little ornamentation in keeping with the home’s sleek style. A good choice could be a railing in a dark color that doesn’t grab the eye and allows for a visual connection with the surrounding landscape.
If your home is a Tudor style, choose a chunkier style of railing that balances the visual heft of the home (Tudor homes often feature exposed timbers and stone on the siding.) A good choice could be a railing with wider balusters, and square top caps that help create visual balance. Depending on the color of the home, you could opt for greater contrast with a white railing, or a blended effect with a dark-colored railing.
If your home is a Cape Cod style, you could contribute to the cozy vibe with a sturdy white or wood-look vinyl railing that echoes the home’s colors. A simple white railing is more classic, and looks stunning next to gray siding while a wood-toned or darker vinyl fence could complement a wood-sided Cape Cod home without any white accents on it.
If your home is a traditional colonial style, which is known for its simplicity, your deck railing could feature a similar aesthetic with smaller, closely spaced balusters that echo the home’s siding. Since white tends to dominate colonial color schemes, a white vinyl railing would be a great choice. If the home features a covered porch, the railing style could blend right in with the columns for a cohesive appearance.
If your home is a Victorian, then classic white vinyl railings would be right at home. Choose decorative balusters and accents that complement the more ornate decorative details on the home.
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