Railing is the part of a deck you see first from the yard and the part you look through every time you sit down. It also has a serious job: keeping people from falling. In Utah, it has to hold up to strong sun, snow pushed against it all winter and canyon winds. Here’s a look at the railing options we install most and where each one fits.
Fortress FE26 steel railing
Fortress FE26 is our go-to railing. It’s a steel railing system with a powder-coated finish, and we usually install it in Black Sand, a textured black that hides fingerprints and water spots better than gloss.
Why we like it for Utah:
- Strong and rigid. Steel posts and rails feel solid when you lean on them, which matters on a tall second-story deck.
- Slim profile. The balusters are thin, so the railing doesn’t block the view as much as bulkier wood or composite.
- Low maintenance. No staining or painting. Rinse it off once in a while.
- Clean, modern look that goes with almost any decking color.
You can see Fortress steel railing on the covered American Walnut deck and the Saratoga Springs Dark Cocoa deck.
As a certified Fortress Railing installer, we can offer manufacturer labor and material warranty coverage on qualifying projects. Check the manufacturer’s warranty for the specific product.
Frameless and illuminated glass railing
When the view is the reason you built the deck, glass is hard to beat. We install IG frameless glass railing, where the glass panels sit in low spigots with no top rail or posts in the way. Utah Valley, the lake or the mountains stay in full view.
The Pleasant Grove foothills deck uses IG illuminated glass railing. At night the top edge of the glass glows, outlining the deck against the valley lights.
Things to know: glass needs occasional cleaning to stay clear, and it blocks wind, which is a bonus on breezy benches and canyon-mouth lots.
Cable railing
Cable railing uses thin horizontal stainless cables between posts. It’s another good choice for keeping views open, with a lighter, more modern look than balusters. The Draper deck has black aluminum cable railing with a bench built right into the rail line.
Cables have to be tensioned correctly and checked over time, and the system has to meet code for openings. That’s part of a proper install.
TimberTech HideAway privacy screens
Not every railing should be see-through. Utah subdivisions often put backyards close together, and a hot tub or seating area may need privacy. TimberTech HideAway privacy screens are slatted panels that block sight lines and cut wind while still letting some light and air through.
On the Highland hot tub deck, black HideAway screens close in the sides of a timber-frame pavilion. On the Sundance cabin deck, they screen a sauna and hot tub area.
Composite and vinyl railing
Composite railing, like the Trex railing on the Lindon deck, matches the warmth of composite decking and comes in white, black and wood tones. Posts can be wrapped to match the fascia, and under-rail lights tuck into the top rail. Vinyl railing works well on traditional porches, like our back porch with storage.
Porches need good railing too
Front porches are often low enough that railing isn’t required, but many homeowners want it anyway for looks, safety and a place to lean. Porch stairs usually need a handrail. Fortress steel railing and composite railing both work well on porches and dress up the front of the house.
Code basics
Most decks more than 30 inches off the ground need guards along open sides, and stairs need handrails. Codes also limit the size of openings so small children can’t slip through. Your city’s building department sets the exact requirements, and every system we install is built to meet them.
How to choose
- Big view? Glass or cable.
- Strong, modern and low maintenance? Fortress FE26 in Black Sand.
- Need privacy or wind block? TimberTech HideAway screens.
- Traditional or matched look? Composite or vinyl.
Many decks combine more than one, like glass on the view side and privacy screens on the side facing the neighbor. Browse more in our railing ideas guide.
See our porches and railings page, or contact us for a free estimate over the phone.