When you’re looking for resilience and rugged construction, vinyl deck railing provides protection like no other. Unlike wood deck railing, vinyl deck railing will not split under strain or splinter from abrasion or impact. Vinyl also has the added benefit of not staining when you spill that glass of merlot after your dinner on the veranda.
Because of its properties, vinyl does not absorb heat. On a hot day, it will actually remain cool enough that you can set a bowl of ice-cream on it without it melting into a puddle when you run to the kitchen for the fudge topping. It also has a natural anti-skid quality, so you don’t have to worry about your plate of spaghetti slipping off and dropping to the lawn below either.
Unlike wood deck railing that has to be resealed every year, vinyl never has to be sealed.
Vinyl deck railing is also made in a modular format at the factory. This means that you can construct it with a minimum of tools and a modicum of instruction, making it a project that can easily be completed in the space of an afternoon. This prefab nature also makes for a sturdy structure with interlocking fittings.
Vinyl also gives a superior performance because it is impact resistant and isn’t susceptible to UV damage, not even under the most intense summer sun. This means that it will not fade. It will look new, even years after installation. Unlike wood and metal deck railings, cleanup is easy with vinyl all you need is a hose, water and soap. It is impervious to such things as rot and bug damage.
When you use vinyl as your deck railing, you can count on consistency of color and size. If safety is a concern as you build your next deck, you will be glad to know that vinyl has a class 1-fire rating that makes it one of the most retardant materials you can use in the construction of your railing. Another positive aspect of vinyl is that it will never chip, crack or peel during its lifetime.
However, vinyl deck railing comes in standard sizes making it difficult to assemble for custom deck railing jobs. Vinyl also doesn’t have the natural appeal of wood construction. It possesses an artificial appearance. Vinyl railing also lacks the give of wood during the construction process. If you intend to use vinyl, you should also know that if assembled incorrectly, vinyl deck railing lacks the strength of both wood and metal, making it weak and dangerous.
It is also more expensive than wood railing and thus isn’t within everyone’s budget, so if you’re not able or willing to part with the money, this isn’t a material for you. However, if a natural look and budget aren’t priorities, then vinyl is your deck railing answer.
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