Railings, other accessories can help deck projects stand out.
The average decking and other outdoor living projects are getting larger and more extensive, so it’s no surprise that the demand for railings, lighting and other accessories is growing as well. Homeowners want the wow factor that an impressive railing system or extra trim options can bring to a project.
“People who want to be outside and who are building homes with views want to truly feel like they’re outside and part of nature, as opposed to separating themselves from it with bulky, obtrusive railing,” says Melanie Hess, Key-Link Fencing & Railing marketing coordinator. “Uncluttered, clean and simple looks (both interior and exterior) are definitely trending.”
Customers are looking for the ability to customize their outdoor projects, just as they would a kitchen or other interior remodel. “People are no longer satisfied with cookie cutter solutions,” says John Moss, RailFX national sales manager. “They want to be able to create a deck that blends in with their home and fits their lifestyle.”
At the same time, contractors are looking for solutions that will make sure a deck lasts as long as the new alternative decking and railing options on the market. With that in mind, Fortress Building Products has introduced its Evolution Steel Framing.
“Most alternative decking and railing materials have 25- year to lifetime warranties while a typical wood frame has a life of about 12 years,” says Marketing Programs Supervisor Alyx Armstrong. “The steel framing will stay perfectly straight without warping, crowning, twisting or rotting. Additionally, the Evolution Steel Framing system allows you to span farther than wood, resulting in less post and footers that block the views of the deck.” Steel framing is the natural evolution of the demand for low maintenance products that started with alternative decking and railing products, Armstrong says.
“From our research, the deck builder who is an early adopter of steel framing is looking to offer something different from the competition, looking for a product that looks and installs like wood and is looking to eliminate fasteners and speed up installation,” Armstrong says. “We have provided all of these attributes to the Evolution Steel Framing system. Additionally, because the joists stay perfectly straight, the contractor will get less call backs due to the wood shifting, warping and rotting allowing them to save on time and labor.”
An explosion of options
The demand for improved aesthetics has resulted in a number of new products this year and last, as manufacturers look to offer new railings and other options.
Feeney is rolling out three new panelized infill systems for its Design Rail aluminum railing systems in the second quarter of 2019.
The infill panel options will include laser-cut aluminum panels, available in a variety of designs, including custom patterns. Other options will include stainless steel mesh panels and resin panels with organic materials, such as leaves and branches, embedded in the material. The steel and aluminum panels are for exterior and interior use, while the resin panels are for interior projects only.
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