Pacific Northwest Decks installs premium deck railing systems in Spokane and Coeur d’Alene when the view, maintenance, budget, and aesthetics matter.
Deck railing is required when the walking surface is more than 30 inches above the grade below. The railing has to be at least 36 inches tall, the openings cannot allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through, and the top rail has to be built for the required 200-pound load. The purpose is to prevent people from falling from an elevated surface. Stairs require a handrail when they have four or more risers, which gives someone a secure place to hold while going up or down the steps.
When choosing a railing system for your project, there are four main factors: view, maintenance, budget, and aesthetics. Is keeping the view from the deck unobstructed important to you? How much maintenance are you willing to do to keep the railing looking nice? What budget are you working with? What style of railing best fits your home?
Glass railing is the best for maintaining the view, but both sides of each glass panel need to be cleaned. Dirt, water spots, and fingerprints are easily seen on glass. Cable railing also minimally obstructs the view, requires less cleaning than glass, and gives the deck a modern style, but the cables need to be tightened occasionally. Picketed railing systems can be more cost-effective and offer more customization with style, color, and top rail choices.
The installation process starts before the decking is installed. We add solid structural blocking to the deck frame so the railing posts fasten into framing, not just decking. The blocking is cut from 4x material to reduce splitting, then taped with G-Tape to protect it from water.
After the decking is installed, we lay out the railing posts. Posts cannot be spaced more than 6 feet apart, and each run is laid out so the railing spacing stays consistent for aesthetics. Once the layout is set, the posts are installed through the deck surface or fascia-mounted when the system calls for it. From there, the panels, cables, pickets, top rails, and stair handrails are installed according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Some clients prefer to spread payments out instead of paying for the full project at once. When available, financing options can be shown directly through our JobTread proposals so you can review estimated monthly payments while looking at the scope of work.
Pacific Northwest Decks does not provide the financing or receive a kickback if you choose to use it. Financing is handled through a third party, and the terms are between you and the lender.
These are the questions people usually ask before choosing and installing a railing system for their deck.
Deck railing installation cost depends on the railing system, total linear footage, post layout, stair railing, and whether the deck already has proper blocking for the railing posts. Railing on the main deck costs less to install than railing down stairs because stair railing takes more layout, cutting, fitting, and time.
Most installed deck railing systems land somewhere around $150 to $250+ per linear foot. Picketed railing is often the most cost-effective. Glass and cable railing cost more, and cable railing takes more time to install. If we are adding railing to an existing deck we did not build, blocking adds cost because each post needs solid framing underneath it.
Deck railing installation can take anywhere from two days to a week depending on the linear footage, how much stair railing is included, the railing system chosen, and whether blocking needs to be added. Glass, cable, and stair railing take more time than picketed railing because there is more layout, fitting, and adjustment involved.
If railing is being added to an existing deck, we need to confirm the deck can support the railing system before giving a realistic timeline. If blocking needs to be added under the posts, the project takes longer.
Yes, if the deck is in good enough condition to support the railing system. We need to check the framing, post locations, blocking, and how the railing will attach before saying yes. Railing posts need solid framing underneath them. If the deck does not have proper blocking, it has to be added before the railing is installed. If the deck frame is failing, we will not install new railing on it.
Yes, depending on the railing system and how the deck is built. Surface-mounted railing attaches through the decking into blocking below. Fascia-mounted railing attaches to the outside rim of the deck, which can keep more of the deck surface open and create a different finished look. The deck still needs the right structure behind the attachment points. We will not fascia-mount railing into framing that cannot support it.
If railing is part of a new deck build, it is included in the deck permit. If we are only installing railing on an existing deck without changing the structure, a separate permit is generally not required. That changes if the project includes structural work, a deck replacement, or a roof cover. Permit requirements depend on the scope and jurisdiction, so we will tell you if your project needs a permit.
Yes, but the warranty depends on whether the railing is part of a full deck build or a standalone railing installation. When railing is included in a full deck build, it falls under the warranty package for that project. When we are only installing or replacing railing on an existing deck, the railing installation carries a one-year limited workmanship warranty on the specific work we perform, unless the proposal says otherwise.
The railing system also carries the manufacturer warranty that applies to that product. The existing deck, framing, blocking, or structure is not covered unless we built it. We can warranty the railing work we install. We cannot warranty the condition or remaining life of the deck it is attached to.
Send us photos of your deck and tell us what kind of railing you are considering. We’ll look at the deck, talk through the view, maintenance, budget, and style you want, and let you know if we’re a good fit for the project.
Pacific Northwest Decks is owner-led by Caleb White. Learn more about how the company started, why we stay selective, and what standard we hold every project to.