When it comes to choosing the best deck railing for privacy, there are a few key factors to consider. The railing design, material, and height all play an important role in determining how much privacy and seclusion your deck will provide. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of different deck railing options for privacy. We will provide recommendations for the best materials and designs to choose based on your privacy needs and budget. Having the right deck railing can transform an exposed deck into a secluded oasis! Keep reading to learn all about creating privacy with deck railings.
Page Contents
- 1 How Does Deck Railing Impact Privacy?
- 2 Factors to Consider for Privacy Railings
- 3 Best Materials for Privacy Deck Railings
- 4 Best Railing Designs for Privacy
- 5 Ideal Height for Privacy
- 6 Consider Maintenance Requirements
- 7 Privacy Railing Ideas by Deck Location
- 8 Privacy Railing Cost Considerations
- 9 Privacy Railing Installation Considerations
- 10 Conclusion
How Does Deck Railing Impact Privacy?
Deck railings directly affect privacy in two key ways:
- The railing design determines how much visibility there is between the deck and surrounding areas.
- The height of the railing impacts how much of the deck is shielded from view.
Railings with minimal open spaces provide more privacy than widely spaced balusters. A railing that is 48 inches or taller will block the view of most of the deck from lower vantage points.
In addition, the color and material of railings can make them more or less noticeable. A bold colored railing will be more visible at a distance than a natural wood or neutral colored option.
Factors to Consider for Privacy Railings
If privacy is a priority, keep the following factors in mind when selecting deck railings:
View Lines
Consider the sight lines from neighboring properties or high traffic areas. Fully screening these views is key for privacy. Pay special attention to angles of visibility from higher elevations like multi-story buildings.
Openness of Design
The more tightly spaced the balusters and other railing components, the more privacy the railing will provide. For maximum seclusion, look for minimal gaps between boards.
Height
Standard deck railing height is 36 inches. For better privacy, look for railings that are 42 inches or taller. The higher the railing, the more it will conceal.
Materials
Select materials in dark colors or natural wood tones. Bright white railings will stand out more. Composite materials that mimic wood provide privacy with less maintenance.
Surrounding Landscape
Consider existing plants, fences, walls and other barriers that may already affect privacy. Your railing choice should complement these.
Local Building Codes
Building codes provide guidance on the spacing between balusters and height requirements. Make sure your selected railing meets standards.
Best Materials for Privacy Deck Railings
The material you choose for deck railings will impact aesthetics, durability and privacy. Here are some top options for privacy railings:
Composite Decking
Composite decking is made from recycled wood fibers and plastic. It resist fading, splintering, mold and mildew. Composite privacy railings have a wood-like appearance but with tighter construction and require minimal maintenance. Brands like Trex offer custom composite railings.
PVC
For a low maintenance option, PVC railings are virtually indestructible. Made entirely from plastic, they won’t rot or splinter. PVC provides excellent privacy with styles that mimic wood grain patterns. Brands like Kleer and Azek offer railing components.
Wood
For a natural look, wood railings made from cedar and redwood provide privacy without chemical treatments. Left untreated, wood will weather to a gray patina. Regular sealing is required to maintain the color. Go with tightly spaced balusters and taller post caps.
Cable Railings
Cable railings use thin wires stretched between posts, sometimes with wood top and bottom rails. This allows for unobstructed views from the deck while maintaining safety standards. For privacy, cables can be spaced at 2 inches or closer with semi-transparent mesh between.
Wrought Iron
Traditional wrought iron railings have an intricate, decorative appeal. Intricately twisted iron bars allow visibility from the deck but obstruct outward views. Taller posts and finials boost privacy. This requires professional installation and frequent repainting.
Aluminum
Lightweight, rust-resistant aluminum railings are a budget-friendly option. Using solid balusters or perforated aluminum panels allows airflow while blocking views. Maintenance is minimal with aluminum. Powder coating adds durability and color options.
Best Railing Designs for Privacy
In additional to materials, the overall railing design makes a big impact on privacy. Here are some ideal railing styles and components to provide seclusion:
Picket Railings
Traditional picket deck railings feature upright balusters spaced 2-4 inches apart. This tight spacing prevents unwanted views while allowing breezes to pass through. For privacy, choose narrow 2 inch spacing between pickets. Box pickets are fully enclosed versus open profiles.
Lattice Railings
Lattice incorporates a criss-cross diagonal pattern that provides both airflow and obstruction of sight lines. Use 1-2 inch lattice panels secured between top and bottom rails. For above deck privacy, lattice gates or panels can be added.
Louvers
Like lattice, angled louver inserts allow airflow while limiting visibility from exterior vantage points. Louvers come in metal, PVC, and wood. They can be tilted up or down to direct obstructed views.
Privacy Walls
Wall board or vinyl panels affixed to railing framework fully block views for complete seclusion. Wall-style railings work well for rooftop decks when blocking downward sight lines. Some privacy wall railing systems have embedded LED lights for ambiance.
Tiered Railings
A tiered railing has two levels for maximum privacy. Typically, this uses standard 36 inch pickets on top with a shorter railing at 18-24 inches on the lower section. The layered railings function separately to block views from different heights and angles.
Tempered Glass
Railings can incorporate tempered glass panels which maintain visibility from the deck side while obscuring outward views. Frosted or mirrored glass options enhance privacy even further. Tempered glass infill panels often have metal frames.
Decorative Cutouts
For a unique, ornamental look, railings can feature decorative cutouts in patterns like circles, curves, and abstract shapes. Traditional or modern cutout designs provide privacy by eliminating direct outward sight lines.
Ideal Height for Privacy
While standard deck railing height is 36 inches, for privacy, taller railings are ideal. Here are some recommended heights for privacy railings:
- 42 inch railing height – Provides privacy when seated while allowing some visibility standing
- 48 inch railing height – Conceals entire deck when seated or standing
- 60 inch railing height – Total privacy for hot tub decks or rooftop decks
The best height depends on factors like surrounding terrain, structures blocking views, and personal privacy needs. Always check your local building code for the maximum allowed railing height.
Consider Maintenance Requirements
Keep long-term maintenance in mind when selecting privacy railings. Wood railings require staining or sealing every 1-2 years. Composites resist weathering and last for decades. Metal or cable railings need occasional repainting as finishes fade over time. Proper maintenance will ensure your privacy railing retains both function and aesthetics.
Privacy Railing Ideas by Deck Location
The amount of privacy needed often depends on the placement of your deck and proximity to neighbors. Here are some railing ideas suited to different deck locations:
Backyard Decks
For decks bordering other rear yards, moderate privacy is often desired. A 42 inch picket railing provides separation without being too closed-off. Partial lattice inserts add screening.
Front or Side Yard Decks
Decks fully exposed to the street or side yards benefit from railings that provide maximum privacy. Opt for taller height at 48+ inches and minimally spaced balusters or wall panels.
Rooftop Decks
Elevated rooftop decks require railing heights over 42 inches for privacy from nearby upper level windows. Tiered railings with partial walls are ideal for rooftop deck seclusion.
Hot Tub Decks
Special privacy considerations around hot tubs call for panel walls, louvers, or lattice to conceal. Surrounding the entire hot tub area with privacy railing maintains ambiance.
Privacy Railing Cost Considerations
Like all home projects, budget is often a factor in selecting the ideal deck railing. Here are rough estimates for privacy railing costs:
| Material | Starting Cost per Linear Foot* |
|---|---|
| Wood Railings | $45 |
| Composite Railings | $70 |
| PVC Railings | $65 |
| Cable Railings | $50 |
| Aluminum Railings | $75 |
| Wrought Iron Railings | $100 |
*Cost ranges are for standard 36 inch height, more privacy-focused taller railings may have a 10-15% higher installed cost.
Premium privacy materials like glass panels will increase costs. Professional installation also bumps up the budget for railings. Request quotes from contractors to get exact pricing for your project.
Privacy Railing Installation Considerations
Proper installation of deck railings is crucial for both safety and optimal privacy. Here are key considerations for railing installation:
- Follow all local codes for spacing between balusters, spacing between railing sections, and maximum heights allowed.
- Use sturdy metal or composite posts secured with concrete footings below the frost line.
- Attach top and bottom rails securely into posts with concealed mounting plates and brackets.
- Space balusters evenly and so they are vertically plumb for best privacy.
- For glass or cable infill panels, allow for expansion and contraction between posts.
- Seal and finish wood railings thoroughly prior to installation for weather resistance.
In some areas, privacy railings over a certain height require planning approval. Check regulations and consider consulting a professional deck builder to ensure your privacy railing is compliant, safe, and built to last. Proper permits are required in many municipalities.
Conclusion
The right deck railing design, height, and materials can make all the difference when it comes to privacy. Consider the view angles from your deck site, the traffic and visibility from nearby properties, and how much seclusion you hope to achieve. With strategic planning, you can create a private oasis right in your backyard that feels worlds away. The investment in quality privacy deck railings will help you relax and enjoy your outdoor living space for years to come.