Vinyl Porch Railing — How To Pick A Style For Your Needs

Adding a residential vinyl porch railing is a great way to put the finishing touches on a new deck or porch. 

Vinyl porch railings add an air of elegance and style, but they also provide all-important safety and security. And if you, or anyone in your home, has mobility issues, the right railings can make you feel safe when moving around.

If it’s safety you’re after, it’s vinyl that you need. 

Vinyl railings are durable, easy to maintain, incredibly versatile, and stylish. They’re an excellent option for anyone who wants a cost-effective and elegant finish to their new deck or porch. This makes vinyl a great choice for a great deck railing system, top and bottom stair railings, or any other type of vinyl railing system you need in your home or property.

But finding the right design and style can sometimes be overwhelming, particularly if this is your first decking or porch project. Here’s everything you need to know when choosing a vinyl porch railing style to best suit your needs and space.

Set a budget

The first step in any home improvement project should be deciding what you can (and can’t) afford. And a well-considered, reasonable budget can help when looking through that never-ending catalog of fancy designs.

By dismissing the vinyl fencing options that are out of your price range, you won’t get bogged down in too much choice. Plus, you lower the risk of falling in love with a style that’ll break the bank.

So, how can you set a budget?

Start with an honest review of your finances, then work out what makes sense — today and in the long-term.

Future railing costs, like maintenance and cleaning, can quickly add up. But one of the great things about vinyl railings is how durable, low maintenance and long-lasting they are, making this material incredibly cost-effective for years to come.

Measure twice, cut once

There are a number of rules and regulations that govern railings, and these can make a big difference in the vinyl deck railing kits you need for your fencing project.

Accurate and extensive measurements are essential for successful railing installation — not just to make sure that everything fits properly (although that too, obviously!) but to make sure you are choosing the most appropriate type of railing for your space. From decorative touches like square spindles, stylized bottom rails, or top rail finishes, it’s best to measure twice and cut once.

For example, high decks, more than 30 inches off the ground, require guardrails, rather than just handrails. Measuring your space carefully at the start prevents any nasty surprises halfway through your build.

Check building codes

Besides general regulations, your building codes may have other requirements or rules you need to follow as you build. So before you make any decisions on vinyl fence style or color, you need to do your research.

Building code requirements can include anything from a minimum height to a specific distance between railings, or choosing certain materials that are safe for other residents. 

Checking building codes early on can save you huge frustrations further down the line.

Browse vinyl porch railing colors and styles

Finally, the most fun part of the whole process! 

There is a wide variety of vinyl porch railing designs and vinyl railing styles — so get creative.

And while choosing colors and styles may seem like a more frivolous stage of the project, there are many important, practical considerations to bear in mind.

Are you looking for a vinyl porch railing that’s sole purpose is to look fabulous, or do you need something that gives you a lot of privacy? Is your porch going to be somewhere you sit to admire the view, or are your railings necessary to help people with mobility issues?

Once you’ve got a clear idea of what you want, start looking through colors, styles, and textures to find the perfect vinyl railing style that fits your porch or deck design. 

Vinyl railings are versatile and incredibly customizable, so you’ll find the perfect style for your tastes in no time. Not only that but a vinyl railing that will stand the test of time for many years to come.

Check out our range of railing styles and designs, and get started on your very own home improvement project today. If you need help, try hiring someone to help you so you can have peace of mind knowing the job is done right!