Premium hardwood railing
Complete Railing Systems

Exterior Railing Materials with Live Pricing

Shop complete exterior railing materials including posts, rails, and infill. Offered in premium hardwood options including Ipe and other high-end exterior species.

Where Railing Systems Are Used

Our railing components are suitable for decks, porches, balconies, stairs, and walkways.

Decks

Porches

Balconies

Stairs

Elevated Walkways

Shop Railing by Species

Match your deck with railing in the same premium hardwood species.

Why Premium Hardwoods for Railing?

Our railing systems are offered in select premium hardwoods commonly used in high-end exterior construction, chosen for durability, stability, and long-term appearance in exposed environments.

Shop Railing Products

Browse our complete inventory of railing components: posts, rails, balusters, and caps.

Code-Aware Installation Planning

Railing requirements are governed by local building codes. Refer to the International Code Council (ICC) and ADA accessibility standards for specific requirements.

Railing Height

  • β€’ 36": Typical residential standard for decks and porches
  • β€’ 42": Common commercial requirement and some elevated residential decks
  • β€’ Stairs: Handrail typically required at 34"–38" above stair nosing
  • ⚠ Note: Local codes may varyβ€”verify with your building department

Spacing Requirements

  • β€’ Post spacing: 6 feet is standard for structural consistency
  • β€’ Baluster spacing: Most codes require 4" maximum opening (sphere test)
  • β€’ Infill spacing: Maintain uniform gaps throughout railing run
  • β€’ Structural consistency: Keep spacing uniform for stability and code compliance

Stairs vs Level Railing

  • β€’ Handrail: Required for stairs (graspable profile, 1.25"–2" diameter)
  • β€’ Guardrail: Safety barrier for elevated decks/balconies
  • β€’ Continuous rail: Best practice for smooth transitions at landings
  • β€’ Height measurement: Stairs measured from stair nosing, not deck surface

Installation Best Practices

Posts:

  • β€’ Structural anchoring is critical
  • β€’ Use proper blocking or through-bolting
  • β€’ Maintain layout consistency

Rails:

  • β€’ Top rail continuity ensures strength
  • β€’ Clean transitions at corners and stairs
  • β€’ Secure rail-to-post connections

Infill:

  • β€’ Maintain alignment consistency
  • β€’ Use corrosion-resistant fasteners
  • β€’ As with all exterior railing systems using natural wood, consistent spacing helps accommodate seasonal movement

Railing System Diagrams

Vertical Baluster Railing

6' Section36" Height

Standard vertical baluster system: Posts at 6', top rail cap, bottom rail, vertical balusters at code-friendly spacing

Horizontal Rail Railing

6' Section36" Height

Modern horizontal rail system: Posts at 6', top rail cap, horizontal infill boards between posts

Important: Post-to-Rail Connections

Proper post anchoring and rail connections are critical for structural safety. Posts must be securely fastened to the deck frame or structure using appropriate hardware. Consult building codes and structural requirements for your specific installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What railing height should I use?

Typical residential deck railing is 36" high, while commercial applications and some jurisdictions require 42". For stairs, handrails are typically 34"–38" measured from the stair nosing. Always verify your local building code requirements before installation.

How far apart should railing posts be?

Standard post spacing is 6 feet on-center for most residential railing systems. This provides good structural support while minimizing material costs. For heavy-duty applications or areas with specific code requirements, 4-foot spacing may be used.

Can I mix level railing and stair railing?

Yes. Most deck projects include both level guardrails (for the deck perimeter) and stair handrails. Stair railings typically require continuous handrails and may have different height requirements than level guardrails.

Can I order railing components individually?

Absolutely. You can order posts, top rails, bottom rails, balusters, and caps individually by species, size, grade, and length.

How much extra material should I order?

We recommend 10% waste factor for railing projects. This accounts for cuts, potential defects, installation adjustments, and future repairs. For complex layouts with many corners or custom cuts, consider 15%.

Do hardwood railings require sealing?

No. Premium hardwoods like Ipe are naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insects without chemical treatments. Sealing or oiling is optional for aesthetic reasons (maintaining color) but not required for structural durability or weather resistance.

Get Help Planning Your Railing

Need assistance with railing layout, code requirements, or material quantities? Our team can help you plan your project.