Decisions

• Before installing any deck rails, decide what will work best for you. Do your research. There are actually plenty of materials out there. Homeowners no longer have to rely on plain wood posts and balusters. Other available materials include metal, glass and vinyl.
  
  Vinyl or composite deck materials are a popular option because they are more affordable and easy to clean. They also come in pre-formed shapes, so the only thing left for the homeowner is to tackle the assembly.
  
  You can also find pre-made wood and metal options at your home store. Look for railing kits that will provide you with pre-made lengths of railing along with the tools and accessories for easy installation.
  
  

Wood Railings

• You may even decide to create your own railings instead of going the pre-made route. If you have carpentry and home improvement skills, you should have no trouble purchasing wood and taking on the task.
  
  Purchase wood that has been pre-treated so it holds up to extreme whether conditions. Also, try to find a wood that matches the existing color of your deck. To narrow your search further, decide between softwoods and hardwoods. Hardwoods have more texture and come in richer colors, but they can also be hard to work with. Softwoods are a bit more inexpensive and are easier to cut. Softwoods, such as cedar, also have natural properties that make them ideal for outdoor use. They actually repel insects, so you won't have to worry about bugs crawling into the wood and making a home.
  
  

Do It Yourself

• After you purchase the wood, the first step to a rail system is installing the posts. The posts will hold all of the balusters and railings in place around the deck. The posts must be notched at the bottom so that they slide over the deck and can be fastened into place. If you purchased a deck kit, the notching should already be done. Just line up the bottom of the post so it is flush with the deck and screw it into the joists.
  
  Next, add a bottom rail to attach all of your posts. Drill holes in each of the posts and install brackets. The brackets will hold the bottom rails all the way around the deck. Before you install the top rail, think about your balusters. The balusters are the slats between the top and bottom rail. You can either install wood or metal balusters. Whichever material you choose, be careful when deciding how close to space the balusters. If the spaces are too large, children could fall through. Also, make sure that the spacing between each baluster is the same to create an even and uniform look.
  
  Screw in metal or wood balusters to the bottom rail and then top it off with the top rail. Then finish the project by staining or painting the rails to match the deck.