RELIABILT Deck Railing Systems
RELIABILT complete deck railing kits with top rail, bottom rail, balusters, and mounting hardware.
RELIABILT deck railing system kits include everything needed for one section of railing: top rail, bottom rail, balusters, and mounting brackets. Available in composite ($50-90 per 6ft section) and aluminum ($80-140 per 6ft section). Standard 36" height meets residential building code. Posts, post caps, and stair rail kits are sold separately. The composite line comes in white and brown, aluminum in white, black, and bronze.
How to Estimate Your Order
| Measure perimeter | Total linear feet of railing needed. Subtract gate openings and stairs (stairs need angled kits). |
| Divide by section length | 6ft or 8ft sections. Round up. Example: 24ft perimeter = 4 sections of 6ft. |
| Count posts | One post at each end of each section, plus corners. Two sections meeting at a corner share one post. |
| Add stairs | One stair rail kit per stair section. Measure the slope length, not horizontal distance. |
How to Choose a Railing System
Material: Composite railing is lighter, less expensive, and available in white and brown. Aluminum railing is stronger, thinner-profile, and available in white, black, and bronze. Aluminum provides a sleeker look and does not expand and contract as much in temperature swings. Choose composite to match composite decking; choose aluminum for a modern aesthetic or to pair with any decking material.
Code requirements: Residential deck railing must be 36" high in most jurisdictions (42" for commercial). Baluster spacing must not allow a 4" sphere to pass through. Verify local building codes before purchasing, as some municipalities have additional requirements.
Section length: 6ft sections are the most common and easiest to handle. 8ft sections are available and reduce the number of posts needed. Maximum post spacing should not exceed 8ft for structural integrity.
Stair sections: Stair rail kits are sold separately and are designed to be cut at an angle to match your stair slope. Measure the actual slope length (not the horizontal run) when ordering stair kits.
Color selection: White railing is the most popular and works with any decking color. Black is the second most popular and provides higher contrast against light-colored decking. Bronze blends with brown or cedar-tone decking. Choose a color that complements your decking and house exterior. Match posts, balusters, and post caps to the rail color for a cohesive system.
Budget planning: A complete railing system for a 12ft x 16ft deck (three open sides, one stair section) typically requires 4-5 railing sections, 8-10 posts with sleeves, post caps, and one stair kit. Budget $800-2,000 for composite and $1,200-3,000 for aluminum at these quantities.
Issues and Fixes
| Wobbly railing | Almost always a post problem, not a rail problem. Check that posts are securely bolted to the deck frame with through-bolts or structural screws, not just lag screws into decking. Tighten or replace post mounting hardware. |
| Composite sagging in heat | Composite railing can soften and sag in extreme heat (above 100F) if spans are too long. Ensure sections do not exceed 6ft between posts. Add a mid-span support bracket if sagging has occurred. |
| Brackets corroding | Mounting brackets exposed to rain may corrode if they are not stainless or coated. Replace corroded brackets with stainless steel hardware. Apply a marine-grade sealant to bracket-to-post connections. |
| Loose balusters | Individual balusters can loosen over time. Tighten the baluster connectors in the top and bottom rails. If connector holes are stripped, apply a small amount of exterior-rated adhesive. |
| Rail color fading | Composite railing fades over 5-10 years, especially on south- and west-facing sides. This is normal and covered under most composite warranties. Fading is gradual and uniform; it does not affect structural integrity. Aluminum powder-coat finishes resist fading significantly longer than composite. |
Most railing problems originate at the post connections. A solid post foundation makes the entire railing system stable. Invest time in proper post mounting and the rest of the system will follow.
Long-Term Care
Cleaning: Wash composite railing with soap and water twice per year. Use a soft-bristle brush for stubborn stains. For aluminum railing, wipe with a damp cloth; aluminum does not absorb stains. Avoid pressure washing composite railing above 1500 PSI, as it can damage the surface cap.
Inspect annually: Check all post connections, bracket hardware, and baluster tightness once per year, ideally in spring before the outdoor season. Tighten any loose fasteners and replace any corroded hardware.
Mildew: Composite railing in shaded, damp areas may develop surface mildew. Clean with a composite deck cleaner or a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water. Mildew sits on the surface and does not damage the material.
Seasonal care: In fall, clear leaves and debris from the bottom rail channel where moisture can collect. In winter, brush snow off railing rather than using a shovel or ice scraper, which can damage the surface. In spring, perform a full wash and hardware inspection before the outdoor season begins.
Replacement timeline: Composite railing systems last 20-25 years. Aluminum systems last 30+ years. Individual components (balusters, post caps) can be replaced individually without replacing the entire system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix composite railing with aluminum balusters?
Yes. Many homeowners use composite top and bottom rails with aluminum balusters for a mixed-material look. Verify that the baluster dimensions (length and end connector size) are compatible with the rail channel before purchasing. Black aluminum balusters in white composite rails is a popular combination.
Do I need a permit to install deck railing?
In most jurisdictions, adding or replacing railing on an existing deck does not require a separate permit. However, if you are building a new deck, the railing is part of the deck permit and must pass inspection. Check with your local building department. Railing is a life-safety feature, so proper installation matters.
How do I handle railing on a curved deck?
Standard railing kits are designed for straight runs. For curved decks, use shorter sections (4ft or less) angled at each post to approximate the curve. Some manufacturers offer curved rail adapters. For tight curves, aluminum railing is easier to work with due to its thinner profile.
Add post caps for a finished look and deck lights for evening use. Check building code requirements for your area. See installation guidance.
Browse RELIABILT Deck Railing Systems
See all options with current pricing