Wondering how to choose a deck railing color for your outdoor living space? It’s not quite as simple as picking your favorite color — there are a few important factors you’ll need to consider in order to create the look you want.
Follow these steps for how to choose a deck railing color to find the right hue (or hues) for your design.
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1.) Choose Your Railing Material
When thinking through how to choose a deck railing color, the first thing to consider is material. Why? Because the railing material you choose plays a big role in what colors are available to you — and how long those colors stay richly hued.
Your primary railing material options include:
Traditional Wood
Historically the most common deck and railing material, but highly vulnerable to the elements.
Paint or stain?
Yes, will require frequent application of stain or paint to maintain its color.
Colors available: Any color you can achieve through staining or painting — but be prepared for quick fading.
Composite
A mix of recycled wood and plastic fibers. Designed to mimic the look of real wood, without the drawbacks.
Paint or stain?
Nope! Maintains its rich hue without the need for staining or painting.
Colors available:
- Matte White
- White
- Black
Aluminum
Lightweight, durable aluminum mimics the look of sophisticated wrought iron — without the rusting or corroding issues.
Paint or stain?
Nope! Maintains its rich hue without the need for staining or painting.
Colors available:
- White
- Black
- Bronze and Dark Bronze
With composite and aluminum railing options from TimberTech, you’ll also be able to choose the colors of certain infills for a truly customized perimeter — without having to worry about re-staining.
2.) Determine Which Aesthetic Style You Want
Different railing materials and colors exude different aesthetic styles, from traditional to modern to coastal, alpine, and more. So when thinking about how to choose a deck railing color, you’ll need to consider what kind of style you want to capture.
Not sure where to begin? Your home exterior is a good place to start when thinking about aesthetic style, as it likely already has a certain aesthetic that you can choose to complement.
Railing Color & Material Ideas for Different Aesthetic Styles
3.) Decide Whether to Contrast or Complement Your Exterior Color Palette
Your overall home exterior color palette will include not only your home’s siding and trim, but your deck board colors. Whether you already have a deck built or are in the process of designing one, be sure to keep your deck board colors in mind when thinking through how to choose a deck railing color.
Pictured: Classic Composite Series Premier Rail in Black with black composite balusters; American Walnut decking, TimberTech Advanced PVC Landmark Collection
Complementary Railing Colors
Prefer a cohesive, streamlined aesthetic? Opt for a deck railing color that complements your existing color palettes. Dark richly-hued decking pairs well with a black railing, which in turn, complements the dark trim of your home.
Pictured: Classic Composite Series Premier Rail in White with black composite balusters; Dark Hickory decking, TimberTech Advanced PVC Vintage Collection
Contrasting Rail Colors
Like to make an impact when it comes to your design style? Go for high-contrast looks. A white composite railing with black balusters contrast each other nicely in the same way deeply-hued decking contrasts with the white trim on your home and deck.
4.) Think Through Your Surrounding Scenery
How to choose a deck railing color will partially depend on your backyard scenery, as certain railing colors will blend in or stand out against the backdrop. Think about whether you want your railing to pop against your scenery in a statement-making design or serve as a subtle silhouette against your deck’s magnificent views.
Typically speaking, white railing tends to blend in better with coastal scenery, while black and dark bronze will fade into a forest or alpine setting.
Cool Coastal Scene
Have a deck built overlooking the waters of a lake or bay? Choose a white composite railing which will blend into the light colors of your coastal surroundings. For an infill that doesn’t hinder your view, go for a stainless steel cable infill, which will blend in seamlessly to the reflective waters beyond.
Pictured: Classic Composite Series Drink Rail in White with Coastline deck board top rail and stainless steel cable rail infill; Coastline decking, TimberTech Advanced PVC Vintage Collection
Cozy Dark Woodland Scene
If your home is nestled in a woodland or sits in a mountain range, choose a black or dark bronze railing to blend into the dark, earthy colors of your lush backdrop. For a seamless horizontal line, opt for the Drink Rail, which gives you the option of an over-the-post composite deck board top rail.
Pictured: Classic Composite Series Drink Rail in Black with Mahogany deck board top rail and black composite balusters; Mahogany decking, TimberTech Advanced PVC Vintage Collection
And for a statement-making railing design that pops out against your backdrop? Go with the opposites above — choose black for a coastal background and white for a dark woodland scene.
5.) See How Railing Color Impacts Your Whole Outdoor Living Space
You’ve learned how to think through different factors of how to choose a deck railing color, and now it’s time to see how all the pieces fit together. Discover completed outdoor living spaces with curated railings that are just the right color and style for the space they’re in.
Crisp White Composite Railing With Richly-Hued Decking
Pictured: Classic Composite Series Premier Rail in White with white composite balusters and post cap lights; Dark Hickory and Coastline decking, TimberTech Advanced PVC Vintage Collection, with riser lights
Elegant, curved stairs made of richly-hued decking deserve an equally sophisticated frame. Choose clean, white composite decking as a bold contrast to the deeply saturated hues of your deck. For ambiance, consider built-in lighting in both your railing and stairs for a soft, inviting glow.
Chic ‘Barely-There’ Black Metal Railing With Glass Panels for a Modern Space
Pictured: Impression Rail Express® Modern in Black with glass panel infills; Ashwood and Espresso™ decking, TimberTech Composite Legacy Collection
Have a magnificent view off your high-rise deck? Opt for a barely-there black metal railing with glass panel infills. The narrow lines of the black railing will melt into your detailed backdrop, while the glass panels offer completely unobstructed views to take it all in. Pair your modern railing with equally contemporary gray composite decking, then add in a geometric inlay to create visual interest without pulling away from your incredible views.
Black Composite Railing With Cable Rail for Sleek Looks & Clear Sightlines
Pictured: Classic Composite Series Contemporary Top Rail in Classic Black with stainless steel cable rail infill; Weathered Teak® decking, TimberTech Advanced PVC Vintage Collection
Outline your expansive woodland-area deck with a sleek black composite railing. Opt for a bold horizontal line with the Contemporary Top Rail, which features an over-the-post continuous deck board top rail. For clear sightlines to your lush forest views and surrounding landscaping, choose a stainless steel cable rail infill. Paired with sunny tan composite decking, a black railing sets the scene for a cozy, Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic.
6.) Dive Into Your Railing Options From TimberTech
Now that you know how to choose a deck railing color, it’s time to dive into our Railing Guide and get more familiar with your railing options. Learn how to mix and match deck railing materials with the colors you love so you can customize your railing from the deck, up.
Find the Right Railing for You
The beauty of a railing’s many parts? Ample opportunity to customize to your personal style. Browse our Railing Guide for insight and inspiration.
