If you have a raised or second-story deck, you know that your outdoor stairs are both stylish and functional components to your space — and, in many cases, include stair railing. Outdoor stair railing not only adds a safety element to your space, but it can also be a serious design statement.
Benefits of Outdoor Stair Railings
✓ Creates a sense of security for those going up and down your stairs.
✓ Lets you showcase your personal style in another aspect of your home’s exterior.
✓ Gives a completed look and feel to your outdoor living space.
When it comes to outdoor stair railing ideas, it’s important to think through:
- Your design options
- Whether you can DIY the build
Check with your local buildings department to determine if your porch or deck requires a railing.
NOTE
Certain composite railing systems will offer the choice of different post caps. See the 2020 Outdoor Living Source Book for more guidance on building your own custom composite railing system.
Outdoor Stair Railing Ideas With TimberTech Railing Options
Discover outdoor stair railing ideas to collect inspiration related to color, material, infill, and more.
Keep It Simple & Chic
Railing: Impression Rail™ With Aluminum Balusters | Color: Black
A sleek black aluminum railing delivers a chic, minimalist feel. The black powder-coated aluminum captures a wrought-iron look, while the metal contrasts with the stone porch and crisp white tapered column wraps of this Craftsman-style porch.
Make It Modern
Railing: Drink Rail With Cable Infill | Color: English Walnut™ top rail | Black posts | Stainless steel cable infill
For a modern stair railing design, go with the Classic Composite Series Drink Rail. Match the deck board top rail to your deck surface or create dimension with a contrasting hue. Add an industrial edge to your railing with a stainless steel cable infill, which delivers a durable perimeter and clear sightlines.
Go With Cool Curves
Railing: Premier Rail With Composite Balusters | Color: White
Give your stairs a uniquely modern look with a curved stair design and white composite railing. The curve transforms the stairs into an elegant transition point from deck to patio. Keep in mind that you’ll need a qualified contractor to build a curved deck and railing design.
Set the Mood
Railing: Classic Impression Rail Express® With Aluminum Balusters | Color: White
Outdoor lighting adds atmospheric charm and dimensionality, all while improving safety with added visibility. Lighting is compatible with both aluminum and composite railing options. Be aware that lighting may require a contractor to install.
Opt for Clean Minimalism
Railing: Impression Rail With Glass Panel Infill | Color: Black
Stick to a minimalist look and enjoy unobstructed views with glass panel infills. Pair glass panels with the sleek, narrow profile of Impression Rail for a railing that exudes a chic, contemporary style. The mix of materials between deck, railing, and stone-clad home gives this design a decidedly mid-century modern feel.
Explore More Railings
Discover coolly curated spaces to see how all the pieces come together.
Considering DIY-ing Your Railing?
DIY-ing your stair railing requires thinking through a few factors, including:
Code Requirements
Your railing will need to be built up to code to be considered safe.
Considerations for code compliance include:
- Railing height
- Distance between balusters
- Distance from deck surface to bottom rail
- And more
Installation Ease
The installation ease of your chosen railing will affect the tools and hardware you’ll need as well as the timeframe it takes to complete the build.
NOTE:
Panelized railing like Impression Rail Express will be the most straightforward to install compared to a traditional railing installation.
Material Durability
The material you choose for your stair railing will affect installation, maintenance needs, and cost.
While materials with greater durability, such as TimberTech® railing, may cost more upfront, they hold up far better than traditional wood and require minimal maintenance (AKA no staining — ever) so you save more in the long-run.
Get More Guidance for Your Outdoor Stair Railing Ideas
Now that you have inspiration for your outdoor stair railing ideas and a glimpse into DIY considerations, you’re ready to start designing your custom railing. Download the TimberTech Railing Guide to review all your railing options from materials and top rail designs to customizations like infill material, color options, and lighting choices.
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.
