Thinking about a new deck railing for your Arlington home? Hold on a minute. We have seen plenty of Arlington homeowners make mistakes that lead to problems and wasted money. Arlington Deck Solutions has been building and fixing decks around Arlington for many years. We want to make sure you get your deck railing right the first time. It is not just about how it looks; it is also about safety and avoiding regret with your Arlington deck.
Ignoring Local Building Codes and Permits for Arlington Decks
This is probably the biggest and most common mistake we see in Arlington. You might think you can just put up some new railings, especially if you are just replacing old ones. But that is not allowed. In Arlington, like most towns, there are strict building codes you must follow. You will likely need a permit for your deck railing project.
For residential decks in Arlington, if your deck surface is more than 30 inches above the ground, you absolutely need a railing. The standard minimum height for that deck railing is 36 inches. This is measured from the deck surface to the top of the rail. The spacing between balusters, which are the vertical posts, cannot be more than 4 inches. This is important to prevent small children or pets from slipping through the deck railing. Stair railings have their own rules too. They typically need to be between 34-38 inches high.
We have seen projects get stopped, or worse, homeowners forced to tear down brand new deck railing work because they skipped the permit process or did not understand the building codes. It is not just about fines; it is about making sure your deck is safe for everyone in Arlington. Always check with the Town of Arlington's Inspectional Services Department before you start any deck railing work. They are there to help you understand the specific zoning bylaws and building regulations for your Arlington deck, which can be very detailed. This is especially true with all the updates to the zoning bylaw over the years. Arlington Deck Solutions provides Deck Railing services for homes in Arlington, MA.
Choosing the Wrong Material for Our New England Climate in Arlington
Arlington gets all four seasons. Sometimes we get all four seasons in one week! Our winters can be very cold, and the humid summers can be tough on deck railing materials. Picking the wrong deck railing material is a mistake that will cost you money in the long run.
- Wood: Wood is a classic choice. It can look great, especially on some of the older Colonial and Victorian homes we have around Arlington. But wood needs a lot of maintenance. It can warp, crack, and rot if it is not properly cared for. This is especially true with our freeze-thaw cycles in Arlington. You will be staining or painting it regularly to protect it from moisture and UV damage.
- Steel: Steel is strong, no doubt. But steel is very susceptible to rust, especially in damp environments like Arlington. If it is not maintained properly, that rust can weaken the structure of your deck railing.
- Vinyl: Vinyl is low maintenance, which sounds appealing. But vinyl can fade, warp, and crack in extreme temperatures.
- Glass: Glass offers unobstructed views. This can be very nice for your Arlington home. But glass will need frequent cleaning to keep it looking good. This is especially true with pollen and rain.
- Aluminum and Composite: These are often better choices for our Arlington climate. Aluminum is durable, low-maintenance, and naturally corrosion-resistant. Composite railings mimic wood but are designed to withstand the elements without constant upkeep. They will not warp, crack, or rot. Arlington Coal & Lumber, for example, carries good options in these materials for deck railings.
Think about the long-term for your Arlington deck railing. That