How Much Does Deck Railing Cost?

Deck Railing Costs by Type

Your total deck railing cost can range from $20 to $850 per linear foot just for the railing materials alone. In fact, the type of railing you choose will have the single biggest impact on the cost to install deck railing around your deck. Wood and vinyl railings are the cheapest, starting at $$15 to $20 per linear foot; glass railings are the most expensive, up to $850 per linear foot.

Average Cost of Wood Deck Railing

Wood deck railings can vary in price depending on the type of wood you select, but they average between $15 and $50 per linear foot, or $150 to $500 for a 10-foot section of deck.

The main factor in the price is the material cost of the wood itself, including:

• Pine costs

• Cedar costs

• Mahogany costs

• Ipe costs

• Tigerwood costs

• Redwood costs

Pine tends to be the cheapest wood for deck railing while tropical woods like mahogany and ipe are the most expensive.

Average Cost of Vinyl (PVC) Deck Railing

Vinyl PVC decking prices range from $20 to $40 per linear foot. That’s $200 to $400 for a 10-foot section of deck. Labor costs will vary, but expect to pay for 3 hours for the installation of a 10-foot section. At $50 per hour, that’s $150. Additional materials will cost around $300 for this project size.

Average Cost of Aluminum Deck Railing

Aluminum deck railing costs between $40 and $70 per linear foot. Installed, the average cost is $80 per linear foot.

Average Cost of Composite Deck Railing

Composite deck railing costs $30 to $40 per linear foot, or $300 to $400 for a 10-foot section of deck. Trex is a common type of composite decking, but there are many similarly-priced options.

Average Cost of Trex Deck Railing

On average, Trex brand deck railing costs $20 to $35 per linear foot—up to $60 per linear foot installed (with labor averaging $30 per linear foot).

Trex brand products include:

• Powder-coated aluminum.

• Composite.

• Composite wood-like railings.

Average Cost of Cable Deck Railing

Cable railings cost an average of $60 per linear foot but can range from $50 to $200. If you factor in installation for labor, expect to pay $90 per linear foot on average.

These systems include a wood, aluminum, stainless steel, vinyl, or composite post, which holds up a metal cable. This runs either from post to post or through a hole in each post as a single band.

Average Cost of Glass Deck Railing

Glass railing prices fall between $150 and $850 per linear foot total. Labor is substantial in this total at a minimum charge of $75 an hour. Don’t let the name fool you: The handrail is actually a metal frame that holds glass sheets, which form the face of the railing system.

Average Cost of Wrought Iron Deck Railing

Wrought iron railing costs $50 to $120; decorative railings are on the higher end of that price range.

Average Cost of Stainless Steel Deck Railing

Stainless steel deck railings are more affordable than wrought iron railings. These railings cost between $30 and $80 per linear foot. 

Average Cost of Poly or Plastic Deck Railing

Polyurethane railings cost between $25 and $70 per linear foot. This is a less common type, which some consider composite material. It is similar to PVC pipe.

Cost to Install Deck Railing

When calculating the cost to install deck railing, factor in the individual material prices, like posts ($20 to $115 each) and the top and bottom rails ($4 to $25 per foot each). On top of that, you need to consider the cost of labor (between $60 and $200 per hour or $30 per linear foot), your location (and the deck’s location), and any required permits.

Material Cost

Materials alone range from $15 per linear foot for a low-cost composite to $850 per linear foot for high-end glass paneling.

*This includes things like brackets, bolts, and screws.

Permits

Another cost to keep in mind are any required HOA and/or city permitting fees at an average of between $20 and $30. While this is most likely lower than the cost of a building permit, it does contribute to the total cost. Talk to a local pro about the exact rules and fees in your area.

Location

The cost of labor can vary by location. Find a few railing installers near you and compare their quotes before moving forward with a contractor.

You should also consider the location of your deck. The total cost to build a deck may be more expensive depending on the foundation requirements, height, and ease of access.

DIY Deck Railing Installation vs. Hiring a Pro

When deciding whether to hire a pro or install a railing yourself, you should consider:

• Your skill level at working with the material.

• Your availability.

• The price of local handypeople.

• The product’s warranty. Some manufacturers will not warranty a product unless it’s installed by a pro.

While a skilled carpenter or craftsman could easily complete this project, the average homeowner should consult a pro to ensure safety and an attractive finished product.

Deck Railing Labor Cost

For a deck railing of 10 linear feet, expect to pay labor costs of $250 to $450. Rates generally range from $60 to $200 per hour, but some contractors may charge per linear foot ($30 per linear foot on average). Be sure to ask multiple contractors how they will calculate your rate before you move forward and hire a deck builder for your project.

If you need to repair an existing deck, including the railing, expect deck repair costs to range from $500 to $4,000, depending on the extent of the railing repair work.

FAQs

What is the most inexpensive deck railing?

Typically, pressure-treated lumber (wood) is the cheapest deck railing material, though vinyl (PVC), polyurethane, and composite materials all make for affordable deck railing.

How do I calculate how much deck railing I need?

You will need deck railing for all edges of your deck that are not an open pass-through or bordered by the house. Because these projects can be complicated and require precise measurement, it’s a good idea to use a deck railing calculator online or, even better, hire a professional to build the deck railing. Contractors will know how to accurately measure the amount of railing you need.

What is the easiest deck railing to DIY install?

Unless you have above-average skills in carpentry and deck installation, we recommend using a professional. That said, aluminum, steel, and cable deck railing is generally easier to install. Wood railings do not come preassembled, so they pose the greatest challenges for DIYers.

How much is a balcony railing?

A balcony railing ranges in price from $450 to $8,800 for a 10-foot length. This total will vary depending on:

• Material

• Length

• Height

• H.O.A. fees or city permits

Are railings on porch or deck stairs required?

Usually, safety standards require railing on:

• Steps with more than 4 risers.

• Steps with widths greater than 44 inches.

• Patios over 30 inches high, measured from the next level down.

Additionally, railings should be between 34 and 38 inches tall. Talk to a local contractor or check your state and city code for requirements, as they change based on location. There are also regulations on the size of the gap between pickets and between the bottom of the railing and the deck.

Do I need permitting to install a railing on my front porch?

Check with your local city for rules on permitting. Some will require an easily-obtained “quick permit,” while others have no requirement.

How much does it cost to repair or replace a deck railing?

The average cost to repair or replace a deck railing is between $500 and $4,000. This total will change based on the type and extent of the repair.

How much does it cost to paint a deck railing?

Painting a deck railing costs between $5 and $14 per linear foot. The lower range would include power washing, staining, and sealing the surface, while higher totals would also include power sanding.

How much do railings cost around a patio, veranda, or lanai?

A railing around a patio, veranda, or lanai would cost, on average, about $90 per linear foot, including labor.

What are the best railings to install around pool stairs?

Most pool step handrails are stainless steel and will run you anywhere from $100 to $500, depending on the design.