Design Guide

Deck Railing Options
Materials, Styles & Costs for Canadian Decks

Materials, Styles & Costs for Canadian Decks

Wood Rail

$20–$45/ft

Glass Rail

$80–$200/ft

Code Height

36–42"

Options

6+ Types

9 min read Updated January 2026

Canadian Code Requirements

Before choosing your railing style, understand what Canadian building codes require:

Guard (railing) required when deck is 24" (600mm) or more above adjacent grade
Minimum height: 36" (900mm) for residential — some municipalities require 42" (1,070mm) for decks over 5'10" above grade
Baluster spacing: Maximum 4" (100mm) — a 4-inch sphere must not be able to pass through at any point
No climbable horizontal elements within the bottom 24" (to prevent children from climbing)
Top rail must resist 200 lbs of concentrated point load
Handrail on stairs must be graspable (1.25"–2" diameter round or equivalent)
Tempered or laminated safety glass required for glass panels

Code requirements vary by municipality. Some cities (Vancouver, Toronto) have additional requirements beyond the national building code. Always confirm with your local building department.

Wood Railings

Cost: $20–$45 per linear foot installed

Wood railings are the most traditional and affordable option. They're easy to customize and repair, making them popular for DIY builds.

Pressure-treated: $20–$30/ft — Most affordable. Paint or stain to match your deck.
Cedar: $30–$40/ft — Natural rot resistance. Beautiful warm tone.
Ipe/hardwood: $40–$60/ft — Premium look, exceptional durability.

Pros: Affordable, easy to repair, infinitely customizable, warm natural look. Cons: Requires regular maintenance (staining every 1–3 years), can warp and crack in Canadian winters, splinters develop over time.

Aluminum Railings

Cost: $40–$80 per linear foot installed

Aluminum is the fastest-growing railing choice in Canada. It's maintenance-free, available in dozens of styles, and handles Canadian winters exceptionally well.

Powder-coated finish lasts 15–20+ years without fading
Available in black, white, bronze, and custom colours
Textured finishes mimic wrought iron at a fraction of the weight
Won't rust, rot, or warp — truly maintenance-free
Easy to install with pre-assembled panels

Top Canadian brands: Century Aluminum (Ontario-based), Peak Products (Quebec), Regal Aluminum, and Deckorators.

Aluminum railings are ideal for Canadian winters. They don't absorb moisture, won't crack from freeze-thaw, and their powder coat is unaffected by salt or de-icers.

Glass Railings

Cost: $80–$200 per linear foot installed

Glass railings are the premium choice for unobstructed views — popular for waterfront properties, elevated decks, and modern homes across Canada.

Tempered safety glass (required by code): 10mm or 12mm thickness
Frameless (standoff/spigot): $150–$200/ft — Sleekest look, maximum view
Semi-frameless (top rail, no posts): $100–$150/ft — Balance of view and support
Framed (aluminum frame): $80–$120/ft — Most affordable glass option
Tinted, frosted, and Low-E options available for privacy and sun control

Glass railings require regular cleaning — water spots, fingerprints, and pollen show easily. In Canadian winters, snow and ice buildup on glass panels can be difficult to remove without scratching.

Cable Railings

Cost: $60–$120 per linear foot installed

Stainless steel cable railings offer a modern, minimalist look while maintaining clear sightlines.

Horizontal stainless steel cables (3/16" or 1/4" diameter)
Maximum cable spacing: 3" (tighter than the standard 4" baluster rule in many areas)
Cables must be tensioned to prevent excessive deflection
Post spacing: 4–6 feet maximum (closer than wood railings)
Marine-grade 316 stainless recommended for Canadian weather

Note: Some Canadian municipalities restrict or prohibit horizontal cable railings due to climbability concerns. Check your local code before committing to this design.

Composite Railings

Cost: $50–$100 per linear foot installed

Composite railings match composite decking and offer the same low-maintenance benefits.

Match your Trex, TimberTech, or Fiberon decking colour perfectly
No staining, painting, or sealing required
Won't splinter, rot, or crack
Available in traditional and modern profiles
Many composite railings accept aluminum or glass infill panels

How to Choose

For maximum views: Glass (frameless) or cable railing

For lowest maintenance: Aluminum or composite railing

For lowest cost: Pressure-treated wood railing

For Canadian winters: Aluminum — doesn't absorb moisture, won't crack, powder coat resists salt

For modern homes: Frameless glass, cable, or sleek aluminum profiles

For traditional/cottage style: Cedar or white-painted wood with turned balusters

Consider mixing materials — aluminum posts with glass panels, wood top rail with metal balusters, or composite posts with cable infill. Many manufacturers offer mix-and-match systems.