From wood to steel, picking the best railings for your home in Summit County

In Breckenridge, Colorado, where the majestic Rocky Mountains provide a stunning backdrop, many residents and visitors alike enjoy the charm and coziness of mountain cabins. When it comes to designing and decorating a mountain hoime, one important aspect to consider is the choice of railings. Railings not only serve a functional purpose but also add to the aesthetic appeal of the cabin. So, what are the best railings for your Summit County mountain home?

Metal Railings:

Metal railings are a popular choice for mountain cabins due to their durability and strength. They can withstand the harsh weather conditions often seen in mountainous areas, such as heavy snowfall and strong winds. Additionally, metal railings can be customized to fit the style of the cabin, whether it be rustic or modern. Wrought iron railings, in particular, are a classic choice that adds a touch of elegance to any mountain cabin.

Wood Railings:

Wood railings are another excellent option for mountain cabins, offering a warm and natural look that blends seamlessly with the surrounding environment. Cedar, pine, and redwood are popular choices for wood railings due to their resistance to rot and decay. Wood railings can be stained or painted to match the cabin’s exterior or left natural for a more rustic look. They also provide a comfortable and inviting feel for those enjoying the outdoor spaces of the cabin.

Glass Railings:

For those looking to maximize the views from their mountain cabin, glass railings are an ideal choice. Glass railings offer unobstructed views of the breathtaking mountain scenery while providing safety and security. They are also easy to maintain and clean, making them a practical option for busy cabin owners. Additionally, glass railings can give a modern and sleek touch to the cabin’s overall design.

Cable Railings:

Cable railings are a contemporary option that offers a minimalist look and maximizes airflow and light. They are ideal for mountain cabins with modern or industrial design aesthetics. Cable railings are also low maintenance and durable, making them a practical choice for those who want a clean and streamlined look for their home’s exterior.

Combination Railings:

For a unique and customized look, consider combining different types of railings. Mixing materials such as wood and metal or glass and cable can create a visually appealing and dynamic design for your mountain house in Summit County. Combining railings can also help you achieve a balance between safety, functionality, and style.

In conclusion, when choosing the best railings for a mountain cabin in Breckenridge, Colorado, it is essential to consider the home’s design aesthetic, environmental factors, and personal preferences. Whether you opt for metal, wood, glass, cable, or a combination of railings, make sure to select a high-quality material that can withstand the elements and enhance the beauty of your mountain retreat.

Experience the beauty of your mountain surroundings with the perfect railings for your cabin! Contact Us for an estimate on your new railings.

The Advantages to Aluminum Deck Railings

Safe Decks and Open Views

When building a deck or updating your current deck, it’s vital to choose the right railings to ensure the safety of friends and family. In addition, you will l also want to make sure that you choose a railing that is not only functional, but is beautiful and will add to your deck, and last to be so for years to come. There are many options for deck railings on the market. We are looking at aluminum deck railings and what you should consider when selecting your new railing systems for your home to ensure that you making the best choice.

Aluminum Railings Designs for your Deck

Aluminum railings offers a modern design that can add style to any deck or porch. One of the advantages to aluminum is allows homeowners with a less restricted view of their property; or the beautiful vistas here in the Rocky Mountains.

Aluminum railings and railing panels are supported by aluminum posts (or existing posts) that are both structural and a finished product ready for installation. With a variety of sizes, shapes, patterns and colors, aluminum railing system can provide an elegant complement to your home.

Photo: Courtesy of Trex® 

Aluminum Railing vs other Railings Materials

Aluminum Railings vs. Wood Railings

Wood certainly has a place on many decks. In the Rocky Mountains, it’s important to know is that wood will rot, rust and breakdown. In contrast, powder coated aluminum does not require maintenance, and with a warranty of up to 25 years, it’s a worry-free railing system that does not require sanding, staining, washing, etc. every year.

Aluminum vs Steel Railings

Steel railings need to be repainted every few years, whereas powder-coated aluminum systems do not require painting, as they can maintain a superior finish. Steel is much heavier than aluminum and your deck needs to be reinforced for the additional weight. Aluminum can provide much more flexibility during installation. Many steel railings must be custom made as the material offers less direct fitting without welding. However, custom steel railings may be the perfect fit your application.

Aluminum vs Vinyl Railings

Where aluminum is extremely weather resistant, vinyl systems can be very susceptible to extreme weather conditions. And we get extreme weather. Some of the issues with extreme temperatures is the issue of shrinking and expanding which can damage and cause deterioration in your vinyl railings. Vinyl railings can also fade and even crack with long term exposure to UV radiation. Our local UV is extremely high – It makes for great days on the slopes, but is hard on decks. Aluminum railing system maintains its shape and dimension throughout extreme cold or heat. UV rays have a limited impact on powder-coated aluminum, which will maintain its beauty and strength.

Aluminum Railing Costs

When considering the initial costs, aluminum railings are more expensive than treated wood railings. However, wood railings will require you to stain and seal, or paint- yearly. Although aluminum is more out of the box, over a few years the savings will add up, all without splinters!

Strength/Warranty

The aluminum railings that we install come with outstanding warranties. Many including Trex railing systems come with 25-year warranties. That’s 25 years of no maintenance.

So Why Pick Aluminum Railings?

Aluminum railing systems are extremely durable, resistant to rot, rust, and deterioration found with wood decks. Regardless of weather, maintains its shape in the cold and heat, is resistant to UV, which allows it to keep its color. Aluminum is nearly maintenance free with a basic occasional cleaning as necessary. Cleaning, just a rinse down with a hose or a wipe down with a soft cloth to remove any dust or dirt – that’s it!

Is a new aluminum rail system for you? If you need beauty along with strength, UV protection, low maintenance, a durable railing system, then adding a new aluminum railing may just be the best choice for you! Contact us for additional advice on things that you should take into consideration when choosing railings for your new deck.

Considering which is the Right Railing for Your New Deck

Beautiful, Strong, Secure and Safe

Aluminum Deck Railings

Modern aluminum railings like Trex Signature and Fortress AI-Series offer a number of benefits. Aluminum deck railings are durable with low maintenance, affordable, strong, safe, sleek and clean.
One of the best benefits of aluminum is its strength which allows for a more narrow balusters. This is desirable as it meets the safety requirements, and increases the view through the railings.

Steel Deck Railings

Steel railings have superior strength when compared with most types of railings. Steel railings are rugged, and have classically good looking while keeping a sleek and clean appearance. These railings come welded, are easily customized and bring a classic and unparalleled design to any deck or outdoor living space. Steel railings provide a timeless appearance that can be versatile for a variety of applications.

Composite Deck Railings

Composite deck railing solutions are available from most major quality decking manufacturers including Azek, TimberTech, Trex, Fiberon and more. Composites offer unrivaled flexibility with a wide range of colors, finishes, and options. Composite railing systems are often more durable than vinyl. They also come in a wide variety of colors to match, contrast or compliment your decking. They come with many benefits; including being very versatile, The ability to create many configurations that can be integrated with cable, glass, aluminum inserts, drinks rails etc., all while being low maintenance with a luxurious and attractive appearance.

PVC Deck Railings

PVC railings typically feature reinforced top and bottom rails with aluminum. It’s a stable material that resist expanding or shrinking of the material in extreme temperatures, such as here in Summit County.
Most wood deck railings in high altitude areas such Breckenridge and Silverthorne eventually split and swell due with the amount of precipitation we receive. We have replaced many railings on decks that receive all day sun, as well as those that stay wet year-round, whereas PVC won’t break down.
With the choice of PVC, you get a great option for a beautiful deck railing that is provides a fully customized look to your railing project.