You’ve decided on your patio construction or renovation project, but have you thought about installing railings that will bring both safety and aesthetics to your outdoor space?
A railing is composed of two elements: a guardrail (a protective panel) and a handrail (the part you hold onto).
Choosing the right railing model can be more complex than it appears, especially due to certain strict regulatory requirements. Follow our guide to gain clarity and make good choices.
What Height for your Railings?
Beware, the Quebec National Building Code has established very strict rules regarding the height of your railings. Before making any purchase, it is essential to inform yourself of the prerequisites required by your region to choose the correct railing height.
- For balconies or platforms less than 24” from the ground: railing installation is not mandatory
- For terraces located between 24” and 72” from the ground: it is essential to equip your space with 36” railings
- For terraces at 72 “or more from the ground: you must equip yourself with 42”
If you have a pool, the required heights for your railings are often 48” (depending on your region’s regulations). Keeping up to date with the requirements is therefore necessary, so do not hesitate to call on our experts for advice and personalized assistance.
What Material to Choose for your Railings?
Your patio railings will be outdoors, thus subject to weather conditions. It is therefore important for you to choose a material that can withstand extreme temperatures and humidity. Depending on the time you wish to dedicate to maintaining your railings, you have several options:
- Aluminum or fiberglass: minimal maintenance and great durability.
A light dusting and a wash with soapy water once a year will be more than enough. As aluminum is anticorrosive, it can withstand all weather without special maintenance. The same goes for fiberglass, which is ultra-resistant and robust whether it’s hot or cold.
- Wood or wrought iron: regular maintenance essential
Wood being a delicate material, sensitive to humidity, sun, wear, and dirt, if you opt for it, be prepared to take care of it. An antifungal treatment will therefore be necessary to preserve the beauty of your wooden railings.
The same applies to your wrought iron railings. It oxidizes upon contact with water and therefore tends to rust. Thus, it will be necessary to regularly apply an anti-rust coating to protect your railings from external aggressions.
How to Choose Railings in Harmony with your Patio?
For a harmonious patio, it is important that your railings “blend in” with the decor. Choose a color that will go well with your balcony, shed, door, window, or any patio accessory.
Do not hesitate to ask our experts for advice; they will be happy to offer you a personalized solution for choosing the appropriate style and color. We can offer you up to 20 types of railings, more than double what our competitors offer.
What Style for your Railings?
Your railings alone can change the style of your patio. For a delicate and refined effect, opt for railings with small posts. If, on the contrary, you wish to give a more massive and imposing effect, opt for larger posts.
Your guardrail can consist of straight bars for a classic effect or curved bars for more originality. Also consider ornaments for a unique style.
Regarding the handrail, it can be rectangular for a modern effect or rounded for a more classic look. You can also play with its width according to your desires.
Let there be Light!
Some small extras like LED lights embedded in the railings or handrails can bring a prestigious touch to your patio. Imagine a romantic dinner or an evening with friends by the glow of beautiful lights: you are sure to make an impression!
Furthermore, by adding lights to your railings and stairs, you offer your patio a “significant safety advantage”, especially for young children or people with reduced mobility.
A Private Patio…
Do you value privacy? Protect yourself from prying eyes by integrating privacy panels into your patio railings. These privacy railings can also serve as a total or partial separation on shared sections with your neighbors.
Let’s discuss panel options together to choose the material best suited to your patio’s style: aluminum, fiberglass, canvas, wood…
For even more privacy, we also offer the installation of barriers to restrict access to your patio.
Equip your patio with adequate railings by calling on our professionals who will evaluate your needs according to mandatory regulations to offer you suitable models, colors, and materials.
Do not hesitate to contact us to learn more, and together we will bring your project to life.
