The deck railings might have looked fine when they were new, but that was years ago. Now the wood is rotting, fasteners are practically falling out, and the whole thing is ready to collapse.
It’s a situation that Kevin Cardwell of Muskokify sees all too often. Sometimes property owners have focused on the interior of the home or cottage but neglected the exterior. Or they’ve taken care of aesthetics but not thought about safety elements like railings.
“Safety is a huge concern,” he explains. “When you have those traditional wood railings that are 15 years old, or even older, they need to be replaced.”
Kevin says to imagine a friend or relative falling from the deck. The situation is even more perilous if the cottage is on the rental market.
“This can lead to lawsuits and other intense, stressful situations,” he explains. “If you have older railings, you need to replace them and ensure the work is done by experienced, qualified professionals.”
Muskokify has spent over two decades sourcing and installing the best screens, shutters, and railings for their clients.
There is a choice for almost every budget and taste, says Kevin. Most railings are available in a range of colours to ensure they either match or accent the exterior of a home or cottage.
Kevin usually recommends aluminum frames, which are strong and will last much longer than wood with very little maintenance.
They are available in many styles. Some people love the traditional look of the “picket fence,” and they want their railings to give an old-school cottage vibe; others enjoy the limitless views of glass railings.
Many waterfront properties – especially boathouses – feature glass railings that are either partially framed or fully frameless. This sleek trend allows unfettered views of the natural surroundings from the deck.
“We have halfposts, fullposts, and frameless glass railing options that have become very popular,” says Kevin. “We use sidemounts, surface mounts, and fascia mounts to provide aesthetically pleasing views while not compromising on strength.”
If you love the look of glass but want a little more privacy, you can have the glass etched or tinted to limit the view of your space.
“It’s really up to our clients to decide what options work best for their needs and their budget,” says Kevin. “We’re happy to find the right fit for their property.”
TEXT CHRIS OCCHIUZZI
PHOTOS ANDREW FEARMAN
