← Build Your Deck

Step 05 · Rail

Safety, sightlines, style.

Railing affects how your deck looks more than almost any other choice. We'll show you samples and talk through what fits your house and your view.

Steel Rail (Black)

$$

The Wasatch Front standard.

Best for: Most builds. Looks clean, lasts forever, fits any architectural style.

Pros

  • Black powder-coat finish lasts decades
  • Strong, low-profile pickets
  • Goes with every decking color
  • Best value-to-look ratio of any rail we offer

Cons

  • Heavier than aluminum — slightly more labor to install long runs
  • Only available in black
Zbolt Pick

Aluminum Rail (White, Bronze, Black)

$$

Lightweight, color-flexible.

Best for: Long runs, traditional homes, or builds that need a specific powder-coat color.

Pros

  • Three powder-coat colors: white, bronze, black
  • Lightweight — easy to install long runs
  • Powder-coat finish lasts 25+ years
  • Lowest visual weight of the metal options

Cons

  • Slightly less premium feel than steel
  • Pickets can feel busy on very long stretches

Aluminum Cable Rail (Black or White)

$$$

Maximum view, minimum visual weight.

Best for: Decks with a mountain view, hillside lots, anyone who hates a chunky rail.

Pros

  • Nearly invisible — preserves the view
  • Black or white aluminum frame
  • Modern look that ages well
  • Cables in tensioned aluminum frame

Cons

  • More expensive than picket rail
  • Cables need re-tensioning every few years
  • Code requires careful spacing — not DIY friendly

Glass Panel Rail

$$$$

Premium, frameless view.

Best for: Windy spots, second-story decks, or anyone wanting a clean, premium look.

Pros

  • Blocks wind while keeping the view
  • Modern, high-end appearance
  • No vertical balusters to obstruct sightlines

Cons

  • Higher cost than cable
  • Shows water spots — needs regular cleaning
  • Hardware must be top-grade or it'll rust

Custom Fabricated Steel

$$$$$

Architectural showpiece. The top of the line.

Best for: Statement decks where the railing is part of the architecture — custom patterns, integrated lighting, one-of-a-kind design.

Pros

  • Fully custom — pattern, profile, finish, integration
  • Built specifically for your house
  • Can integrate lighting, planters, or built-in benches
  • Lasts a lifetime

Cons

  • Most expensive rail option, by a wide margin
  • Longer lead time — fabrication is shop-built

Real Jobs

Rail we've done

Aluminum cable rail facing the Wasatch — Draper in Draper — ZBolt Decks

Aluminum cable rail facing the Wasatch — Draper

Draper · 2024

Black steel rail on a 2-story build — Saratoga in Saratoga Springs — ZBolt Decks

Black steel rail on a 2-story build — Saratoga

Saratoga Springs · 2024

Glass panels on a Park City view deck in Park City — ZBolt Decks

Glass panels on a Park City view deck

Park City · 2023

Talk Directly With The Builder

Schedule your deck consultation.

Free on-site walkthroughs across nephi to salt lake — wasatch front, park city & heber. We'll review your space, your budget, footing & framing options, and the build that fits your needs — not industry standard.

Start with a realistic deck budget

Tell us about the project and we'll be in touch to schedule your consultation.

We'll never spam you. Reply by phone or email — your choice.