Deck Railing Cost Per Foot

Deck railings cost on average $93 per linear foot, installed. This will vary from about $42 to $648 per foot. Labor charges will be about $30 per foot. Materials can run anywhere from $15 to $600 per foot. Below are the line items that make up these totals.

Deck Railing Pricing

Materials alone range from $15 per linear foot for a low-cost composite to $600 per linear foot for high-end glass paneling.

*This includes things like brackets, bolts, and screws.

Labor Cost to Install Deck Railing

Labor charges for 10 linear feet of railing range from $250 to $450. Rates fall between $60 and $200 per hour or $30 per linear foot. Some pros will charge based on square footage, so be sure to ask how the contractor charges when getting detailed quotes from railing installers near you. Total vary based on:

• Material
• Design complexity
• Location
• Experience level of craftsman
• Amount/height of structure

Permits

Another cost to keep in mind are any required HOA and/or city permitting fees at an average between $20 and $30. While this is most likely lower than the cost of a building permit, it does contribute to the total cost. Talk to a local pro about the exact rules and fees in your area.

Porch Railing Installation Costs

Installing a porch railing will cost you between $420 and $6,480, including labor, depending on what material you choose. Porch and deck railings will have similar costs.

Front Porch Railings on Stairs or Ramp

Safety rails on stairs or ramps will cost around $1,150 to install for a 10-foot length. While material costs are similar to a flat railing projects, labor will be higher by about $200 total because of the added complexity of the job.

Deck Railing Cost Comparison

Wood Deck Railings

Wood deck railings will vary in price, but average about $75 per linear foot, including labor. The main factor in the price is the material cost of the wood itself. Types include:

• Pine
• Cedar
• Mahogany
• Ipe
• Redwood

Average Cost of Vinyl Porch Railing

You can install 10 feet of vinyl railing for around $450, or $20-$40 per foot. Labor will cost around $150 for three hours ($50 per hour) and materials will be roughly $300.

Aluminum Deck Railing Pricing Per Foot

Aluminum railings average about $80 per linear foot installed. Materials make up $50 per linear foot of this total.

Cost of Composite Deck Railing Per Linear Foot

Installing a composite deck railing runs about $50 per linear foot with $20 per linear foot of this in materials. Trex is a common type of composite decking, but there are many similarly-priced options.

Trex Railing Cost

A Trex brand railing will run and average of $60 per linear foot, installed. Labor makes up $30 per foot or about 50% of this total. Their products include:

• powder-coated aluminum
• composite
• composite wood-like railings

Cable Deck Railing

Cable railings cost about $90 per linear foot, including labor. These systems include a wood, aluminum, stainless-steel, vinyl, or composite post which holds up a metal cable. This runs either from post to post or through a hole in each post as a single band.

Glass Deck Railing

Glass railing prices fall between $150 and $850 per linear foot total. Labor is substantial in this total at a minimum charge of $75 an hour. While it sounds like the handrail itself is glass in this system, it actually is a metal frame which holds glass sheets that forms it’s face.

Cost of Metal, Iron or Stainless-Steel Railings

Wrought iron railings cost an average of $130 per linear foot to install, while stainless-steel is closer to $80 per linear foot. Iron is highly durable and can be very ornate, which explains the higher price point.

Poly or Plastic

Polyurethane railings will cost about $70 per linear foot, including labor. This is a less common type which some consider composite material. It is similar to PVC pipe.

Cost of DIY Deck Railing Systems vs. Hiring a Deck Installer

When deciding whether to hire a pro or install a railing yourself, you should consider:

• your skill level at working with the material
• your availability
• the price of local handymen
• the product’s warranty. Some manufacturers will not warranty a product unless it’s installed by a pro.

While a skilled carpenter or craftsman could easily complete this project, the average homeowner should consult a pro to insure safety and an attractive finished product.

FAQs

How much is a balcony railing?

A balcony railing ranges in price from $420 to $6,480 for a 10-foot length. This total will vary depending on:

• Material
• Length
• Height
• O.A. fees or city permits

Are railings on porch or deck stairs required?

Usually, safety standards require railing on:

• Steps with more than 4 risers.
• Steps with widths greater than 44 inches
• Patios over 30 inches high, measured from the next level down

Additionally, railings should be between 34 and 38 inches tall. Talk to a local contractor or check your state and city code for requirements, as they change based on location. There are also regulations on the size of the gap between pickets and between the bottom of the railing and the deck.

Do I need permitting to install a railing on my front porch?

Check with your local city for rules on permitting. Some will require an easily-obtained “quick permit,” while others have no requirement.

How much does is cost to repair or replace a deck railing? The average cost to repair or replace a deck railing is between $500 and $4,000. This total will change based on the type and extent of the repair.

How much does it cost to paint a deck railing? Painting a deck railing will run you between $4 and $12 per linear foot. The lower range would include power washing, staining, and sealing the surface, while higher totals would also include power sanding.

How much do railings cost around a patio, veranda, or lanai?

A railing around a patio, veranda, or lanai would cost, on average, about $90 per linear foot, including labor.

What are the best railings to install around pool stairs? Most pool step handrails are stainless steel and will run you anywhere from $100 to $500, depending on the design.