Deck Railings, Stairs & Safety Upgrades

The right railing system enhances both the safety and appearance of your deck. Here are the most popular options:

• Wood railings: Classic and versatile, wood railings can be painted or stained to match your deck. They offer a traditional look and work with any home style.
• Composite railings: Low-maintenance and durable, composite railings come in many colors and styles. They resist rot, fading, and warping, making them a great long-term choice.
• Metal railings: Aluminum and steel railings provide a sleek, modern look. They are incredibly strong, require little maintenance, and work well with contemporary home designs.
• Glass railings: For unobstructed views, glass panel railings are the premium choice. They create an open, airy feel and add a touch of luxury to any deck.
• Cable railings: Horizontal cables create a minimalist, industrial look while maintaining safety. They are popular for modern and contemporary homes.
• Vinyl railings: Affordable and low-maintenance, vinyl railings are easy to clean and resist moisture. They are a practical choice for budget-conscious homeowners.

Stairs are one of the most important parts of your deck, and they need to be built right. Poorly constructed stairs are uncomfortable to use and can be dangerous. We design and build deck stairs that are safe, comfortable, and code-compliant.

What Makes Good Deck Stairs

Good deck stairs have consistent step height and depth, solid handrails, and proper support. Building codes specify minimum and maximum dimensions for treads and risers to ensure safety. We follow these codes and use our experience to create stairs that feel natural to walk on.

Stair Options

• Straight stairs that go directly from the deck to the ground
• L-shaped stairs that turn at a landing for more compact layouts
• Wrap-around stairs that provide access from multiple sides
• Wide stairs that double as seating or a transition between deck levels

We also add features like stair lighting for safety at night and non-slip tread materials for better grip in wet conditions.

If your deck is older or was not built to current standards, it might have safety issues. Here are some of the most common upgrades we perform to make decks safer:

Code-Compliant Railings

Building codes require railings on decks that are more than 30 inches above the ground. Railing height, baluster spacing, and handrail grip size are all regulated for safety. If your railings do not meet current codes, we can replace them with compliant systems.

Handrails for Stairs

Stairs with more than three risers require at least one handrail. For wider stairs, handrails on both sides improve safety. We install sturdy, comfortable handrails that meet code requirements.

Deck Lighting

Adding lights to stairs, railings, and posts makes your deck safer to use after dark. Low-voltage LED lights are affordable, energy-efficient, and easy to install during railing or stair projects.

Structural Reinforcement

If your deck structure feels weak or wobbly, we can reinforce the frame, add bracing, or replace damaged posts. A solid structure is the foundation of a safe deck.

Ledger Board Inspection and Repair

The ledger board connects your deck to your house. If it is loose or improperly attached, it can cause catastrophic failure. We inspect and repair ledger boards to ensure your deck is securely anchored.

Building codes exist to protect you and your family. Here is what Antioch building codes require for deck railings and stairs:

• Railing height: Minimum 36 inches for decks and 34 inches for stairs.
• Baluster spacing: No more than 4 inches between balusters to prevent children from slipping through.
• Handrail grip: Handrails must be easy to grasp and between 1.25 and 2 inches in diameter.
• Stair dimensions: Treads must be at least 10 inches deep, and risers must be between 4 and 7.75 inches high.
• Load requirements: Railings must withstand at least 200 pounds of force to resist leaning or falling.

We stay up to date on local building codes and make sure every installation passes inspection the first time. You do not have to worry about the details because we handle everything.

We serve homeowners throughout Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, Pittsburg, and the surrounding areas. Whether you need new railings for a custom deck project, want to replace outdated railings, or need safety upgrades for an older deck, we provide quality workmanship and reliable service.

We are fully licensed and insured, and we stand behind our work with a one-year installation warranty. Our team takes pride in delivering results that look great and keep your family safe. Ready to upgrade your deck railings or stairs? Contact us today for a free consultation and quote. We will assess your current setup, discuss your options, and provide a detailed estimate.