A South Dakota Homeowner’s Guide to Choosing the Best Deck Railing
A deck railing does much more than keep people safe.
It’s one of the first things people notice when they look at your deck. The railing defines the style of your outdoor space, affects your view, influences maintenance, and plays a major role in the long-term appearance of your investment.
At Babb Custom Deck & Fence, one of the most common questions we hear is:
“Should I choose aluminum, cable, or wood railing?”
The answer depends on your priorities.
Every railing system has advantages, but they also have trade-offs. Understanding those differences will help you make a decision you’ll be happy with for years to come.
Why Your Railing Matters
Your railing should provide:
- Safety
- Durability
- Attractive appearance
- Low maintenance (if desired)
- A design that complements your home
Because it’s one of the most visible parts of your deck, choosing the right railing is every bit as important as choosing your decking.
Aluminum Railing (Our Preferred Choice)
For most homeowners, aluminum railing offers the best combination of appearance, durability, and long-term value.
At Babb Custom Deck & Fence, we primarily install Westbury Aluminum Railing because we’ve found it consistently delivers outstanding quality, strength, and long-term performance.
Pros
✔ Extremely Low Maintenance
No staining.
No painting.
No sealing.
An occasional washing is generally all that’s needed.
✔ Outstanding Durability
Aluminum won’t:
- Rot
- Warp
- Crack
- Twist
- Attract insects
That’s a significant advantage in South Dakota’s harsh weather.
✔ Clean, Modern Appearance
Westbury railings feature:
- Slim profiles
- Crisp lines
- Excellent visibility
- Numerous color options
The result is a railing that complements almost any home style.
✔ Preserves Your View
Because aluminum balusters are narrow, they allow you to enjoy more of your backyard without visually blocking the landscape.
✔ Excellent Long-Term Value
While aluminum generally costs more than traditional wood railing upfront, it often becomes the least expensive option over its lifetime because it requires virtually no maintenance.
Cons
- Higher initial investment than basic wood railing
- Doesn’t provide the traditional rustic appearance some homeowners prefer
Cable Railing
Cable railing has become extremely popular because of its clean, contemporary appearance.
It creates a very open feel and offers excellent visibility.
However, there are a few important considerations many homeowners don’t realize until after installation.
Pros
✔ Modern Architectural Look
Cable railing works exceptionally well on:
- Contemporary homes
- Lake homes
- Scenic properties
✔ Outstanding Visibility
Thin stainless steel cables allow almost unobstructed views.
For homeowners overlooking water, golf courses, or large backyards, this is a major benefit.
✔ Minimal Visual Weight
Cable railing almost disappears visually, allowing the deck itself to become the focal point.
Cons
✘ Cable Requires Maintenance
One misconception is that cable railing is maintenance-free.
In reality:
The cables must periodically be re-tensioned.
Over time they can:
- Stretch slightly
- Loosen
- Develop visible sag
This is simply part of owning a cable system.
✘ Climbing Hazard for Young Children
One of our biggest concerns with horizontal cable railing is safety for young families.
The horizontal cables naturally create what is essentially a ladder.
Curious children may be tempted to climb the cables, potentially allowing them to climb over the railing.
For homeowners with young children or grandchildren, this is an important consideration.
✘ Higher Cost
Cable systems are often among the more expensive railing options available.
Cedar Wood Railing
Wood railing has been used for generations and continues to be a popular option for homeowners seeking a traditional appearance.
The nice thing about cedar railing is that it’s highly customizable.
You aren’t limited to just one style.
Option 1: Cedar Posts with Cedar Spindles
This creates a classic all-wood appearance.
Pros
✔ Warm natural look
✔ Traditional style
✔ Easily stained to match the deck
Cons
✘ Requires ongoing maintenance
✘ Wood can weather over time
✘ Spindles may eventually twist or move slightly
Option 2: Cedar Frame with Aluminum Spindles
This has become one of our favorite combinations.
You get:
- Beautiful cedar posts and rails
- Low-maintenance aluminum balusters
It combines the warmth of natural wood with the durability of aluminum.
Pros
✔ Best of both worlds
✔ Modern appearance with natural wood
✔ Less maintenance than all-wood railing
✔ Great visibility
Cons
- Slightly higher cost than all-wood railing
Maintenance Comparison
| Railing Type | Maintenance |
|---|---|
| Westbury Aluminum | ★☆☆☆☆ Very Low |
| Cedar with Aluminum Spindles | ★★☆☆☆ Low |
| Cable | ★★★☆☆ Moderate |
| All Cedar | ★★★★☆ Higher |
Durability Comparison
| Railing Type | Durability |
| Westbury Aluminum | Excellent |
| Cable | Excellent (with maintenance) |
| Cedar/Aluminum Combination | Very Good |
| Cedar | Good (requires upkeep) |
Appearance Comparison
Aluminum
Best for:
- Modern homes
- Composite decks
- Low-maintenance lifestyles
Cable
Best for:
- Scenic views
- Contemporary architecture
- Homeowners comfortable with occasional cable adjustments
Cedar
Best for:
- Traditional homes
- Natural landscapes
- Homeowners who enjoy the warmth and character of real wood
Our Recommendation
Every homeowner has different priorities.
If your highest priority is:
Low maintenance, excellent durability, and timeless appearance…
We recommend Westbury Aluminum Railing.
If you love the warmth of cedar but still want easier maintenance, our favorite compromise is:
Cedar railing with aluminum spindles.
While cable railing certainly has its place, we encourage homeowners—especially those with young children—to carefully consider the long-term maintenance requirements and potential climbing concerns before choosing a horizontal cable system.
Final Thoughts
Your deck railing is one of the most visible—and most important—parts of your outdoor living space.
The right railing should:
- Keep your family safe
- Complement your home’s architecture
- Require a maintenance level you’re comfortable with
- Continue looking great for years to come
Choosing quality materials now often means fewer headaches later.
As we often tell our customers:
Why go with the cheaper option when, in the long run, the good costs less?
Let’s Design the Perfect Railing for Your Deck
Whether you prefer the timeless beauty of cedar, the modern look of cable, or the durability of Westbury Aluminum Railing, we’d be happy to help you compare options and design a railing system that fits your home and your lifestyle.
Contact Babb Custom Deck & Fence today to schedule a consultation and explore the railing options that are built to last in South Dakota.