If you live in the Mid-Atlantic area, and your screened room is more than 30 inches above the ground, you probably have to install railings onto your screened room. Local building codes mandate that every porch in Maryland and Virginia have this for safety purposes. The same is true for staircases with more than three risers. Luckily, there is a lot of design flexibility when it comes down to railings, with so many different styles and colors available on the market. For materials, there are two main choices, vinyl or wood. Below, we have a comparison of the two materials to help you pick the right one for your screened room’s system.

Price

Perhaps the most significant difference between vinyl and wood railings is the cost factor. Vinyl will usually be the more expensive option for a screened room, at least in the short term. However, in the long-term vinyl requires minimal maintenance and might end up saving you money on repair and replacement fees. On the other hand, wood might be cheaper upfront but could cost you a lot in the long run due to routine cleaning and staining. You could end up replacing your wooden railing in ten years or so as well.

Look

While most homeowners prefer the traditional, classic look of a wood railing, this kind of material requires routine maintenance to prevent weathering, chipping, and termite damage throughout the years. Also, if the rest of your deck is built from a synthetic or other low-maintenance decking material, wooden railings might appear out of place.

It’s vinyl counterpart virtually requires no maintenance to keep its new-like appearance. To keep your vinyl railing entirely clean, you can use regular water and soap, or even a dash of water from your hose. Since many vinyl materials mimic real wood, this kind of railing material can blend perfectly with a variety of screened room decking materials.

Installation

Both types of materials should be installed by a licensed contractor or an experienced building professional. A contractor can assist you decide which material is right for your particular screen room before putting together a design plan that accurately suits your taste. Once the plans have been approved entirely, your contractor can install your railing system in a way that is secure and safe, and compliant with local building codes.

For more information on railing materials for your screened room, give Eastern Shore Porch and Patio a call today!

Trust Eastern Shore Porch and Patio

When you embark on your next project for your property, trust Eastern Shore Porch and Patio to help. We service Bethany Beach, Ocean City, Lewes, Salisbury, and the Delmarva area. You can request a quote today! If you have questions or concerns, call us at 302-436-9520 or send us an email at info@esvinylproducts.com. For updates and ideas, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Youtube.