5 Dock Railing Ideas

For deck owners, railings offer beauty, safety, and convenience. If you have a waterfront dock, you might also want to think about installing railings for the same reasons. The railings that work for a deck could be just right for your dock, too. However, there are differences in functionality and design to consider between deck and dock railings. Keep reading to discover these nuances and determine the ideal railing for your waterfront escape. 

Consider These Things When Choosing Your Dock Railing

The type of railing you choose for your dock will depend on the type of environment where your dock is located and the exact purpose you want the railing to serve. Here are the primary considerations to help you decide:

• Safety: If the goal is to create a barrier between the dock and the water, you most likely will need to follow the same building code guidelines that regulate rail height and baluster spacing on deck railings.
• Aesthetics: It often makes sense to try to have your deck railing match or complement the deck or other architectural features on your home. Premier deck and railing manufacturers like Trex, offer railing systems specifically designed to work in harmony with their decking, fascia, and other accessories.
• Access: Consider adding gates for swimming access and in those areas where you’ll be on- and offboarding watercrafts.
• Longevity & Maintenance: Given the open location of most docks, you’ll want to choose both your decking and dock railings that are covered by an industry-leading warranty that reflects their ability to withstand the punishing effects of prolonged water and extreme sun exposure.
• Structural: Dock railing posts need to be sturdy. Make sure you choose a type of railing that can be securely fastened to the structural components used to build your dock.
• Corrosion: Be aware that special non-corrosive materials and fasteners need to be used on railings located on docks exposed to salt spray from ocean water.
• Convenience: Some dock owners install sections of railings for no other reason than to have a place where they can set a beverage or dry out a beach towel.
• Cost: When considering cost, make sure you factor in the amount of maintenance a product will require, how long it’s expected to last, and the type of warranty offered.
• Local Building Codes: If the portion of your dock that spans solid ground is more than 30 inches high, there is a good chance that the railing will have to meet certain building code requirements. Check with your local municipality’s building officials to see what those specific requirements are.

1. Composite Dock Railing

High-quality, environmentally friendly composite dock railing is made out of recycled materials and requires no painting, staining, or sealing. Composite railings offer the widest color selection and can be used with wood posts or wood posts covered in a composite sleeve. Square composite balusters provide a traditional aesthetic, while aluminum round balusters can also be used in conjunction with composite rails for a pleasing design combination. Composite railing systems like Trex Transcend® are easy to install and offer a variety of design options.

2. Aluminum Dock Railing

Aluminum railing is an excellent choice for those seeking a more sleek and contemporary feel. Aluminum is a naturally strong and corrosive-resistant metal and aluminum railings are typically backed by significant warranties lasting up to 25 years long. Some aluminum top and bottom rails are strong enough to support alternatives to traditional balusters like beautifully designed stainless-steel mesh infills and glass panels. Trex Signature® aluminum rails fitted with glass panels can help preserve views and deliver a truly modern aesthetic. Glass panels can also be an effective way to cut down on windy conditions if you have a dining/picnic area on your dock. 

3. Nautical Rope Railing

Rope railings supply a truly authentic nautical flavor and are the easiest to install. The rope can be attached to the sides of posts with brackets or can be threaded through holes drilled right through the center of the posts. While one of the least expensive options, Nautical rope railings provide less fall protection and will have to be replaced more often than other options.

4. Cable Railing

Trex cable railing is another choice that provides a more modern or contemporary feel. Like glass panels, cable railings are an effective way to maintain full scenic views of the water. But unlike glass, cable railings allow summer breezes to pass through and require little to no cleaning. The posts on cable railing systems have to be strong, which means that the structure of your dock needs to accommodate sturdy bracing and robust fasteners. 

5. Drink Railing

Also called cocktail rails, drink railing systems are so named because they have a top rail wide enough to set a beverage on. These wider top rails are often made from standard deck boards reinforced by a support rail beneath them. The deck boards used as a cocktail rail can often be the same boards installed on the surface of the dock. Trex allows you to incorporate a cocktail rail into most of their composite and aluminum railing systems.

Where to Find the Perfect Railing for Your Dock

Giving careful consideration to how your dock will be used is the most effective way to ensure that you choose the right style and best location for your dock railings. And utilizing the experience and premium products from an industry leader like Trex is also key in getting the most value from your dock railing investment.