If you're upgrading your outdoor living space, you’re likely thinking about barriers—those structures that define your space, add curb appeal, and provide security. You've probably seen many products that look similar: vertical slats, horizontal rails, and solid posts.

But when you're shopping for your deck or balcony, it's crucial to know the difference between a Fence and a Guardrail (Railing). While they may share materials and aesthetics, their jobs and engineering are worlds apart.

At Deck & Rail Supply, we specialize in the superior engineering of Guardrail Systems. Let's break down why your deck needs a railing, not a fence.

Think of a fence as the gentle boundary setter.

• Primary Goal: To define boundaries, provide privacy, and deter casual entry.
• Height: Usually built tall (4 feet and up) to obscure views or clearly delineate property lines.
• Structural Focus: It needs to withstand environmental elements like wind, but it is not engineered to handle the concentrated, sudden impact of a person falling against it.
• Location: Always placed on ground level (or low retaining walls).

A guardrail is a certified safety device that ensures people stay safely on an elevated surface.

• Primary Goal: To prevent accidental falls from elevated areas. This is a non-negotiable safety function.
• Height: Dictated by building code (typically 36 inches for residential and 42 inches for commercial) to align with a person's center of gravity.
• Structural Focus: Engineered to withstand a 200-pound point load of force. This requires much stronger posts, rail components, and anchoring systems.
• Location: Mandatory on any walking surface 18 inches or more above the ground below.

When we talk about a high load-rated product, we mean a system that has been rigorously tested. Every component—from the powder-coated top rail to the hidden bracket connecting it to the post—is designed to work together to absorb that 200-pound force without bending, breaking, or pulling loose from your deck.

If you were to use a fencing system on an elevated deck, the materials would likely fail the moment they were truly needed, creating a significant hazard.

So just because you need a strong and sturdy rail, doesn't mean it has to be bland! Our offering of guardrail options includes luxurious railing infill options, tested just as rigirously, and deisgned for beauty.

Consider - Vertical Cable Railing, Horizontal Cable Railing and Rod Rail on your project.