Stairs and railings
Railings that meet code and look right.
New railings on an existing deck, rotten stairs rebuilt, or the whole set on a new build. Aluminum, cedar, composite or glass, each one built to the BC Building Code.
- Posts that do not wobbleRailing posts are through-bolted to the frame with blocking behind them, not screwed to the deck boards.
- Code on every jobHeight, spacing and stair rails to the BC Building Code, drawn in the quote.
- Stairs on new stringersWhen we rebuild stairs we replace the stringers, not just the treads.
Aluminum railings
Slim black posts and pickets, or glass panels, in a powder-coated aluminum system that never needs paint. The usual choice on composite decks and on any deck where you want to keep the view. We fit them with the maker's brackets so the warranty holds.
Cedar railings
Cedar posts, a cedar top rail and 2x2 cedar pickets, built on site to match a cedar deck or a cedar fence. It costs less than aluminum and it looks right on an older house. A coat of stain every few years keeps it that way.
Stairs
Deck stairs rot from the bottom up, because the stringers sit on the ground. We rebuild them on new stringers with a concrete pad or footing at the base, treads to match the deck, and a graspable rail. One to two days on most decks.
Recent work
Our own work, around Greater Vancouver.
Questions we get asked
Straight answers. Ask us anything else on the site visit.
How high does a railing have to be?
In BC, 36 in when the deck is up to 6 ft off the ground, 42 in above that. No opening can let a 4 in ball through. Stairs need a rail you can grip. We build to the code, so the inspection is a formality.
Can you replace just the railing?
Yes, as long as the deck frame is sound. Swapping a rotten cedar railing for aluminum is one of the most common jobs we do, usually in a day.
Aluminum, cedar or glass?
Aluminum never needs paint and keeps the view open. Cedar matches a cedar deck and costs less, and wants stain every few years. Glass panels in an aluminum frame give you the full view, at the highest price. We build all three.
What does a railing cost?
Cedar railing runs about $75 to $95 per foot, aluminum $145 to $165, composite $110 to $170, installed. Stairs are about $250 to $400 per step. The estimator on our home page puts it together for you.
Tell us about your project
A few details and a couple of phone photos are enough. We reply the same day during business hours.
- Free site visit, no obligation
- Written quote with drawings within 48 hours
- One price, no add-ons on the invoice
- 2-year warranty on the work
Prefer to talk? Call or text (604) 265-4556