Decked Out

Homeowners are paying more attention to their decks and manufacturers are responding by offering more deck accessories at all price points. Options include post caps, balusters and cable rails that add elements of décor, and even lighting. By adding accessories to a deck, architects and builders can add style and mood to their clients’ outdoor environments.

Deck accessories should not replace the main function of a deck; they should add to it. “Among deck railing accessories, homeowners are installing cable rails because they will not obscure the view of their surroundings,” says Andy Penny, vice president of marketing, Feeney Architectural Products, based in Oakland, Calif. “These stainless steel cables are typically strung horizontally as an infill. They require virtually no maintenance.” Cables are under tension so homeowners and builders should be aware that frames need to be strong.

Cables are available in a variety of sizes and end fitting styles. Cable can even be vinyl coated in different colors; however, coatings are not recommended for exterior uses because they can deteriorate in the sunlight. The coatings also have to be stripped off the ends of the cable in order to attach the end fittings. "In most cases people want slender cables and fittings so as not to block the view, but we do offer an assortment of cables and hardware because some homeowners and designers prefer the 'appearance' or 'look' of larger diameter cables, colored vinyl coatings or bulkier turnbuckle style fittings. It really depends on their home and railing designs and their personal preferences," Penny says.

Going Postal

Post caps offer another way to enhance the décor of a deck — and a home’s value — without adding much cost. They are installed atop a deck’s railing posts, to add a bit of character. “Post caps offer a stylish addition to any landscape. They add value to your property and protect posts from damaging effects from the weather. They are a cost-effective way to change the look of your house, and create a ‘wow’ factor that can impress the consumer,” says Mario Alfonse, marketing coordinator for Woodway/LWO Corp.

Post caps not only offer protection from the elements, but they are available in an array of design options. LWO offers more than 30 different options including wood, copper, patina, glass and hybrid glass. “Hybrid glass post caps feature a wood trim around a solid glass post cap that is top-notch and enhances the beauty of a yard like nothing else,” Alfonse says.

Wooden post caps are among the most popular choice of deck accessories, says Rick Preble, president, Maine Ornamental in Winthrop, Maine. “Our most popular design is a copper top with a wood base and has been in the market for 15 years. Installation is very simple. It doesn’t require metal fasteners; just slip it over the post with a little construction adhesive. They can fit on any wooden railing system, most composite railing systems, and some vinyl railing systems,” he adds.

Post cap design options have expanded to include lighting options as well as decorative options. Lighted post caps are available in both solar-powered and low-voltage models. “Low-voltage caps come equipped with high-quality, automotive taillight bulbs that can be replaced from any automotive store. Solar lighting, with a full day of sun, can burn up to 14 hours and in the winter it can burn about seven hours,” says Geoff Hale, owner, Aurora Deck Lighting in Whitewater, Wis.

Installation is as easy as nonlighted caps and design options aren’t limited. “There are designer glass options including Tiffany glass options that are available in four colors. Homeowners can change the glass in their posts as often as they’d like. Options include low-voltage, side-mounted lights, and matching and alternating post caps,” Hale explains.

Bold Accents