The outdoor deck is no doubt essential for the modern home — a place to recline, relax, and entertain friends under sunny and starry skies alike.

Much like a frame for a classic painting or family photograph, the perfect deck railing encompasses your deck and ensures that you and your guests are in good hands.

Safety should be your first priority, but now is the time to really enjoy selecting a deck railing design that reflects your home’s aesthetic, as well as your personal taste. While traditional New England white keeps your deck on the classier side of cool, Chinese Chippendale creates the look and feel of a true pastoral retreat.

Repurposed wood and stainless cabling are sure to catch a few admiring glances, while privacy railing and metal spindles create a more mature feel for your deck. These top 70 best deck railing ideas are proving themselves worthy of a nod from the most discerning guests.

Take a look at the following categories to see how the right deck railing can really improve your deck’s appeal.

1. Cable Railing Ideas

In recent years, the cable deck railing trend has really taken off. In modern spaces or on modern decks, they look great and are actually very secure. This railings system should be purchased as a DIY deck railing kit. They use turnbuckles, brackets, and other threaded hardware to create a strong system that provides an excellent line of sight while also adding a contemporary touch to a cable rail deck.

If you need some inspiration for how to make a cable deck railing work for your home, look through the following images.

If you’ve got a modern or contemporary style home, a cable railing may be the perfect addition for you. Most of the kits come in stainless steel, so they look great around a matching barbecue grill or smoker.

The industrial look and feel of cable railings should also be considered while you’re planning your railing. If you like the cable railing look but don’t really want to incorporate stainless steel fittings, you may be able to speak to your building department about using rope instead.