Aurora, IL · DuPage · Kane · Will County
TimberTech Exclusive Dealer
4.9★ 50+ Reviews
Aluminum · Cable · Glass · Composite · TimberTech Railing Systems
Railing is one of the most visible parts of any deck — and one of the most overlooked decisions. It shapes your sightlines, defines the style, and sets the tone for the entire outdoor space. We treat it as a design decision, not an afterthought.
Most people don't think much about railing until they have to pick one. But once it's installed, it becomes one of the most noticeable elements of the entire outdoor space — something you look at and through every time you step outside.
The wrong choice can make even a beautiful deck feel heavy, closed in, or dated. The right choice opens the space and makes the whole project feel considered and complete.
Railing determines how much of your yard you see from the deck. The wrong system can cut your view in half — even on a wide-open property.
Whether the space reads as modern, traditional, or transitional is heavily influenced by the railing profile, color, and material.
Railing connects to the structural framing, the decking surface, and the stairs. It must be designed as part of the system — not selected independently at the end.
Systems chosen as afterthoughts rarely look right. Post spacing, attachment points, and material must be planned from the start.
Aluminum railing balances aesthetics, performance, and value better than any other system. Slim profiles keep the space open. Powder-coat finishes hold up through Illinois freeze-thaw cycles without rusting, peeling, or fading — and require zero maintenance.
Cable railing exists for one purpose: preserving your view. Horizontal stainless steel cables run between aluminum posts — nearly invisible from a distance. For elevated decks, scenic backyards, and pool surrounds, cable railing transforms a deck from a structure you stand on into a platform you see from.
We source cable systems from Fortress Railing — using 1/8" 316 stainless steel cable with G60 galvanized aluminum posts. Same material quality from foundation to top rail.
Glass railing provides the most open, architecturally refined look available. Full glass panels — framed or frameless — create visual continuity that feels deliberate and elevated. Block wind without blocking views. Maintain safety without interrupting the sightline.
TimberTech composite and PVC railing systems are designed to coordinate with their decking collections — so the rail profile, color, and material character flows from the deck surface through the edge of the space. The result looks fully considered rather than assembled from different sources.
TimberTech's five railing families cover the full range of styles, infill options, and applications — from aluminum with cable infill, to full composite systems that coordinate with the decking surface.
Metal posts and composite rails with the widest range of infill options available. Clean, modern lines that adapt to virtually any deck style.
Composite rail with aluminum substructure. A timeless profile that coordinates with all TimberTech composite collections.
A complete composite railing system — posts, rails, and balusters in coordinated finishes. Full material continuity from decking through railing.
A premium aluminum railing system with a refined, minimal profile. Designed for modern homes where railing should feel architectural.
A wide, bold top rail profile that anchors the design. Selected when the railing is an intentional design element defining the deck's edge.
Most systems support a drink rail top, gate kits, ADA handrails, and deck rail lighting — all integrated into the same system.
Every railing choice involves tradeoffs between view preservation, maintenance, style, and budget.
For elevated decks, pool surrounds, or scenic yards — cable and glass systems are designed for this. The structural requirements need to be planned from the start.
For most residential projects, aluminum railing hits the right combination of clean aesthetics, long-term performance, and value. Works with virtually any design direction.
For projects where decking and railing should feel like one unified material system, composite and PVC railing options coordinate directly with TimberTech collections.
Pricing ranges based on real projects in the Chicago suburbs. Installed cost includes material, labor, stair sections, and hardware.
| Railing System | Cost Per Linear Foot | Typical Full System | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Railing | $150–$300 / LF | $8K–$18K | Most builds · Best value |
| Composite / PVC Railing | $150–$300 / LF | $8K–$18K | Coordinated with decking |
| Cable Railing | $200–$400 / LF | $15K–$30K | Views · Modern · Elevated decks |
| Glass Railing (Framed) | $300–$500 / LF | $20K–$35K | Unobstructed views · Modern |
| Glass Railing (Frameless) | $400–$600+ / LF | $25K–$45K+ | Premium · Architectural |
The railing system is one piece of a complete outdoor design — here's how it connects to the rest of your project.
The deck layout, elevation, and framing all determine which railing systems are possible and how they're installed.
View Custom Decks →
TimberTech railing systems are designed to coordinate with their decking collections — same color language, same finish quality.
View TimberTech Decking →
Cable and glass railing require structural support for lateral tension loads. Fortress Evolution steel is what makes premium railing systems possible.
View Steel Framing →
Railing style, color, and system are selected with samples at your property — before anything is ordered or fabricated.
Start Your Design →Aluminum railing — specifically the TimberTech Impression Rail Express® — is our most frequently specified system. Clean, modern profile with the widest range of infill options. Black is the most popular finish, coordinating with virtually every TimberTech decking collection.
Yes. Cable railing places significant lateral tension on the structure — especially at corner and end posts. Fortress Evolution steel framing provides the rigidity required for cable systems to perform correctly and safely. Wood framing can flex under cable tension over time. We spec the framing alongside the railing during the design phase.
Yes — when properly engineered and installed. Glass railing uses tempered safety glass panels rated for required load capacities. All railing systems we install are code-compliant for your municipality and included in the permit documentation we submit. You never manage a single code requirement.
Aluminum runs $150–$300 per linear foot installed. Cable runs $200–$400 per linear foot — roughly 30–50% more depending on layout complexity. A full cable system typically runs $15,000–$30,000. The premium is justified for elevated decks and scenic yards where sightlines are the priority.
During the 3D design phase — after the deck layout, elevation, and decking selections are set. We bring TimberTech railing samples to your paid in-person consultation ($150) so you can evaluate options in your actual outdoor environment. The railing is specified in the design and included in the line-item estimate before construction begins.
Yes — and it's more common than you'd think. A popular combination is cable railing on the yard-facing sides for open sightlines, with aluminum baluster railing on stair sections where views matter less. We design the railing as part of the overall layout — specifying the right system for each section.
Start with a free discovery call. We bring TimberTech railing samples to your paid in-person consultation — aluminum, cable, glass, and composite options in your actual outdoor environment.
Tell us about your project — we respond within 1 business day.
