Wanted: Railing ideas for 2nd story deck

We've just finished the framing and sealing of our 14' X 23' roof deck and I'm looking for railing ideas. Something other than 4X4 posts with a sagging 2X4 top rail.


I'm thinking of having railing only on the sides and rear and none on the front where the patio roof connects - nice unobstructed view. Comments etc welcomed - I'm fairly thick-skinned.

Santiago

I could send over my architect ... just keep him away from the sauce.




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On the other hand, a friend has used some old semi-twisty telegraph poles for his railing and they look terrific as rails. There are buttresses every 10-12 feet or so where they pass through. 2 rails high makes a nice affect..and it's definetely Baja.

The downside is that one must maintain them every year...else the termites win the battle. The upside is they also attract the carpenter bees which in turn provide targets for your trap team at c-cktail time.

I have a picture somewhere and will post.

[Edited on 7-21-2008 by Pompano]

Santiago,

On my upper deck we just constructed a 4 block high wall as shown in picture. Works, while obstructing part of your view.
Another suggestion in next answer. Too lazy to go through Bucket.

Santiago,

This is the railing at the covered second story patio deck.
You could just construct block pillars for the 2X6 or 4X6 beams ( mine are clear redwood ). Thusfar held up for 16 years.

Here are two ideas I used on my first house here.
Concrete pilasters with concrete cap
Wood framing and wood lattice

[Edited on 7-21-2008 by Russ]

Not only "practically invisible", but also just practical.
Can be used to dry your wash, etc.
That's when you're not on your deck otherwise it would impair your view somewhat.

Forgot to mention: Also kind of ugly

Natural native woods, palm, cardon and organpipe cactus

[Edited on 7-21-2008 by Sharksbaja]

Thanks Nomads for photos on unique home designs. My railing design had 3 key elements to ponder.
1. Open view
2. Beverage platform
3. Minimize maintenance



My builder came up with the cross beam idea, even though I didn't want to maintain the wood. I'll have to suffer a few hours every other year by sealing it from weather, boo hoo!

Railing photo found...

Found that railing pic, Santiago. Unique old telegraph poles that do not interrupt any views.

Good luck with your project.

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Santiago, You're a builder, so you know about load-bearing. Any railing that keeps people from falling off the roof will work and a little shade will make it cooler.

This realing thread brings this Baja home to mind.

A friend of mine owned a house on the hill near Posada south of Mulege for many years. It sat high up and had NO railings on it's large wrap-around decks for over 30 years. We had countless parties and get-togethers up there. We somehow managed to keep everyone off the rooftops and rocks below.

Recently it was sold and the first thiing to go by the new owner was...railings. Somethings just take time.

The cable look is nice for unobstructed views. Lots of companies make them. They can go in wood or steel posts.

http://cablerailmn.com/

Quote:

Originally posted by bajadock Thanks Nomads for photos on unique home designs. My railing design had 3 key elements to ponder. 1. Open view 2. Beverage platform 3. Minimize maintenance My builder came up with the cross beam idea, even though I didn't want to maintain the wood. I'll have to suffer a few hours every other year by sealing it from weather, boo hoo!

A suggestion

we are gonna do laja rock pillars with rebar design for optimum view on the beach house...we will do our sunset design like we have on our window "bars". LOve your place Santiago...very funky.