Are you trying to pick a rooftop deck railing but feeling overwhelmed by too many options and unsure which one will actually hold up in Seattle weather? Are you worried about choosing the wrong railing and ending up with something that rusts, leaks, blocks your view, or isn’t safe for kids and pets?
Over the past few years, we’ve installed more than 30 rooftop decks across a wide range of home styles and roof types in the Seattle area. Each homeowner has their unique preferences, so we’ve had the chance to install many different types of railing and see how they perform.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the most common rooftop deck railing options used in the Seattle area. You’ll learn how each option performs in our unique climate, how much it costs, and which railing is the best fit for your priorities, whether that’s view, safety, wind protection, or long-term durability.
How much does it cost to install rooftop deck railing in Seattle?
Rooftop decks can cost a lot, but they’re also an excellent place to enjoy our beautiful Seattle summers. The railing is the cherry on top.
Because there are so many railing options, the cost can vary quite a bit. Typically, homeowners in the Seattle area pay $150 to $300 per linear foot for their rooftop deck railing.
This price depends on what kind of material you choose and how labor-intensive it is to install. Labor has the biggest impact on price because some of these railing types are difficult or tedious to install.
Plus, labor costs in the Seattle area are higher than national averages because the cost of living here is also high.
What are the different types of railings I can install on my rooftop deck in Seattle?
When it comes to rooftop deck railings, there are many different options to choose from depending on your budget and preferences.
Here are 6 common rooftop deck railing options that we install in the Seattle area:
1. Parapet wall
This is a short, non-load-bearing wall that goes around the entire outer perimeter of your roof. They’re usually 36 to 42 inches tall and have siding or cladding on them.
Benefits:
- Great if you have kids or pets because they cannot fall through. It’s completely solid.
- You can add wiring, gas piping, and plumbing
- You can add a bench or planters on top
- Great privacy
- Blocks the wind
- Low maintenance
- Can add windows or ports
Drawbacks:
- Labor-intensive to build (your roofer will need to set up scaffolding)
- It will cost more to install
2. Standard Aluminum Railing
Some homeowners choose standard metal railing for a more traditional look. You can install it in two different ways:
- Surface-mounted (pictured above): This means it’s installed on top of the rooftop deck. This makes installation easier, but you lose some surface area.
- Side-mounted (pictured below): This means it’s installed along the outer wall at the very top. This requires extra labor because your roofer has to set up scaffolding, but you get to maximize the surface area of your roof.
Benefits:
- Lower cost
- Classic look
- Lightweight
- Low maintenance
- Easy to install
- You can pick what color you want
Drawbacks:
- Potentially dangerous for pets and small kids
- Does not block wind
- It can leak if not installed properly
- It will be obvious if your roof is uneven or crooked
3. Stainless Steel Cable
Image from Decks Direct
Another option is to choose stainless steel cables. These are a cool option that gives your rooftop deck an elevated modern look.
Benefits:
- Modern look
- Low maintenance
- Maximizes your view
Drawbacks:
- Expensive
- Tedious to install
- Not good for pets or small children
- Can rust near saltwater (you need to get high-quality materials, including the fasteners)
4. Glass Railing
Glass railing is made with a bunch of large glass panels that are installed in place using posts.
Benefits:
- Maximizes your view
- Blocks wind
- A bit safer for kids and pets (but not as good as the parapet wall)
Drawbacks:
- Needs to be cleaned regularly
- Salt spray can leave residue
- Expensive to install
- Heavy
5. Hog Fencing
Image from DIY Home Center
Hog fencing is pretty much what it sounds like: panels with a large mesh design that resembles the fencing used for pig pens.
Benefits:
- Most affordable railing option
- Has great rustic charm
- Low maintenance
- Good for small kids and pets
Drawbacks:
- You have to install it well and use posts, or it will be flimsy
- Does not match everyone’s style
6. Custom
Some homeowners choose to do fancy custom work with metal or other materials.
Benefits:
- Unique
- Elevates the look of your space
Drawbacks:
- Custom work is expensive
- Probably not a good fit if you have pets or small kids
How do I decide which railing is right for my Seattle rooftop deck?
When choosing a rooftop deck railing, it can feel overwhelming to consider all of your different options.
Here are some factors to consider that can help you assess your priorities:
- What is my budget? If you don’t care how much the railing costs, then any of them are fine. But if you’re looking for the most affordable option, choose hog fencing or aluminum fencing.
- Am I concerned about blocking the wind? To help minimize wind on your rooftop deck, choose glass railing or the parapet wall.
- Do I want a safe option for small kids and pets? Keeping your kids and pets safe is always a great priority. To do that, choose the parapet wall.
- Do I want a low-maintenance option? For a low-maintenance rooftop deck railing, do not choose glass railing. But all the other options require little to no maintenance.
- Which type of railing holds up best in the Seattle weather? The hog fencing has wood, so it has the potential to rot in the damp, rainy Seattle weather. This is why no one really uses wood fencing anymore. All the other options will hold up well (if they’re installed properly).
- Which type of railing gives me the best view? To maximize the view on your rooftop deck from any angle, choose the glass railing or stainless steel cable.
- Which one has the best versatility for amenities? If you need something to hide wiring or plumbing, the parapet wall can be beat. It’s also great because you can build on top of it.
What’s the real cost to install a rooftop deck in Seattle?
Now that you know the pros, cons, and price ranges of different rooftop deck railings, you're one step closer to designing a deck that fits your style, needs, and budget. But railing is just one piece of the puzzle.
If you're still early in the planning process, the next logical question is: How much will my entire rooftop deck installation cost?
Your next step is to read “How Much Does It Cost to Install a Rooftop Deck in Seattle?” for a full breakdown of what Seattle homeowners are really spending so you can make informed decisions and avoid costly surprises.
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