When homeowners want a railing that looks sleek, resists the weather, and never needs repainting, aluminum is the material of choice, and one brand shows up on decks across the country. Westbury deck railing, part of the Digger Specialties family, is a powder-coated aluminum system prized for its slim sightlines and rust-proof durability. If you are tired of scraping and staining a wood railing every couple of years, this guide walks through what Westbury offers and what to expect from cost and installation.
Why Aluminum Railing
Aluminum splits the difference between the warmth of wood and the strength of steel without the drawbacks of either. It will not rot, splinter, warp, or rust, and the powder-coat finish is baked on so it resists chipping and fading for decades. Compared to wood, there is essentially no maintenance beyond an occasional rinse. Compared to bare steel, aluminum will never corrode. That combination is why Westbury’s aluminum systems have become a go-to for both new decks and railing replacements.
The Main Product Lines
Westbury organizes its railing into a few families, and knowing them helps you shop:
- Tuscany — the flagship traditional line with clean square balusters and a classic profile
- Riviera — a contemporary look using horizontal cable or slim rails for open, modern sightlines
- VertiCable and horizontal cable options — stainless cable infill for maximum view-through, popular on decks with a view
- Veranda and other series — additional profiles and baluster styles to match different home architectures
The Tuscany line is the most common residential pick, while cable-infill options appeal to homeowners who do not want vertical balusters interrupting a scenic backdrop.
Infill Choices
Beyond the frame, the infill defines the look and the view. Westbury offers standard square aluminum balusters for a traditional picket appearance, wider spacing with glass panels for an unobstructed sightline, and stainless steel cable runs for a modern, nearly invisible barrier. Glass and cable both carry a premium over standard balusters but transform a deck that overlooks water or woods. All configurations are engineered to meet residential code for baluster spacing and rail height.
Colors and Finish
The powder-coat finish is one of Westbury’s strongest selling points. Standard colors typically include black, bronze, white, and a few earth tones, all applied as a durable baked-on coating rather than paint. Black remains the most popular because it reads as slim and modern and hides dust well, while bronze suits warmer home palettes. Because the color is integral to the coating, you never repaint it, and quality aluminum railing carries a long finish warranty against fading and peeling.
What It Costs
Aluminum railing sits in the mid to upper range of railing prices. For material alone, expect roughly $30 to $60 per linear foot for a standard baluster system, with cable or glass infill pushing well above that. Installed by a contractor, a typical project runs $50 to $90 per linear foot depending on infill, post count, and stair sections. It costs more upfront than a basic wood railing, but because you never restain or replace it, the lifetime cost is often lower than wood that needs refinishing every two to three years.
Installation Overview
Westbury railing ships as a kit of preassembled panels, posts, and brackets, which makes it a realistic DIY project for a confident homeowner. The general sequence looks like this:
- Lay out and mount the posts securely to the deck framing, not just the decking surface
- Confirm posts are plumb and spaced to fit the railing panel lengths, typically 6 or 8 feet
- Attach the rail brackets to the posts at the correct code height, usually 36 inches for residential decks
- Set the preassembled panel between posts and fasten top and bottom rails
- Install stair panels on the correct angle and add post caps
The critical detail is post attachment. Posts must anchor into solid blocking or the rim joist so the railing can withstand the load code requires. A wobbly post almost always traces back to fastening into decking boards instead of the frame.
Maintenance Made Simple
This is where aluminum pays you back. Cleaning is nothing more than a wash with mild soap and water a couple of times a year to remove pollen and grime. There is no sanding, no staining, no rust treatment. If a section is ever damaged, individual panels and posts can be replaced without tearing out the whole run.
Accessories and Add-Ons
Part of Westbury’s appeal is the ecosystem of accessories that let you tailor the railing. Post caps come in flat, pyramid, and solar-lit versions, and the solar caps add a soft glow along the railing at night with no wiring. Deck lighting kits integrate small LED lights into the posts or under the top rail for safety on stairs. Drink rails, which are a flat cap board on top of the rail, give you a surface to set a glass while entertaining. Matching gates complete an enclosure. Planning these extras up front is easier than retrofitting them later, so decide on lighting and caps before you order.
Meeting Code and Wind Loads
Any deck railing is a safety barrier, and Westbury’s systems are engineered to meet residential building code when installed correctly. Standard rail height is 36 inches for most residential decks, with baluster spacing tight enough to block a 4-inch sphere. The load requirement, that a railing withstand a 200-pound force at the top rail, is met only when posts anchor properly to the framing. Follow the manufacturer’s post-mounting instructions exactly, using their surface mounts or fascia brackets into solid blocking, and have the work inspected if your project requires a permit.
Is It Right for Your Deck
Choosing Westbury deck railing makes the most sense if you value a clean, low-profile look and want to be done with railing maintenance for good. It costs more than wood at installation, but the powder-coated aluminum shrugs off weather that would destroy wood, and the slim balusters or cable infill keep your view open. Match the series to your home’s style, anchor the posts into solid framing, and you will have a railing that looks sharp and holds firm for the life of the deck.
