What is the price difference between aluminum and wood deck railings in New Brunswick?

Aluminum railings typically cost $50-100 per linear foot installed, while wood railings run $30-60 per linear foot — making aluminum roughly 50-75% more expensive upfront, but often the better long-term value in New Brunswick's climate.

For a typical 40-linear-foot deck perimeter, you're looking at $1,200-$2,400 for wood versus $2,000-$4,000 for aluminum. That's a real difference at the time of installation, and it's worth understanding exactly what you're getting for that extra investment before making a decision.

Wood railings are the more budget-friendly starting point, and pressure-treated or cedar railings can look beautiful when freshly stained. The catch in New Brunswick is maintenance. Our 100+ freeze-thaw cycles per year are brutal on wood railings — water works into the end grain of balusters and top rails, freezes, expands, and splits the wood from the inside out. A wood railing that isn't stained or sealed every 2-3 years will start showing rot, cracking, and loose balusters within 5-7 years. That $600-$1,200 staining cost adds up fast over a decade.

Aluminum railings are essentially maintenance-free in NB's climate. The powder-coated finish holds up to UV, salt air (important near the Bay of Fundy or Northumberland Strait), and freeze-thaw cycles without cracking or rotting. Most aluminum railing systems carry 20-25 year warranties. They also come in a wide range of styles — from traditional picket looks to sleek modern profiles — and pair well with composite decking if you're going that route. The one honest downside is that aluminum can feel less warm and traditional than a well-maintained wood railing.

Which Makes More Sense for Your Project?

If you're building a pressure-treated deck on a tighter budget and you're committed to regular maintenance, wood railings are a perfectly reasonable choice. If you're installing composite or PVC decking and want a low-maintenance package, aluminum is the natural match — it would feel odd to pair a 25-year composite deck with railings that need annual attention.

For coastal or waterfront properties in areas like the Saint John River valley or the Northumberland Shore, aluminum is strongly recommended. Salt-laden humidity accelerates wood deterioration significantly in those locations.

A few practical tips before you decide: get quotes for both options from your contractor so you can see the actual dollar difference for your specific railing length. Also confirm that any railing system meets NB Building Code — minimum 900mm (36") height, maximum 100mm baluster spacing, and no climbable elements in the lower 600mm. These requirements apply to both wood and aluminum systems.

If you're still weighing your full deck build, New Brunswick Decks can match you with a local contractor who can walk you through both options and give you a firm quote for your project — completely free.