Railings & pergolas
Railings, pergolas, and outdoor structures that complete the deck.
Deck railing installation, pergola design and build, and outdoor living structures for Puget Sound homeowners — code-compliant railings, cedar and composite pergolas, built-in seating, and lighting integration. Design, permits, and build under one contractor.
- Code-compliant railing systems
- In-house permitting
- Cedar & composite options
What we handle in a railing and pergola project.
From a railing replacement to a full pergola with built-in seating and lighting:
- Deck railing installation — wood, composite, cable, and aluminum railing systems, designed for your deck's style and installed to meet Washington code for height and baluster spacing.
- Railing code upgrades — existing railings brought to current Washington code for height (36" or 42" depending on height above grade) and maximum 4" baluster spacing.
- Pergola design and build — freestanding and deck-attached cedar or composite pergolas that provide filtered shade and define the outdoor living space.
- Built-in seating — bench seating integrated into the deck or pergola structure — clean, permanent, and designed to match the decking material.
- Outdoor lighting integration — post cap lights, string light attachment points, step lighting, and under-rail lighting rough-in coordinated with the railing or pergola install.
- Privacy screens — lattice or slat privacy screens integrated into the railing or pergola structure for Puget Sound lots where neighbor visibility is a factor.
Every railing and pergola project starts with a free on-site consultation and a written proposal. Design, permits, and build are handled in one scope.
How it works
Our 3-step process.
Consult & design
On-site walkthrough. We review the deck, discuss railing style and material options, and design the pergola or outdoor structure to fit your yard and use case. Written proposal follows.
Permits & material
Permits pulled in-house where required. Materials ordered and delivery confirmed. Your install window locked in.
Build & finish
Railing posts set, rail and balusters installed, pergola framed and finished, lighting points roughed in, and all finish details completed. Final inspection where permits apply.
What sets us apart for railings and outdoor structures in the Puget Sound area.
Code compliance without the headache
Washington deck railing requirements are specific — height, baluster spacing, post attachment. We pull permits, manage the inspection, and hand you a deck that meets current code.
Integrated design
Railings and pergolas that look like they belong on the deck — not bolt-ons. We design them as part of the same scope, so material, color, and detail choices are coherent.
PNW-grade materials
Cedar and quality composite are the right choices for Puget Sound outdoor structures. We advise on what holds up in the PNW's wet winters and summer UV — not just what looks good in a catalog photo.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
What deck railing height is required in Washington?
Washington State requires railings on decks 30 inches or more above grade. The required height is 36 inches for decks less than 30 inches above grade (where required by local code) and 42 inches for decks 30 inches or more above grade. Balusters must be spaced so a 4-inch sphere cannot pass through. We pull permits for railing work and ensure the install meets current Washington code.
What railing material is best for the Pacific Northwest?
Aluminum and composite railings are the lowest-maintenance options in the PNW climate — they don't rust, rot, or need painting. Cable railing offers a clean, view-preserving look but requires more frequent tension checks. Wood railing (cedar or pressure-treated) has a classic look but requires periodic staining or painting in the PNW moisture cycle. We walk through the trade-offs at the consultation.
Do I need a permit to install a pergola in Washington?
Usually yes — most pergolas attached to a house or exceeding a certain size require a building permit. Freestanding pergolas under a certain threshold may be exempt, depending on your jurisdiction. We advise on your specific situation and pull permits in-house when required.
How much does a deck pergola cost?
A basic freestanding cedar pergola runs $5,000–$12,000 depending on size. An attached or custom-designed pergola with built-in seating, lighting, and a composite or aluminum frame runs $12,000–$30,000. The written proposal gives you a firm number before work begins.
Are you licensed for railing and pergola work in Washington?
Yes — we are fully licensed and insured in Washington. Railing and pergola work that requires permits is pulled and managed in-house.
Can you add outdoor lighting to an existing deck railing?
Yes — post cap lights, step lighting, and under-rail lighting can be added to existing railings or integrated into new railing installations. We coordinate the lighting rough-in as part of the railing or pergola scope. Full wiring to a circuit is coordinated with a licensed electrician as part of the project.
Ready to finish the deck?
Start with a free on-site consultation. We'll walk through the railing, pergola, or outdoor structure options and follow up with a written proposal.