Railing vs. Fence: What's the Difference and Which Do You Need?

When it's time to install a railing or fence, you need to know whether it's a railing or a fence you need. At Fencing Direct, we provide materials and kits for both systems. Use this guide to dive deeper into the differences between fence and railing installations and be sure you're buying the right products.

Understanding the Basics: Is It a Railing or a Fence?

Railings provide safety, usually for decks and stairs that are elevated and need a strong barrier or support hold, while fences establish borders and barriers for aesthetics, security, or clarity. Because they do different jobs, they involve different types of hardware, manufacturing requirements, and physical details. They might look similar at first, but understanding the functional difference between fence and railing can help make the distinctions clear.

Key Differences at a Glance: Comparison

Both are barriers that perform very different functions. If you're trying to tell whether an installation is a fence or a railing system, consider:

 

Code Requirements:   local zoning rules and HOA | International Residential Code (IRC)

When to Choose a Railing: Safety and Stability

Railings are there for safety. Whether you have stairs leading up to a deck or a second story, or a deck with an edge elevated off the ground, you need solid rails that prevent falls and injuries.

Deck and Porch Requirements

Decks and porches that are a bit up off the ground need railings. These systems have reinforcements and are strong enough to handle the weight of someone leaning against them or catching themselves if they trip, which creates linear pressure.

Sometimes, people might call a railing a fence for a porch because the words are interchangeable in day-to-day conversation. But don't let this confuse you. 

When Is a Railing Required?

All raised or elevated edges should have a secure railing. Specifically, if your deck floor is more than 30 inches above the ground next to it, it must have a railing system. But even if the gap is smaller—say, 20 inches—railings can still prevent injuries and liability for injuries on your property. 

When to Choose a Fence: Privacy and Boundaries

Yard Enclosure and Security

Fences, on the other hand, don't need to support the weight or linear pressure of someone leaning hard against them (even though many fences can). Instead of being erected for safety, they're there for security. They create a barrier to keep pets and children in and to keep intruders or strangers out. Solid fences can also stop people from seeing in.

Property Lines and Aesthetics

Another difference between fence and railing systems is that fences also mark the edge of property, making property lines clear to neighbors and people walking nearby. Well-maintained fences can also add to your curb appeal and property value by adding aesthetic charm to the exterior of your property. 

Can You Use a Fence as a Railing? The Short Answer: No

Fences don't meet the building codes for railings. Primarily, fence posts aren't built or installed with the load-bearing capacity that railings are required to have. If you do use fencing instead of railing posts, your property might fail to meet safety standards, which can affect your insurance claims or make you liable for injuries.

Planning Your Next Project

If you're planning a renovation on your property, take the time to decide between porch railings vs. fence. If you're trying to protect people from falling off the edge of a raised platform, you need a railing system that meets or exceeds safety regulations. But if you're marking a boundary or creating an aesthetic line in your yard, fencing can work perfectly fine. 

For both fencing and railings, check with local regulations to make sure you order materials within allowable heights.

Get Expert Guidance for Your Project

Fencing Direct specializes in both railing and fencing. Our teams can help you find products and kits that comply with your local standards and the unique needs of your project. Reach out today to explore our selection of products or for assistance choosing between deck railing vs. fence and deciding when a railing is required.

 

Image credit: // Shutterstock // BryanChavezPhotography