Deck rails provide a safe way to enclose an outdoor space on your property and create a space ideal for enjoying the outdoors. The deck rail you choose doesn't have to be a run-of-the-mill installation. You have a chance to envision and create a metal deck rail that showcases creativity and comes with custom features.

Metal fabricators can work with aluminum, steel, and other materials to craft unique deck rails. Take a deeper look into the fabrication process and the different methods that metal fabricators use to customize the deck rails.

1. Laser Cutting

Advanced laser cutters allow accurate cuts of metals and multiple shapes. When you plan out a deck rail, the laser cutting machine is ideal for uniform pieces and designs. Each post will measure the same length and ensure the rail sits evenly on the deck.

Laser cutting will also leave metal with smooth edges. There are no jagged parts or splintered sections of metal that can cause any damage. Metal fabricators can design and set up projects to fit exact specifications and guide a laser along.

A laser not only cuts through metal but can etch metal as well. The etched metal allows you to create designs and patterns directly imprinted on the metal without causing full damage to the design.

2. Metal Punching

The metal punching process features a high-powered machine that can punch holes and shapes into metal. For example, your deck rails can start as solid sheets of metal. The metal punching process can add holes and designs to the sheet to create a nice visual. You could select a specific pattern or choose a random design. 

Metal punching is an ideal way to add some artistic flair to your deck railing. Metal fabricators can showcase past design options for some inspiration or you can come in with some original ideas of your own. 

3. Bending & Rolling

Many deck rails and posts are straight geometrical designs, but they don't have to be. Industrial metal fabrication machines can bend and roll metal into different shapes. Your deck rail could feature curved post designs or a wavy handrail.

Instead of a sharp corner, you could curve all the metal and create rounded corner areas on the deck. Rounded corners may create a better visual and give you more options for outdoor furniture and decorations in the area.

The machines will curve the metal at the precise angle you want and ensure the metal stays strong in the process. The curve becomes permanent and will fit into your deck plans. The bending process is ideal for secure support plates that are used on metal posts and for connecting multiple pieces together.

4. Welding

Once all of your deck pieces are fabricated, the final step of the process is typically welding. Welding metal together cleanly requires precise control and movements. Welding will fuse together pieces to ensure the deck is safe and secure once the rails are installed.

A clean weld will make the whole deck rail piece look like one solid piece of metal. High-powered flames quickly melt the metal down to create the connected pieces and form them together without any major changes or warping.

The welding part of the process is the true hands-on section of metal fabrication. Fabricators work for years honing their welding skills to craft metal projects. When you go to pick up your order, the welding is what makes everything come to life. If you have multiple deck rail pieces, then each one will match with the same welding spot locations.

For more information on deck rail fabrication and other metal projects, contact us at Schorr Metals Inc. We have worked on numerous custom projects in the past and will work with your specific deck measurements to deliver exactly what you need.