In Georgetown, the railing questions we hear most come from Sun City homeowners who want solid, easy-to-grip rails on deck stairs and a clean look that clears the Modifications Committee. Deck railings here run $20 to $100 per linear foot installed depending on material. Georgetown builds to the 2021 IRC, which sets a 36 inch minimum residential guard height.
A guard is the railing along the open edge of a deck that stops a fall. A handrail is the rail you hold going up and down stairs, and under the IRC it is generally mounted 34 to 38 inches above the stair nosings and must be graspable. Many older decks have a wide flat 2x6 cap on the stairs that looks fine but is hard to actually grip.
For Sun City homes and anyone planning to stay put for years, we often add a round or contoured handrail to the stair side, even where the guard itself is fine. It is a small part of the job and it is the part people use every day.
Stair guards also follow slightly different numbers than deck guards. Along the open side of a stair, the IRC allows the guard to be 34 inches tall measured from the stair nosings, openings may pass a sphere up to 4 3/8 inches, and the triangle formed by the tread, riser, and bottom rail may pass up to 6 inches. We build to those limits and check any local amendment.
Sun City Georgetown has its own Modifications Committee that reviews exterior changes. Railing color and material are the kind of visible detail that gets reviewed, so we prepare the submission with the product, color, and a drawing before anything is ordered. Other Georgetown communities with HOAs have their own review steps, and we check yours.
Plan for HOA approval first. The city permit comes after, if the scope requires one.
The City of Georgetown handles permits through MGO Connect. Decks require permits, and review for a deck typically takes 15 to 20 business days. When railings are part of a new or rebuilt deck, the guard height, spacing, and post attachment are inspected with the deck. For a railing-only replacement we check with the city if your scope needs a permit.
Low-maintenance matters to most Georgetown clients. Composite railings at $35 to $60 per linear foot need only occasional cleaning and can match a composite deck. Powder-coated aluminum at $40 to $70 needs nothing at all. If you pick aluminum, go with a lighter color for the top rail. A black rail in July afternoon sun gets hot enough to be unpleasant to hold.
Many Sun City homes back to a golf course or open space. A slim aluminum rail, or cable at $60 to $100 per linear foot, keeps that view from a seated position. An 80 foot aluminum run typically costs $4,500 to $7,000 installed, and a 60 foot cable system $5,000 to $8,000. Because the quote is fixed, the price you see in the committee submission is the price you pay after approval.
Georgetown splits in two below the grass. West of I-35 you often hit limestone a few inches down. East of the interstate, Blackland Prairie clay runs deep. That one fact shapes every deck, patio cover and pergola we build here, along with Sun City's own review step and the historic overlay districts around the Square. We build decks, covered patios, pergolas, gazebos and screened porches across Georgetown from our shop in Liberty Hill.
Permits, HOAs, soil and local building tips for Georgetown
"The first thing I want to know in Georgetown is which side of I-35 you're on. West side, we're usually drilling footings into rock. East side, we're digging through clay that moves every time it rains after a dry spell. A lot of folks here are also done with staining, so composite comes up in almost every conversation."
- Mark Toomey
Building codes require railings on any deck surface more than 30 inches above grade - but beyond compliance, quality railings prevent accidents and add significant visual appeal. A well-designed railing system can make your deck feel like a true outdoor room while keeping children, pets, and guests safe.
Every railing we install meets or exceeds local building codes for height, baluster spacing, and load requirements. We handle permits and inspections.
Choose from wood, composite, aluminum, cable, glass, or metal railings. We help you find the perfect balance of aesthetics, maintenance, and budget.
Cable and glass railing systems maintain unobstructed views while providing safety. Perfect for hillside decks and pool areas.
We design railings that complement your existing deck, porch, or home architecture. Every detail matters.