composites and other choices

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The composite decking manufacturers are introducing railing systems that match their decks. These are available in a variety of colors. Composites are manufactured from wood fiber and polyethylene and are extruded. As a result, permanent color can be integrated in to the matrix. Composite decking and railings are on the expensive side, but should be impervious to Ohio weather.

Another option might be metal railings. Again an expensive option, they will outlast your deck and provide a strong attractive railing that could be reinstalled on a replacement deck some day. Metal can be painted any color, and can be purchased or fabricated in a wide variety of styles.

All kinds of products are manufactured from treated lumber, but I would be concerned about using the new varieties of treated lumber (ACQ) in a railing system until the issues of corrosion are worked out, and CCA lumber is rapidly becoming unavailable. If you are not aware of it, the new ACQ treated lumber is highly corrosive to steel (including galvanized), brass and aluminum fasteners and hardware.

Redwood is a long-lasting natural wood and is a good choice for building a railing system.