Low maintenance deck railing ideas?

[Dexter]

I'm curious what you may have found works for keeping your deck railings low maintenance?

My new house has a lot of decking (1200 sq'!!! , and there are a lot of posts which I plan to paint natural/clear (high maintenance for sure to keep up but I'm willing to maintain for that nice natural look as req'd). It is all up the ladder.

BUT... there are is just so much painting when it comes to the railings and spindles(style of railings etc not yet chosen, because I don't have time for all that natural wood maintenance for that huge amount of area!). It's actually beyond me. Like everyone here my summers are much to busy to be sanding or restaining... a week a year is not possible.

Glass is too expensive and metal spindles I would imagine are out of my budget?

I'm using a composite deck tread, so that is a HUGE time saver as well. Though it sure cost a lot, so far no regrets!!!

Would love to see pics of your decks and hear your ideas and alternative options!!

[7thswan]

Cable thru the uprights. There is even a plastic covered cable. This hardly blocks the view.

[DaleK]

Yep I saw a really nice one with just stainless horizontal cables, stainless turnbuckles at each corner to keep them tight, and a top rail. Might not be up to code in some areas though.

[DaleK]

Here it is. You could also cut a short piece of white plastic pipe to slide over the turnbuckles if you wanted them hidden. Keep in mind it's climbable.

[Dexter]

Great idea! And I don't see that being much more pricey than wood either. Really impressed with this.