Custom Metal Picket Railings in Vancouver | Design, Fabrication & Installation – Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

Are metal picket railings compliant with the BC Building Code?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Metal picket railings can be designed to comply with the BC Building Code when the guard height and picket spacing are detailed correctly. Openings must be small enough that a 100 mm (4") sphere cannot pass through under load, and the top rail and posts must meet guard strength requirements. Our picket layouts for decks, balconies and stairs in Metro Vancouver are drawn around these BC code performance rules so they feel safe and secure for everyday use.

Question 2

Where do metal picket railings make the most sense around my home or project?

Accepted Answer

Metal picket railings are a good fit when you want a classic, structured guard that still lets light and air through. In Greater Vancouver we often use them on front steps, second-storey balconies, backyard decks and small terraces where glass or cable may feel too modern or exposed. Pickets work well on family homes, rental properties and strata buildings that need a durable, familiar look that fits many architectural styles.

Question 3

Are metal picket railings safe for children and pets?

Accepted Answer

Properly designed metal picket railings are very child- and pet-friendly. We set the picket spacing so a 100 mm sphere cannot pass through, reducing the risk of heads or bodies getting stuck, and we avoid details that make the guard easy to climb. Top rails and corners are finished with smooth profiles and clean welds, and we pay attention to edges so the railing feels solid and comfortable to touch for kids, adults and grandparents using the stairs or balcony.

Question 4

How do steel picket railings hold up in Vancouver’s rainy climate?

Accepted Answer

Vancouver’s mix of rain, coastal air and freeze–thaw cycles is tough on exterior railings, so we design our steel picket systems with that in mind. We use structural steel profiles, continuous welds and high-quality powder-coat finishes that resist rust and chipping. On exposed decks and balconies we think about drainage, mounting details and how water sheds off the rails. With simple seasonal cleaning and periodic inspection, a well-built steel picket guard performs very well in Greater Vancouver’s climate.

Question 5

What kind of maintenance do metal picket railings need?

Accepted Answer

Metal picket railings are lower-maintenance than wood, but they still benefit from basic care. In Metro Vancouver we recommend occasionally rinsing the rails to remove dirt and road film, wiping them with a mild soap solution when needed, and checking for any impact damage or chips in the finish. If the powder-coat is kept intact and water is not trapped around posts, the steel below stays protected and the railings keep their clean, uniform look for many years.

Question 6

Can you match the colour and style of my existing trim or architecture?

Accepted Answer

Yes. One advantage of custom metal picket railings is the control over profile and finish. We can choose post and picket shapes, top-rail profiles and cap details that relate to your home’s windows, doors and overall style. For Greater Vancouver projects we commonly use fine-texture black and deep charcoal finishes, but we can also work with other colours when needed. During design we review reference photos or existing details so the new guard feels like it belongs to the building, not an afterthought.

Question 7

Can metal picket railings be used on both stairs and flat balconies?

Accepted Answer

They can. Picket railings are very versatile and work on straight runs, landings and stair flights. For stairs we adjust the picket and rail geometry so the openings still respect BC Building Code requirements as the guard follows the slope, and we coordinate handrail placement for safe grasping. On flat balconies and decks we tune post spacing, picket rhythm and top-rail height to feel balanced with the view and the façade. The result is a continuous system that looks coherent across the whole project.

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Picket railing FAQs

Are metal picket railings compliant with the BC Building Code?

Where do metal picket railings make the most sense around my home or project?

Are metal picket railings safe for children and pets?

How do steel picket railings hold up in Vancouver’s rainy climate?

What kind of maintenance do metal picket railings need?

Can you match the colour and style of my existing trim or architecture?

Can metal picket railings be used on both stairs and flat balconies?

Service Areas

Metro Vancouver & Lower Mainland

Sea-to-Sky & Sunshine Coast

Fraser Valley & East

Vancouver Island & Interior BC

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