Why Use a Cocktail Railing?

Love hosting friends and family in your outdoor space? Add a cocktail rail to your deck to take your parties to the next level! This clever deck feature adds extra surface area for outdoor entertaining or eating al fresco. Whether it be for plates, towels, toys, or (you guessed it) cocktails, drink or cocktail railings are an excellent idea for any deck. 

So what is a cocktail railing, and, more importantly, what benefits do they provide? Keep reading to find out!

What Is a Cocktail Rail?

A cocktail or drink railing is a flat surface, usually made of decking boards, where you can rest drinks, plates, and more. It’s a simple way to add style and function to your deck — creating a display space for a variety of deck elements.

That’s right — cocktail railings aren’t just there for cocktails. They’re perfect for balancing a morning cup of coffee, small potted plants, candles, and even small design touches to make your deck pop.

What Are the Benefits of Cocktail Railings? 

There are endless possibilities for how a cocktail railing may improve your space. From style to functionality, this feature is a surefire way to enhance your deck at an affordable price.

Style

Cocktail railing systems allow you to use your preferred deck boards, like Trex composite decking, to create a flat drink surface.

But beyond their practicality, these railings offer a way to showcase your personal style. For example, you can add a touch of modernity to your space by opting for a clean, monochromatic look and matching the cocktail railing boards to your decking. Likewise, you could make your cocktail railing a different but complementary hue to add dimension to your deck color palette. 

With the variety of options they come in, cocktail railings allow you to express your creativity, enhance your deck design, and add utility without sacrificing visual appeal.

Note: Trex Enhance® Decking is not compatible with cocktail railing due to its scalloped profile.

Functionality

There’s no denying that the core benefit of adding a cocktail railing is its overall practicality compared to other railing options. The flat surface allows you to extend the usable space on your deck for entertainment, decorative, and dining purposes. Guests can easily set down their glasses without worrying about spillage while enjoying the view of your space or find a spot for their plate at a busy backyard barbeque.

Cost

As you calculate your project costs, you’ll likely find yourself considering the benefit versus the cost of upgrading to certain features. Luckily, adding a cocktail railing is a minimal additional cost when looking at the total project total for a new deck.

Compared to the price of standard railing options, you’ll likely pay somewhere between $250 and $500 to add 60 linear feet of drink railing compared to a standard rail. This relatively low additional cost comes with high utility benefits, making it an easy, low-budget way to elevate your space.

What Are the Benefits of Cocktail Railings? 

There are endless possibilities for how a cocktail railing may improve your space. From style to functionality, this feature is a surefire way to enhance your deck at an affordable price.

Style

Cocktail railing systems allow you to use your preferred deck boards, like Trex composite decking, to create a flat drink surface.

But beyond their practicality, these railings offer a way to showcase your personal style. For example, you can add a touch of modernity to your space by opting for a clean, monochromatic look and matching the cocktail railing boards to your decking. Likewise, you could make your cocktail railing a different but complementary hue to add dimension to your deck color palette. 

With the variety of options they come in, cocktail railings allow you to express your creativity, enhance your deck design, and add utility without sacrificing visual appeal.

Note: Trex Enhance® Decking is not compatible with cocktail railing due to its scalloped profile.

Functionality

There’s no denying that the core benefit of adding a cocktail railing is its overall practicality compared to other railing options. The flat surface allows you to extend the usable space on your deck for entertainment, decorative, and dining purposes. Guests can easily set down their glasses without worrying about spillage while enjoying the view of your space or find a spot for their plate at a busy backyard barbeque.

Cost

As you calculate your project costs, you’ll likely find yourself considering the benefit versus the cost of upgrading to certain features. Luckily, adding a cocktail railing is a minimal additional cost when looking at the total project total for a new deck.

Compared to the price of standard railing options, you’ll likely pay somewhere between $250 and $500 to add 60 linear feet of drink railing compared to a standard rail. This relatively low additional cost comes with high utility benefits, making it an easy, low-budget way to elevate your space.

Drink Rail Ideas for Decks

As mentioned above, you can make any deck design your own with a simple drink rail. Relaxing with family? Your morning coffee or evening glass of wine can rest safely on your drink railing as you chat with loved ones, birdwatch in the garden, or supervise your kids in the yard.

Interested in more ideas? Scroll below to see some of our favorite decks featuring cocktail railings to inspire your next weekend project.

How to Build a Cocktail Rail

Your exact cocktail railing build will vary depending on your choice of railing board, brand, and railing system. However, there are some key steps to consider before starting your building process:

• Choose a cocktail railing made by a reliable brand, like Trex, to ensure longevity and minimize maintenance costs.
• Pair your cocktail railing with a visually appealing and well-made railing system. Consider unconventional infill options such as mesh or rod rail.
• Take the time to watch tutorials if you plan on installing your cocktail railing yourself, or find an experienced builder if you don't feel comfortable DIYing.