Why Use a Cocktail Railing?

What is a Cocktail Rail?

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

That’s right, cocktail railings aren’t just there for cocktails. It is the perfect place to balance a morning cup of coffee, potted plants, candles, and small design touches to make your deck pop.

Cocktail Railing Benefits

There are endless possibilities for deck drink rail ideas. Some factors to consider when choosing a cocktail railing for your deck include style, functionality, and cost. A cocktail railing will always add style and function, but what it looks like and how you use it is up to you.

Style

Trex’s cocktail railing system allows homeowners to use Trex composite deck boards to create the flat drink rail surface. This is a place where homeowners can showcase their personal style. Some opt for a clean, monochromatic look and match the cocktail railing boards to their decking, while others reach for a complementary hue to add dimension to their deck color palette. Either way, they are left with a stunning outdoor space ready for entertaining.  Note: Trex Enhance® Decking is not compatible with cocktail railing due to the scalloped profile.

Functionality

A deck adds usable living space to your home, making your garden an extension of the house and creating space for family, friends, and nights under the stars. A deck drinks rail maximizes that usable space, allowing family and guests to gather outdoors while also enjoying refreshments. 

Cost

Adding a cocktail railing is a minimal additional cost when looking at the total project total for a new deck. When looking at an average deck with 60 linear feet of railing, a homeowner will likely pay somewhere between $250 and $500 to add a drink rail.

Drink Rail Ideas for Decks

You can make any deck design your own with a simple drink rail. Relaxing on your own or with family? Your morning coffee or evening glass of wine will be safely rested on your drink railing as you chat with loved ones, birdwatch in the garden, or keep an eye on your kids playing in the yard. Scroll to see some of our favorite decks featuring cocktail railings to inspire your next weekend project. 

Learn More About Adding a Drink Railing to Your Outdoor Space

Ready to add a drink rail to your deck railing? Whether you’re designing a new deck, adding a railing and a cocktail railing, or simply adding a drink railing to the top of your existing railing, Trex offers plenty of options. Visiting a Trex retailer allows you to see the drink railing options available.