Pro's Pick: Intex Hampton Extruded Rail System

Steve Todd, senior remodeling consultant

Fred Home Improvement

Washington, D.C., metro area

Hampton Extruded Rail System from Intex Millwork Solutions

The role of the remodeling consultants at Fred Home Improvement is to help identify solutions to client problems. For several years now, Intex has been helping us respond to the challenge of offering clients a durable low-maintenance deck railing with a look more like wood. The sheen of the finish on Intex’s extruded rail system is a real standout. Most vinyl or PVC railings appear shiny, but Intex’s product offers a soft matte finish that more closely replicates a nicely painted wood railing and “feels” more like a high-quality product. (The company also offers a couple of other cellular PVC railing lines, Dartmouth and Nautilus, each with different features and options.)

We first found out about the Hampton cellular PVC railing system through research and some input from our supplier, TW Perry Building Supply, and we now use it for most of our exterior railings on decks, porches, and balconies. From a purely aesthetic standpoint, this railing goes great with all composite decking products. If the decking is going to be wood, then we still typically install wood railings.

But aside from aesthetics, we find that Intex’s product offers a performance advantage as well. The railing system kit is simple to install, so you can quickly grasp how the assembly is done, which has helped to speed up production. The railing system also offers clean lines and connections. The aluminum core is sturdy and rigid, and as far as the fasteners go, the brackets are aluminum and are hidden upon assembly, giving you a nice, uncluttered look. The top cap is offered in two profiles, so it’s versatile as well. This creates options to blend with the architectural features of most homes.

Photo: courtesy schedulefred.com

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Steve Todd is a senior remodeling consultant at Fred Home Improvement, in the Washington, D.C., area. The company focuses on home improvement services.