Sometimes an idea just won’t leave you alone—and this DIY deck upgrade project was exactly that for me. Our deck is only 6 months old, but I kept picturing a sleeker, more modern look. Finally, I called up my trusty Fixer and said, “Let’s do it!”
Saying Goodbye to Wood Balusters
The original deck came with standard wood balusters. However, there was nothing wrong with that look, but they didn’t have that clean, timeless vibe I was craving. So, the first step was carefully prying the wooden balusters loose. Once those were out, we had a blank slate to work with.
Enter the Iron Balusters
We replaced the wood with 29 ½-inch black heavy-duty flat straight iron balusters. These beauties are weather-resistant and anti-rust—perfect for long-lasting durability. The design feels both modern and classic, giving the deck an instant facelift.
Each baluster had to be carefully measured, leveled, and screwed into the front face of the deck railing. Precision was key here; spacing them evenly from side to side and top to bottom made all the difference.
The Numbers
Here are the numbers of product and time we have invested.
- Balusters needed: 89
- Boxes purchased: 4 (each box has 25 for $81)
- Time invested: about 6 hours from start to finish
And just like that—our deck transformed.
Materials + Cost Breakdown
Here’s what we used for the project:
- Iron Balusters – 4 boxes of 25 ($81 each) = $324
- Screws – Are included
- Labor – DIY with a little help from my Fixer = free
✅ Total Cost: $324 (plus a little sweat equity!)
Not bad for a whole new modern look, right?
The After
What a difference! The black iron balusters instantly elevated the space. The sleek lines add a touch of modern style, for instance, while still feeling warm and inviting. Now, the deck isn’t just a spot to relax—it’s a statement piece of our outdoor living space.
This DIY Deck Upgrade project is proof that even a brand-new deck can still have room for improvement. Sometimes those nagging little ideas are worth acting on—and in this case, it paid off big time!
