Well, the good news is you came to the right place. This is a list of some of the best Valentine’s Day gifts for men, covering everything from EDC and style to food and drink. Whatever your guy is into, there’s something on this list for him.

The Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Men: Style

The Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Men: Gear

The Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Men: Watches

The Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Men: Grooming

The Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Men: Outdoor

The Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Men: Technology

The Best Valentine’s Day Gifts for Men: Food and Drink

The Best Valentine’s Day for Men: Subscription Boxes

RELATED: The 35 best Valentine's Day Gifts For Her

Instead of guessing which Christmas gift he wants or rummaging through every single Black Friday ad, we here at Next Luxury are trying to point you in the right direction with this gift guide. And for those of you wanting to spoil yourself with a gift this year, you’re sure to find something also.

This list of Christmas present ideas is sure to make any guy smile, so without further ado, here are our top Christmas gift ideas for men in 2021.

Watches

Men love watches. Other than footwear, rings, and cufflinks, watches are the only way to accessorize ourselves and express our tastes. In fact, watches are so important to the guys at Next Luxury that we couldn’t lump them in with EDC or style. Here are our favorite choices for 2021.

Style

Classic items never go out of style. These top style gifts will have your guy looking, feeling great, and thanking you for noticing his fashion sense.

Tech

Technology products fly off the shelves during the holiday seasons. You can often find incredible deals on some really great products. If your guy appreciates quality tech gear, be sure to check one of these top picks off his Christmas List.

Everyday Carry

Men have been in love with everyday carry items since before anyone realized they could shorten it to “EDC.” A cool gift from this list will show you care about what he cares about.

Grooming

Your guy’s grooming matters, and there are a lot of great products that can make his routine better and smoother – like his skin after you purchase some of these products.

Food and Drink

We know you’re looking forward to enjoying some of these food and drink products with your guy, but please wait until he opens them first! Here are our favorite food and drink gifts for 2021.

Home and Office

Need to spruce up your home office setup? Here. area few goodies sure to make life easier.

Leather jackets can be a tough sell for some guys. First off, they’re expensive, making purchasing one a bit prohibitive. Second, shopping for the right jacket can be stressful. And, in today’s world, walking into a leather shop and trying on a bunch of jackets might not even be possible.

So, what’s a guy to do? Settle for a fake jacket to save money? Grab the same jacket as every other guy from a run-of-the-mill clothing store?

Thankfully, you don’t have to do either. The Jacket Maker offers real leather jackets in literally tons of styles at great prices. But, as a direct-to-consumer company selling jackets at literally a fraction of the cost of bigger names, something has to give, right?

Well, The Jacket Maker contacted us at Next Luxury to see if we’d be interested in trying out a jacket and writing a review. Of course, we said yes, and they sent me a leather jacket of my choosing to check out. Read on to learn more about how I feel about my jacket and my experience with The Jacket Maker.

Full disclosure: This jacket was free, and I get to keep it. But I still plan to give a fair review.

When The Jacket Maker contacted me about trying out one of its products, I jumped onto the website right away to see if there was any value there. After all, I don’t want to review a product that I know I’m not going to like from the jump. It’s not fun for me, and the review won’t have any merit.

Shopping with The Jacket Maker

I was immediately impressed by The Jacket Maker’s website and the sheer amount of jackets they offer. It seemed like hundreds of jackets, all in different styles, colors, and finishes. They had biker jackets, bombers, winter jackets, trench coats, and many more.

You see, I’ve never owned a leather jacket before. It was important to me that I found a jacket I would be comfortable wearing, as many styles have an edge or attitude to them that I wasn’t sure I could pull off. I knew I would find something, though I needed time to sort through everything the company had to offer.

After searching through the endless amount of jackets, I landed on the Aaron in brown leather; a bomber jacket with ribbed cuffs and a ribbed waist. It felt like the jacket that most fit my style and that I would get the most wear out of. I knew the brown leather would work well with a particular pair of service boots I own and that my aviation-style watches would look great paired up with it.

Shipping

I was pretty excited to get this jacket, but I was leery. I’ve never been a leather jacket guy because they tend to be very expensive. With a sticker price of $250, I wasn’t getting my hopes up that this jacket would be the nicest thing in the world.

It took about ten days for me to get my jacket. That’s not that bad, but when you consider that Amazon can get almost anything to my front door in two days, it seems like a long timeframe.

To The Jacket Maker’s credit, they didn’t rush my jacket just because they knew I’d be reviewing it. My jacket fell in a list of orders just like everyone else’s. When the jacket I ordered was ready, they were going to ship it. No one who ordered a jacket at the same time was pushed to the side for a product review. I think that says something about the company.

When the jacket arrived, it came in a relatively small box with my the Aaron neatly folded inside. It also came with a reusable tote bag, which I thought was a nice touch. Nothing extra. No note telling me to enjoy the jacket, no acknowledgment at all that I wasn’t a regular customer. I appreciate that.

First Impressions

When I unboxed my jacket, even before I got it out of the plastic, the first thing I noticed was how soft it was. It wasn’t the stiff, heavy leather jacket I was expecting. I was already pretty excited.

Now, here comes the main complaint that I have with The Jacket Maker: When I ripped open the bag, expecting to get that scent of leather, I actually was hit somewhat hard with the smell of chemicals. I do some leatherworking in my spare time, and to me, it smelled like the glue used to attach seams before sewing. While the smell was disappointing, I was pretty sure it would wear off. So I decided to ignore it as best as I could.

Now, remember, I was leery about what a $250 leather jacket might feel or look like. To be very honest, the Aaron from The Jacket Maker surprised me. As mentioned, the leather was soft and supple, and it was also really evenly dyed. Aside from the purposely distressed seams around the zipper, pockets, and collar, the dye was an even chocolate color throughout.

I liked that the patch pockets were on the chest instead of along the waist like on a more traditional bomber. The design gave me two slash pockets for hand warmers — a big plus.

One of my other favorite parts of the Aaron, off the bat, was the cuffs. The cuffs were thick but not too thick, stiff but not too stiff, and I knew my watches would look excellent pulled out from underneath them. They felt snug but comfortable and structured yet soft.

When I finished checking out the style, the next thing I did was grab a sleeve and pull. And I pulled hard. I wanted to know how good the glue and stitching were, and if the leather was low-quality. I was totally prepared to ruin a jacket in the name of product review science.

The sleeve didn’t budge at all. The threads didn’t pop. The leather didn’t give. So far, so good.

The Fit

Once I knew the sleeves weren’t going to tear off and turn this bomber jacket into a motorcycle vest, I tried it on.

Now, remember, I’ve never owned a leather jacket before, and this was the first time trying one on in my adult life.

I was initially pretty surprised at the snug fit. I went up a size when I ordered it, and I was surprised to find that it was still pretty snug. I even double-checked the tag to ensure they sent me the right jacket. Well, they did.

But, apparently, leather jackets are supposed to be tight. They’re supposed to break in and conform to your body, so it might truly be my own ignorance that I felt this jacket might be a bit too snug.

If you prefer a little extra room, I suggest sizing up at least one size — possibly two, depending on your build.

With that said, the sleeves were a great length, and the waist fell just about where I wanted it to, which is something that can be hard to find. It honestly looks great.

It’s just a little snug.

Made to Fit

This is a good time to mention that The Jacket Maker will create a custom jacket for you based on the measurements you give them. The company offers it on every jacket they sell, included non-leather options (yes, they carry jackets in materials other than leather, too).

This bespoke service is pretty unique, and it only costs an additional $30. If you’re worried about finding the perfect fit because the sizing might be a bit askew, the additional cost is money well spent.

The Good and The Bad

Honestly, I like this jacket. I never thought I’d consider myself a leather jacket guy, but after wearing the Aaron, I’m a huge fan. It makes me feel cool, like I should be walking outside and throwing my leg over a cafe racer. It’s a little Virgil Hilts, a little Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, and a little Arthur Fonzarelli all wrapped up into one jacket.

I’m actually considering buying another jacket from The Jacket Maker in another style. But, let’s get into the pros and cons before I go any further. Cons first.

Cons

I already mentioned the only two “gripes” I have with the Aaron, so if you were paying attention, you’d already know what I’m about to say.

The jacket’s a little snug, and it’s across the entire torso and back. After wearing it a lot, it has broken in some, but it does fit like a second skin. I think I could’ve sized up one more size and been over the moon with the fit.

That said, guys who want a genuinely snug fit should still size up one size. The Jacket Maker should probably bump all their sizes up one size each and it would solve everything (from my non-professional opinion, of course).

The other issue was the smell. When I opened my bag, I wasn’t hit with that beautiful leather jacket smell we all know and love. It smelled like chemicals. Now, I’ve done some research on this because I want to be fair to both the reader and The Jacket Maker. I couldn’t find mention of the smell anywhere else on any other review.

I think there’s a pretty good chance my jacket was a one-and-done deal. I have a theory that my jacket was freshly tanned, glued, stitched, and shipped. If I had to guess, it might’ve been bagged too quickly, and the chemicals used in the process didn’t have a chance to off-gas. An unfortunate circumstance, yes, but probably not something anyone else would have to worry about.

And, the smell has certainly gotten better. I imagine with a bit more time, the smell will disappear entire.

Pros

So you already know that I like it, but let me break down why that is.

First, let’s state the obvious: The price is unbelievable. A legitimate leather jacket for $250? I highly doubt there’s a better deal in leather jackets out there. Even if you can find a cheaper one, I don’t think the value will be there. Not like it is with the Aaron, or any of the jackets from The Jacket Maker.

Second, the quality is surprisingly good. My jacket is goat leather, which isn’t quite as durable or strong as cow leather, but it’s incredibly soft and the grainy texture is really nice. I rubbed a little conditioner into it when I got it just to give it a bit more flexibility, and it’s starting to break in quite nicely. The seams are strong, with plenty of stitching, and I can assume, plenty of glue. The polyester lining inside is quite cozy and soft, making it very comfortable to wear over a short-sleeve t-shirt.

I also really like the style. Most bomber-style jackets have pouch pockets on the stomach on either side of the zipper. The Aaron has two chest pockets with button closures instead. That design, coupled with the distressed seams and handwarmer pockets, creates a functional, sleek, and rugged look.

It’s not just the jacket I like, either. The Jacket Maker’s website and the sheer number of styles they have available are both incredible.

Overall Impression

I already said that I’m thinking of purchasing an additional jacket from The Jacket Maker, so obviously, I’m impressed. The affordability mixed with the quality is wild. Are there better leather jackets out there? Of course. But The Jacket Maker isn’t going after those manufacturers. They’re carving out their own niche, offering direct-to-consumer jackets at killer prices.

So, even though my jacket might not have been perfect, it’s still an awesome piece of my wardrobe, and I’ll definitely get plenty of use out of it. And, considering I’m ready to spend my own money on another jacket from The Jacket Maker, it’s safe to say I’m a fan of this brand and its products.

Check out their range for yourself here.

When it comes to pocket knives, I’ve seen it all. I spent years in a career where having the biggest, baddest tactical knife was a rite of passage. More than once, there’s been a lot on the line where a great pocket knife bailed me out.

When I left that career, I started transitioning my style and EDC gear to a more smart casual, mature aesthetic. Big burly knives, carbon fiber accessories, and matte black finishes stopped appealing to me.

In the process, I grew an affinity for French-made folders. To be quite honest (and admittedly unfair), I had no idea that so many great knives came from France. When I got the chance to take the French-made Deejo pocket knife for a test drive, I jumped at the chance.

While I got a free product, you’ll get an honest assessment of a luxe, highly-customizable pocket knife. Keep reading to find out how this knife fared.

Ordering My Deejo

Most companies that send me products to review seem to grab something off the shelf, check it over quickly, and ship it out. Not Deejo.

One of the things I instantly liked about Deejo as a company is that they let me shop for my knife the exact way anyone else would. Creating a knife with Deejo is an experience, not the type of soulless “add to cart” and “checkout” online shopping that I’m accustomed to.

When you land on Deejo’s homepage, the drop-down menu holds a lot of choices. Essentially, almost all of those choices lead to the same basic knife, but in several variations. Try customizing your own knife here.

You’ll have choices between metal finishes, wood species, and three sizes. You’ll also get to choose between blade designs, which Deejo refers to as “tattoos.”

Tattoo is a fair description. Most of these designs would look just as at home in a sleeve as they do on a blade.

They have nautical themes, animals, motorcycles, guitars, sports, and a myriad of other choices. While some of them are busy, none of them appear hokey or cheesy. Even the guy downhill skiing somehow looks cool on the side of a knife blade.

Several of these tattoos resonated with me. I went back and forth between a few designs, and ultimately, I chose one that was the most sentimental to me (I’ll explain later) in the 37g size. I went with a mirror polish as well, as I felt the contrast between the shiny blade and the matte engraving would tattle on Deejo if the production wasn’t spot-on.

Once I chose the design, I was able to select the wood accent for the handle. I didn’t want some ordinary, stock knife, so I went with an olive wood handle to match some of my other pieces.

You can see how your design is developing in the 3D design tool, and I was becoming very impressed with what I saw.

Deejo also offers engraving. Of course, I had to go for it. I wasn’t going to cheap out now. I felt that I needed to put Deejo’s options to the test to see what they could create. So, I personalized my knife with a saying that means a lot to me and wrapped up my purchase.

Shipping

If you can’t already tell, this review won’t just cover the knife, but also what it’s like to work with Deejo as a company.

I custom ordered a knife that I knew was coming from France, so I didn’t expect to see it anytime soon. The website states that knives ship within 48 hours, but I thought there might be some grey area for custom orders.

I don’t know if Deejo gave me special attention, but this knife was on my doorstep way before I expected it.

From the time I finalized my order to the time I had it in hand was a matter of days.

It came well-protected in a very sleek black gift box. It was so secure, in fact, that it was initially challenging to remove the knife to check it out. A few seconds of struggle and it was free, mine for the reviewing.

First Impressions

When this knife arrived so quickly, I was skeptical about the level of finish. After all, I went with a detailed design, engraving, and a custom wood handle. How could a company throw all of that together and have it on my doorstep within a few days? Quality would be lacking, I was sure.

That simply wasn’t the case. The craftsmanship was outstanding.

Weight vs. Length

The first thing I noticed was that it was light. Oh, so light. It weighs just 37 grams, making it lighter than any of my other knives. It was even lighter than my Opinel No. 6, which I started carrying to save weight.

It could be easy for a knifemaker to create a tiny knife and call it lightweight, but that’s not what Deejo does. The 37g is the largest pocket knife that Deejo offers, and it’s not small by any stretch. The closed length is around 4.25 inches, while the overall opened length is just over 8 inches.

That impressed me. I knew the dimensions when I ordered the knife, but comparing its heft to its size in person allowed me to appreciate the design that much more.

The Laser Etching

The laser etching was clean, crisp, and smooth. I know, that sounds like a beer commercial, but there’s no better way to describe this work. The design I finally chose was a bar of music notes, with a large treble clef in the middle.

My grandfather was a fantastic clarinet player, and he kept a plastic treble clef hanging from a suction cup on his sliding patio door. This design was perfect for sentimental reasons, but it also features tons of curves and twists, so I knew it would put the engraver to the test. It passed with flying colors.

The Engraving

I don’t know what goes into engraving this particular grade of stainless steel, but I imagine it’s easy to botch. I had my grandfather’s favorite phrase, “You Win Some, You Lose Some,” engraved on the liner lock, and it came out absolutely perfect. Clean, well proportioned, and it seems deeper than the laser etching, though I can’t say that for sure.

The Handle

The olive wood handle looked great. If you don’t have an olive wood handled knife in your collection, do yourself a favor and start shopping for one. I absolutely love this wood, and Deejo’s take on it did it justice. For such a small sliver of wood, it feels natural and rugged while also being refined.

For Transparency’s Sake

I want to be very transparent. There was one aspect of my initial impression that I didn’t entirely love, but I’ll wait to explain that. Given my penchant for being hard to please, the Deejo was already off to an excellent start.

Living with the Deejo Knife

I’ll be frank with you, right off the bat. I don’t carry the Deejo often. It’s not because it’s a lousy knife to carry. There’s no design flaw that keeps it from clipping to my left front pocket. It’s actually quite the opposite.

This knife is beautiful. It’s too damn nice to tuck in the pocket of my ragged old Levi’s. Remember, it wasn’t that long ago that I was clipping tactical, automatic knives to my pants pocket. To me, this knife belongs in plain sight. It needs to be where I can see it and appreciate it. It sits on my desk where I can enjoy it and use it several times a day.

When I do carry it, it’s because it fits the occasion. Whether it’s a date night with my wife, or I’m wearing a nice jacket, I carry it when it can really top off my style.

This is no ordinary knife; its stunning looks make it the perfect gift. It’s not too expensive either – see prices here.

The Steel

The Deejo uses Z40C13 stainless steel for their blades. A little research shows that this particular grade of stainless steel is a bit of a French thing. Other very well regarded French knife makers use Z40C13. All I can say for it is that it came sharp right out of the box, though I did hone it quickly. It’s been two months of daily use, and it maintains a very sharp edge.

The Pocket Clip

The pocket clip is very sturdy. In fact, it can be challenging to slide it over the pocket stitching of a pair of jeans. But that’s with good reason. Deejo states that much of the knife’s structural integrity comes from the pocket clip. I believe it; it’s burly.

With that said, the overall thickness is still noticeably less than my next thinnest knife — and that one doesn’t have a pocket clip.

The Blade Lock

It does feature a liner lock, and quite a good one at that. With the blade open, the thick stainless bar snaps right into place, chocking the blade open with almost zero play. In fact, the only play you really experience appears to be more a result of the Deejo’s overall thickness (or lack thereof), though it’s hardly noticeable at all.

Opening the Deejo

There isn’t a thumb stud or flipper lever on the Deejo. While that might seem like a drawback, opening this knife like a tough guy would just detract from its style and refinement. While you can open it with a flat thumb on the side of the knife, it opens quite nicely with two hands, like a gentleman would open a knife.

A Gentleman’s Knife

That’s who this knife is for, after all: a gentleman. While we all love our manly pursuits, this knife doesn’t belong field dressing game or cutting lashing for a makeshift camp.

In my opinion, it belongs in the inner pocket of a blazer or sport coat. It belongs in a briefcase pocket. In my case, it belongs on the desk of a writer and editor.

That’s not to say this isn’t a capable pocket knife. It’s just not the one to reach for when prying open a paint can. If you’re concerned about self-defense, as long as you have the capacity to open it with two hands, it could buy you some time to get away.

Deejo knows this isn’t the typical EDC-style knife. According to their own FAQs, it’s not a heavy-duty design. It’s meant for cutting meat, peeling and slicing fruit, and opening letters and packages.

Honestly, with the amount of Amazon packages I’m getting lately, it buys me at least a few seconds of feeling like a refined gentleman every time I use it to cut one open.

The Complaints

I’ve done a fair bit of gushing over this knife, so it’s important to me that you understand where the Deejo and I didn’t see eye-to-eye.

Remember that one moan I mentioned during my first impression? Here it is: the Deejo takes some getting used to in-hand. The minimalist design makes it very thin, and you’re not going to get a natural grip on it right away. I’m better acquainted with this knife now, so I’m over the awkward phase, but it does take a bit of getting used to.

My biggest complaint rears its head when the knife is in the closed position. The handle groove that the blade stores in is flat, and it’s almost 2mm wide. With the knife closed, the end of the blade rests on the wood handle, and it has enough room to wiggle and rub the blade edge against the wood.

My concern is this will dull the blade. A small v-groove instead of the flat bottom would solve this entirely. With that said, the Deejo still maintains an excellent edge.

Overall Impression

Initially, I had some concern that choosing such a sentimental design and engraving would somehow distort my view of this knife. I thought maybe I should’ve gone with something more basic to allow myself to give a perfectly unbiased review. But then I realized, that’s what makes these knives so special.

Deejo does an incredible job of personalizing a knife. Even if you choose a basic model from their collection, the designs are so abundant that you can certainly find one to represent yourself. But it’s in building custom knives that Deejo really shines.

The Deejo knife makes one of the best, most thoughtful gifts that I can think of. The amount of thought and consideration that goes into creating the perfect knife for someone says it all. But, couple it with an innovative design and quality construction, and you have the ideal present.

It’ll be a cold day in hell before I give up my Deejo. I would certainly recommend it to anyone looking for a minimalist-design pocket knife with a bit of flair.

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. Ridge sent me this wallet, and as far as I know, I don’t have to send it back.

I don’t like anything in my pockets. I prefer to keep my jeans, chinos, or shorts as light as possible. If I have to put something in my pockets, I prefer it to be small and light. I clip a knife to my pocket, and I rarely carry my truck keys if I don’t have to. When most people come home and slip off their boots, I come home and empty my pockets.

When it comes to my “EDC” kit, I keep it light. I’ve been using a front-pocket wallet for years. I like them because they’re light and small, and they keep everything I need in one place. But when Ridge sent me the Ridge Wallet Carbon Fiber 3K and the Burnt Titanium, I wanted to see if these wallets would work for my lifestyle and my penchant for empty pockets.

The best portable air compressors will help you get the job done quickly while still being light enough to move from the garage to the house with ease. Whether it’s for DIY work or just inflating bike tires on the weekend, portable air compressors can make all the difference.

Air Powered Tools

There are a lot of tools that can run on compressed air, some of which you might not even realize. It doesn’t matter if you’re a carpenter, mechanic, or a regular homeowner, having the ability to run these tools off of compressed air will make your job easier. There are three main types:

Fastening tools: Nail guns, staple guns, rivet guns, ratchets, impact drivers

Cutting tools: Grinders, cut-off wheels, reciprocating saws, nippers, and metal shears

Finishing tools: Paint sprayers, buffers, sanders

Portable Air Compressors – What to Know Before You Buy

If you’re in the market for a compressor but you aren’t sure which one that you need, we’re here to help. Let us point you in the right direction on a few things you should know about compressors before you run and grab one off of the shelf.

Size

While it may seem appealing to purchase a massive 80-gallon compressor, the truth is you probably don’t need one that big, and it may actually just become an inconvenience. Compressors that big are meant for heavy-duty shop use, not the portability you’ll need as a homeowner. Small “pancake” style compressors are a better fit for light-duty use around the house.

Durability

Not all portable compressors are created equal. You’ll want a high-quality compressor that will last for thousands of cycles. On a roofing job, for instance, you’ll be using a lot of air each time you shoot a nail. Your compressor will be running constantly to try to keep up with you. If your compressor isn’t built for that type of work, you’ll burn it out quickly.

PSI

If you’re not familiar with the term PSI, it stands for pounds per square inch, and it’s a unit of measurement that represents pressure. The best portable air compressors come with adjustable PSI ranges and they’re important for the proper operation of many tools.

Overpressurizing certain tools can lead to failure or injury, while not enough pressure will keep the tool from working at all. Flexibility in regard to your pressure range is essential, and many models have regulators that can adjust the pressure for your particular needs.

Air Hose

Your compressor more than likely won’t come with a hose, so you need to know a little about air hoses too before you can be fully operational. There are several types of hose, but the most popular and economical types are either PVC or rubber.

PVC is great as it’s lightweight and it’s less likely to damage anything as you drag it through your home, but it can be frustratingly stiff when cold. Rubber reacts well in all temperatures but it’s heavy and will mark up your walls and any moldings that it rubs against.

5 Best Portable Air Compressors for Your Home Shop and DIY Needs

Best Buy

1. DEWALT 6 gal Pancake Air Compressor

Check Price

Our choice for the best overall portable air compressor comes from one of the most trusted brands in the tool industry: DEWALT. This 6-gallon pancake-style compressor has a maximum pressure of 165 psi, enough pressure and volume for nearly any tool. It also operates at 75.5 dBa, meaning it’s relatively quiet – which is a good thing for long, all-day use.

There are very few DEWALT tools that we don’t like, but we especially like this pancake compressor. Its professional quality, high maximum pressure, and portability are our favorite parts of this model. This compressor only weighs 30 pounds, light enough for any DIYer to move around the job. The fact that it’s so quiet can’t be overlooked, as there’s nothing worse than yelling over a compressor all day.

There are a couple of things to be aware of, however. Some reviewers state that this model was delivered to them with several air leaks around where the tank and compressor connect. Some others have stated that their compressor head wasn’t connected to the tank at all. Some even popped off when they attempted to remove the compressor from the shipping box. So keep that in mind if deciding on choosing this air compressor.

2. DEWALT FLEXVOLT 2.5 gal 60v Cordless Compressor

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DEWALT has long been the king of battery-powered tools, and this air compressor is no different. This 2.5-gallon air compressor runs on DEWALT’s FLEXVOLT system. FLEXVOLT is their proprietary system in which a compatible battery can be run at 60v or 20v, depending on the tool it’s attached to. This particular compressor runs at 135 psi and DEWALT claims it has the ability to drive over 1,220 brad nails on one charge.

The FLEXVOLT compressor is a really impressive piece of technology and as such, it deserves the win for the best premium compressor. This unit is the epitome of portable, not only for its lack of a cord but also because it only weighs 21 pounds. With a few batteries on hand, you can take this compressor anywhere and accomplish some pretty big jobs.

The main complaint that reviewers have had about this compressor appears to be related to its small tank. While using attachments that use constant airflow (blower attachments, impact guns, etc.), the compressor has a hard time keeping up with the amount of discharged air. If these are your intended uses, you might want to consider an option with a larger tank.

3. Campbell Hausfeld 3 gal Horizontal Air Compressor

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For those among us that don’t require a heavy-duty tool and would like to save some hard-earned money, the Campbell-Hausfeld 3-gallon Horizontal Air Compressor is a tried and true option. It has a maximum air pressure of 110 psi and comes with a few extras like a coiled hose, quick-connect fittings, tire inflator, and blower attachment.

The thing that appeals to us the most about the Campbell-Hausfeld 3-gallon Horizontal Air Compressor is its price. For under $80, you get a perfectly serviceable, lightweight, and portable air compressor that’s good enough for most uses around the house. While it probably won’t power large framing nailers reliably, it will pop finish nails into trim work without any issues. It’ll also fill bike and vehicle tires, and can even be used with a paint sprayer.

There are some common complaints from reviewers about this particular machine. It tends to be more than a little loud. While most DIYers can deal with a little noise, this compressor is slow to build up pressure, so you’ll be listening to it for a while. If that’s a problem for you, you might want to consider a more expensive option.

4. Bostitch 6 Gal Pancake Air Compressor

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The Bostitch name has been around for a long time, almost 125 years to be exact. During that time, they’ve been known as a reliable tool and machinery company that builds quality products. Their 6-gallon pancake air compressor continues that tradition. This model has a maximum pressure of 150 psi while also running at 78.5 dBa, meaning that you’re getting a powerful compressor with a quiet-running motor.

We would be proud to keep this compressor in our shop for DIY use. We like that this simple, easy-to-use compressor is compact and light, weighing only 31 pounds. It also has dual outlets, making it ideal if you need two types of nailers on the same project but don’t want to keep attaching and detaching them. This is another compressor with a noise level we can easily tolerate, making it a great choice for use at home.

5. CRAFTSMAN 6 gal Pancake Air Compressor With 13 Piece Accessory Kit

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Realistically, everyone has to start somewhere. You might not have all the tools your shop needs to start performing your own maintenance on your equipment or vehicles. This CRAFTSMAN 6-gallon Pancake Air Compressor comes with a kit of 13 accessories to help get you over that initial hurdle. It comes with items like a PVC hose, tire chuck, male and female connectors, a blower, and other tools to help you get started. It also has a maximum output of 150 psi, making it powerful enough for most of the pneumatic tools a homeowner or DIYer will use.

The accessories are nice, but this is just a good compressor. It has enough power to get the job done without being a large, cumbersome unit. It’s also relatively inexpensive when you consider the extras you’re getting with it. It’s perfect for a home shop and some renovation use.

Our Final Thoughts

While all of these compressors are good tools, they have their strengths and shortcomings. Some are more powerful than others, while some will save you some money in the long run. We’ve taken all that into consideration as we compiled this list.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, the Campbell-Hausfeld will do the job. If it’s ultimate portability you need then DEWALT’s FLEXVOLT compressor simply cannot be beaten. Finally, if you just need a reliable compressor to get the job done without fail, the DEWALT 6-gallon pancake air compressor is the choice for you.

The grey bathroom tile scheme evokes sea passages and nautical getaways, at once handsome and simple to implement into your design scope. Grey never overwhelms the greater picture, and your personal effects and preferred splashes of color will only enhance the overall effect of your bathroom abode. From floor to ceiling and most certainly within the shower and bordering the bathtub, grey tiles elevate your bathroom to a new standard of fine living.

Unforced and unequivocally elegant, your grey tiled bathroom welcomes you and your guests alike with the promise of absolute serenity. No drama or drab skies here; your grey bathroom is a gentleman’s retreat, a place to revive and restore, and return to the world a new man.

Grey has long been embraced by nouveau designers as the ideal counterpart hue for any home or interior room. Whether it’s a simple detail you’re looking to upgrade or an entire do-over, grey is the go-to choice of the man who prefers minimal drama and a lot of allure.

The pantry is like any other room or corner of the house where decorative appeal is concerned; it too carries the potential to make a style statement, and further reflect your home’s design scheme. From farmhouse rustic to sliding glass sleekness, your pantry door can be one more gateway into your home’s resplendence. Stripped barn wood, French cabinetry, and even parted curtains suggest that your butler’s pantry is more than just a storage unit, but proof of your culinary prowess.

Whether your pantry is small and simple or akin to a walk-in closet, today’s designs ensure that every entrance is one worth remembering. The kitchen is the epicenter of the home, a place of gathering and replenishing both stomach and soul. For the man who often entertains just beyond the stove, no detail is too small for reconsideration.

Just as you wouldn’t seat your guests at a dirty table or allow them to bear witness to faulty kitchen equipment, you surely wish to present your pantry in the manner it deserves.

After all, these awesome kitchen pantry door ideas are where the fruits that will contribute to your labor are produced—why not show them off like the pro you are?

1. Elegant Wood

Wood doors fit in a huge array of kitchen spaces, especially when used for a pantry. Modern, classic,  and rustic kitchens can all benefit from switching an existing pantry door over to one of a wood variety.

Even if the other doors in your kitchen are painted a particular color, a contrasting wood door stained an attractive and contrasting shade can be an awesome feature that stands out from the rest of the room. Having a pantry is a luxury, and there’s no shame in drawing attention to yours.

If you’re purposely attempting to mismatch your pantry door from the rest of the house, it might be a good idea to go with a different look entirely. Take this as the opportunity to use a certain style of door that you’ve always wanted but didn’t have the right place to try it.

Wood doors can come in a variety of styles, and be hung in different ways as well. You’ll find them on sliding tracks, traditional hinges, pivot hinges, and pocket-door recesses. They can be fitted with glass inserts or screens, or they can be constructed as solid slabs. Anything goes with wood pantry doors.

2. Rustic Farmhouse Charm

The idea of a pantry lends itself so well to the farmhouse-aesthetic. These country-style home kitchens are usually a simple but elegant design, which allows a wide range of doors to be used for closets, pantries, and other storage spaces. They can be a little distressed and rustic, so you don’t have to break your back by paying attention to every little detail.

If you’re going for the farmhouse look on your pantry door, there are some easy ways to make it look like it’s seen more than its fair share of harvests. If you already have an existing door, you can use methods to antique and distress it, providing a broken-in but new look for the space.

Consider using matching antique and distressed signs and decorative items around the door to add that extra country feel. If you’ve got some door hardware that was original to the house, think about how you can make that work for the door as well. Hinges are easy to fix, while door knobs might not be, so think about reaching out to a locksmith to see if they can rebuild the hardware for you.

3. Embracing a Classic

Barn doors have taken a huge step forward in the last ten to 15 years. Once believed to be a short-lived trend, they’ve shown remarkable versatility with some serious staying power. Mounted on sliding tracks, these doors are slid out of the way to open them, and pulled back when you need them shut.

What makes barn doors so attractive for a kitchen pantry is that they don’t have to take up valuable floor space when opened, making the flow in the cooking area less obstructed and easier to work in.

While you can buy barn door kits complete with all the required hardware at stores like Home Depot, you can save quite a bit by tackling the project yourself. Due to this project’s popularity, there are a ton of great videos on YouTube to show you how it’s done. The following video below will not only show you how to build the door, but also how you’ll save a bunch of money doing it yourself. We’re talking a couple of hundred dollars here, so it’s definitely worth taking a look.

4. Let There Be Light

We all want the bright, cheery kitchens that we see in home magazines, but the reality is you may not have the windows and natural light to make that look work. There are options besides adding lighting fixtures and poking holes in your exterior walls to solve this problem.

Adding reflective surfaces has been a trade secret in the design world for years. For instance, adding a mirror to a wall across from a window will reflect the natural light that the room already has into the rest of the space. This makes the room feel bigger and brighter. You can pull this off with your pantry door as well.

Choosing a pantry door with a glass window insert is a great way to brighten up a kitchen, while also making your pantry stand out just a little. The glass panes make great places to try an adhesive decal with your favorite quote or a litany of other patterns and ideas.

If you’re worried that a glass window in your pantry door will reveal the chaos that exists behind it, you’re right, it will. You can take a few steps to avoid that though. For one, you can use a frosted glass film to coat the backside of the glass. This makes it much harder to see through, and unless something is right up against the glass, you won’t be able to make out anything behind the door. You can also hang a curtain across the glass on the inside of the door, giving the pantry a cottage feel.

5. Functional and Stylish

Sometimes it’s hard to keep track of everything that we have going on. For some of us, if we don’t write it down, we won’t get to it at all. Luckily, chalkboard paint, one of the most popular kitchen DIY products available, can help solve this issue.

In many kitchens, chalkboards are an important part of not only the kitchen’s design but also how a family keeps track of things. Chalkboard paint can turn any flat surface into a notepad, design studio, menu, or welcoming message board. The application is easy, requiring no more effort than standard paint. The result is a surface that you can scratch a few ideas out on or use to keep track of what you’ve run out of in the pantry.

Using a chalkboard on your pantry door is a fun way to add some interest and functionality to your kitchen. Sure, your door effectively divides two spaces, but how much more useful would it be if you could leave important messages or keep track of items you’re running low on. Even better, kids love these chalkboard surfaces, so they can stay busy while you’re trying to get dinner together.

6. French Flair

Sometimes tight spaces call for thinking outside of the box. If a full-size pantry door interrupts the flow of your kitchen, then consider taking a few ideas from this category.

Depending on where your pantry is situated, opening the door might require you to take an awkward back step, shuffle, or angle before you can get the door open and pull from the shelves. Now, if you replace that single door with a set of French or double doors, you’ll be able to take a step that’s half as awkward, and that could make all the difference in the world. This can be a massive improvement to your kitchen’s overall functionality.

One thing to keep in mind when shopping for doors for this project is that French doors don’t always come in sets of two. A French door is actually considered any door with several glass panels from the top of the door to the bottom. To pull this project off, you’ll need a set of French doors, but they won’t be hard to find.

Don’t be afraid to take a swing at building some double doors for yourself. They don’t have to be overly complicated, and you can use plywood as the main backbone of the door. There are some excellent tutorials available to show you how it’s done. If you’re a DIY kind-of-guy, do a little research and see if this project is within your realm of capabilities.

7. Cohesive Design

A pantry doesn’t have to look like another room, purposefully built, and separate from the rest of the kitchen. If you plan your kitchen renovation to include a pantry, you can build it right into the floorspace you already have. This can produce a seamless flow of cabinets without detracting from the design or designating precious wall space for a doorway.

Creating a pantry that looks just like your other cabinets is a smart way to provide extra storage without a complicated structural renovation. The size and structure of the cabinet are actually rather arbitrary here. The real goal is to find, build, or consign a cabinetmaker to build matching doors.

If a new look is in the works for your kitchen, you can consider this option. There are many companies online that will build cabinet doors to your specs and ship them to you. You can build your perfect pantry cabinet, and have one of these companies construct brand-new doors for all your cabinets. While not inexpensive, it’s an effective and easy way to ensure that your pantry cabinet door matches everything else.

8. Breezy and Functional

And now for something completely different. If you’ve never considered using a screen door for your pantry entryway, this article may change your mind. These screen doors can make awesome additions to small kitchens. They’ve been popular in restaurant kitchens for years as they’re easy to open when your hands are full, allow plenty of air movement, and most importantly of all, you can see through them to avoid crashing into someone with their arms full of food.

Maybe you don’t need all the flexibility and function that a screen pantry door can offer, but the look alone may be worth the move. You can choose a simple design from off of a home center shelf, or you can design and build your own. They can be fitted with closing mechanisms as well, to ensure that they close after you’ve passed through with whatever you needed to get from the pantry.

If you’d like to try your hand at building a door, a screen door is a great place to start. These are very light doors, so if your joinery isn’t spot on, it shouldn’t end in catastrophic failure. For an excellent, in-depth tutorial on how to make this work, watch the video below.

But what if you are merely looking to reclaim a bit of privacy for yourself and your surroundings?

What if style and curb appeal certainly factor into your decision, but the ultimate choice resides in the fence that keeps the world out and encompasses you within yours?

These top 50 best privacy fence ideas are designed with a simple goal in mind: to raise an attractive but nonetheless opaque barrier between your home and the uninvited gaze of the outside. Privacy fences can be easily customized to blend with your house’s exterior, employing the use of various woods, stains, and concealing angles.

Similarly, a combination of latticing and expertly planted hedges or bamboo can shield your habitat in a charmingly clever bit of old-fashioned implementation. Even the ingeniously spaced fencing panel scheme allows an openness on your side and absolute seclusion from the other.

Privacy is not just a luxury, but a right that all are entitled to. While standards of privacy may be dwindling in our present world, that doesn’t mean you can’t still achieve it within the sanctity of your home.

A finely selected and well-positioned fence affords you the refuge that is the hallmark of the hard-earned home, while lending a brush of accent style that only enhances your property’s appeal. Don’t let another season pass you by under the prying eyes of neighbors and passersby; the nouveau privacy fence all but begs to be appointed.

1. Wood Privacy Fence Ideas

When the average person thinks of a privacy fence, a wood panel design usually comes to their mind. They’re sturdy, affordable, and can provide as much privacy as you’d like them to. They can last for years, especially if maintained properly.

One of the best things about a wooden fence is that it’s easily adaptable. Wood fences take paint nicely, so color changes from year to year are not a problem. You can also customize a wood fence easily. With some time, a miter saw, and a nail gun, you can add decorative touches or trim to a basic wooden fence, making it look like it cost far more than it did.

You can purchase wood fence panels, but you should also consider a DIY privacy fence. This allows you to choose your own slat spacing, design, height, and materials. The end result will be far nicer than an off-the-shelf panel that you can purchase at the local home center.

If you need some inspiration on how to build your own wooden fence, here’s a great video detailing the steps and tools required.

2. Metal Privacy Fence Ideas

Metal has become a popular fencing product due to recent trends and to be honest, they look pretty cool. Many of these metal fencing projects are built with corrugated roofing material, which makes them tough and long-lasting.

Most times that you’re adapting a product for unintended use, you have to think outside the box to make it work. Luckily, this project has been tackled enough that there are plenty of fencing tips, how-tos and DIYs available on the internet to get an idea of how it works.

Corrugated roofing isn’t your only option for a metal fence. You can purchase metal panels and posts meant specifically for fencing. They’re perfect if you’d like a low-maintenance option that requires less thought and adaptation, so check out the metal products in your local home center’s fencing section. These fence panels are typically more expensive than other products, but they’re tough and look amazing. They also come in several different styles and sizes, so finding a metal fence to create some privacy won’t be an issue for you.

3. Natural Privacy Fence Ideas

Some people just don’t like the feeling of a fenced-in backyard. It makes them feel cramped, like an animal in a crate. If that’s you, but you recognize that you could stand to do with a little more privacy, consider a natural fence to block out the rest of the world. Yard fencing materials can consist of trees, shrubs, or a combination of standard fencing and natural plants.

There are some species of trees and plants that lend themselves particularly well to the natural fence style. Trees like cypress and red cedar, as well as shrubs like lilac and arborvitae, all get tall and dense enough to create a vertical garden and privacy screen between you and your neighbor. Planted in a row or in an offset pattern, they will grow into a thick natural backyard fence and keep your business private.

While one would think a tree or shrub would be low-maintenance, there are some things to be aware of. For one, you might not want to plant this privacy fence too close to your home. Roots can find themselves in the most precarious of places, so keeping them away from your foundation is probably best. Also, some of these trees do better in full sunlight, while others could use some shade. Consider where you’re building this natural fence before you decide what shrub or tree you’d like to use. Finally, if you have a heavy deer population, you may find that they like nibbling on the lower part of your fence.

4. Traditional Privacy Fence Ideas

Traditional style fencing isn’t relegated to just the wooden picket fences in the front yards of suburbia. There are a number of timeless styles and designs that work well to provide backyard privacy as well. If you’ve got a traditional style home and want to put up a fence that blends in with your design, this might be the category to focus on.

The trick here is to choose a fence style that fits your outdoor space. If you’ve got some rolling hills in your backyard, it would make sense that you’d choose a fence with round curves to mimic the slopes. You could use an arched fence or scalloped fence design, as they both maintain smooth, consistent curves. While you certainly can build them yourself, it might save time to purchase these in panels.

For flatter backyards, squared panels might look the best for privacy fencing. They maintain a flat, parallel top rail, but you can also climb small slopes by tiering or racking the panel, whichever you feel looks the nicest. These are also easiest to install if purchased in pre-built panels, but you could save money by building these fences board-by-board.

5. Contemporary Privacy Fence Ideas

Some backyard designs require a different style of fencing to look whole and complete. A home with a backyard full of modern touches would look strange with a white picket fence wrapped around it. That home would be better served by using a contemporary style of fence. Contemporary fences can be made from a number of materials and come in many different styles, but popular choices are metal-woven fences, as well as horizontal wood board-on-board styles.

The great thing about a contemporary fence style is that it doesn’t necessarily have to fit in with everything else in the yard. It just has to fit the style. These fences can be nearly any color or material. In the images below, you’ll see a copper-look woven privacy fence that creates an awesome look. Just as nice as that fence looks in that space, a horizontal plank fence would work there as well. The contemporary style, which is seemingly strict in certain areas, allows for a bit of fun elsewhere.

If you’re going out on a limb and trying something different, there are a few things to be aware of. If your neighbor can see the fence, the style might not be their cup of tea. In the spirit of being a good neighbor, you two should work on an option that works for both of you. Also, when the comes for you to sell your house, any non-traditional touch could be a point of contention for a potential buyer. That being said, if this is your forever home or your neighbor is unaffected by your fence choice, the sky is the limit.

6. Gabion and Masonry Privacy Fence Ideas

If you prefer the look of stone over PVC, metal, or wood, you should consider building a stone fence or masonry wall to help gain some privacy. These walls can be large, mortared stacked-stone walls that are meticulously laid out, or you can try a less traditional gabion wall, built with large rocks inside of metal frames.

Gabion walls are a simple but highly effective privacy fencing solution. They can be built almost anywhere that’s relatively level, and they’re a pretty affordable option. Gabion walls are metal-framed baskets filled with large stones. They don’t require foundations and are very stable if built correctly. They work well as a standalone structure, or they can be used in conjunction with standard fence materials to create a dual-textured look.

Stacked stone, brick, and block walls are also good options for building truly private fences. Not only will these materials block out on-lookers’ prying eyes, but they’ll also block much of the sound transfer from the neighbor’s house to yours and vice versa. These structures are more expensive to build and do require some serious knowledge or a contractor, but the end result will be a very secluded space for you to kick back in.

Have a look at this video that explains and shows how to build a large gabion retaining wall:

7. Vinyl Privacy Fence Ideas

For the past couple of decades, vinyl and PVC products have taken the home improvement world by storm. Vinyl fencing panels have become a particularly attractive option, as they require very little maintenance and are light enough to be installed without help. Vinyl fencing panels have also come down considerably in pricing, making them a viable option for homeowners on a budget.

There are quite a few choices when it comes to vinyl privacy fences. Your local home center should have a large selection of products on hand, as well as a few catalogs from manufacturers that they can order from. The variety available makes it easy to find a vinyl fence that matches your backyard’s style and design while also providing plenty of privacy. These fences typically come in panels, like one fence from Lowe’s, to make the installation fast and straightforward.

There are a few things you should be aware of before you order all your fence panels. PVC and vinyl can become very brittle in the cold, so a winter install should be considered a no-go for all but the warmest climates. You should also be aware that in that cold weather, any heavy impacts from dogs or playing children could lead to some damage as well. These panels aren’t very easy to fix either, so if this is a factor for you, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

8. Privacy Fence Gate Ideas

There is a lot to be said about gates. They are ultimately the most important part of a fence project. They need to be well-designed, well-planned for, and finely executed. If not handled properly, gates just become flimsy eyesores that compromise the integrity of the fences they’re meant to secure. When built correctly, they are strong and stable, and also a pleasure to use.

While not all your fence posts need to be set in concrete, you’d be doing yourself a disservice by not cementing your gate posts in the ground. Keep in mind that these fence posts will experience pressure the entire time that the gate is open by carrying the weight of the door. This can easily loosen a fence post that’s only been set in the ground, regardless of the depth it was dug to.

Now that we have structure out of the way, you need to consider what you’d like your gate to look like. Some homeowners choose to have their gate blend in with the rest of the field of fencing, while others prefer that their gate stand out. The previous images have some awesome examples of how to build a highly-functional, good-looking gate that will last as long as your fence is standing.

Privacy Fence FAQs

Can a privacy fence add value to my home?

Depending on the type of fence and material used, the answer is yes, you may fetch a higher price at the time of sale. However, you may not recoup your entire investment. What you will benefit from is that your house will spend less time on the market, as buyers find private backyards more desirable and will be keen to make a deal. That could save you interest on mortgage payments.

How long can a wood fence be expected to last?

A western red cedar fence can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance. Species like hemlock will only last 10 to 15 years. A pressure-treated fence panel can last as long as 30 years, but 15 is more likely. All this depends on how well the wood is maintained and the quality of the products used.

Safety should be your first priority, but now is the time to really enjoy selecting a deck railing design that reflects your home’s aesthetic, as well as your personal taste. While traditional New England white keeps your deck on the classier side of cool, Chinese Chippendale creates the look and feel of a true pastoral retreat.

Repurposed wood and stainless cabling are sure to catch a few admiring glances, while privacy railing and metal spindles create a more mature feel for your deck.

Take a look at the following categories to see how the right deck railing can really improve your deck’s appeal.

1. Stylish Cable Railing Options

In recent years, the cable deck railing trend has really taken off. In modern spaces or on modern decks, they look great and are actually very secure. This railings system should be purchased as a DIY deck railing kit. They use turnbuckles, brackets, and other threaded hardware to create a strong system that provides an excellent line of sight while also adding a contemporary touch to a cable rail deck.

If you’ve got a modern or contemporary style home, a cable railing may be the perfect addition for you. Most of the kits come in stainless steel, so they look great around a matching barbecue grill or smoker.

The industrial look and feel of cable railings should also be considered while you’re planning your railing. If you like the cable railing look but don’t really want to incorporate stainless steel fittings, you may be able to speak to your building department about using rope instead.

2. The Natural Beauty of Wood

If you’re a traditional type of guy, a wood railing on your deck probably appeals to you. These are the most common and typical railings. They’re seen on million-dollar wood deck railing creations and porches as well as basic builder-grade homes.

A wood railing system is relatively inexpensive to build, depending on the species chosen, and is plenty strong to keep everyone top-side. They can be basic, built with dimensional 2×4 lumber for the top and bottom plates, and 2×2 wood spindles that you can purchase by the dozen. They can also be very intricate and formal, with top-tier wood species and hidden fasteners.

While the basic framework of your wooden deck should be built with inexpensive pressure-treated pine, you have some choices for wood railings. There are a wide variety of wood species suitable for outdoor use, the most popular being pressure-treated, redwood, cedar, and ipe. These railings can be painted or stained and then sealed.

If you look through the following pictures, you will see railings that consist of only wood, a combination of wood and other materials, and even branches repurposed as railings. Keep in mind there are no hard and fast rules on this, so consider not just one deck railing idea but a few possible railing designs that you like and figure out what will look best for your deck.

3. Enhance Your View

When you’re lucky enough to have a great view from your deck, you don’t want to go covering it up or distracting from its splendor with an obtrusive metal deck railing. Fortunately, for those with an amazing backdrop, glass panels can be used in place of railings to create an open feel while still providing security and meeting local codes.

There are some really cool ways to install these glass panel systems. While you can go the traditional route and install 4×4 posts every several feet, there are other options that create a nearly seamless glass deck railing. Small, barely noticeable brackets can secure panels side by side, while the included hardware can be used to secure the panels to the deck. There’s enough rigidity in these panels that they can be installed without posts. The end result is an amazing, unobstructed view behind a strong, secure railing.

The first time anyone sees a glass railing, they’re concerned with the safety and strength it provides. This is understandable; glass is kind of a scary material. If you’d like to see just how far you can push these glass panels, check out the video below to see what they can withstand.

4. Sleek and Sturdy Metal Solutions

One of the more traditional choices for railings on our list, a metal deck railing can make an awesome addition to the topside of a well-designed contemporary deck. These railings can be painted in an array of colors, and they’re incredibly strong, so you never have to worry about the safety of your family or guests.

We won’t deny that the initial cost may be a little higher than you would pay for a standard wood deck railing. There are reasons for that, and they’ll make sense once we explain them. Metal is a more expensive material than most wood, so you’ve got the material cost alone working against you. Factor in the skills required to fabricate the railing and make it safe, and you’ll realize the rest of the cost lies there. Experienced welders don’t come cheap.

It’s unfair to say that metal railings are only expensive due to material and labor. They’re also a “buy once, cry once” investment. They will last a lifetime with very minimal maintenance. A quick painting every ten years will keep a metal railing looking as good as it did when it was new, saving you money in the long run.

5. Composite Materials

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance deck railing design but you just don’t like the look of a metal railing, composite railings can be an excellent option that meets in the middle. While it’s difficult to find the materials to construct a 100 percent composite railing, the lion’s share of the railing design can be made of composite materials.

There are a lot of companies out there now developing their own composite decking product lines. They create these products by combining wood and plastic through a complex process that ends up producing a very strong, light, and durable wood-like product.

Composite systems can be expensive, but they’re incredibly easy to install. They are a great DIY deck. They come in kits complete with brackets and spindle holes already drilled in them. With a few basic tools and some gumption, you could be installing a composite deck railing system that will last for a very long time.

There are a lot of designs to choose from, and if you don’t want to purchase a full kit, you can piece a system together using wood, metal, or other materials in conjunction with the composite handrails or posts.

6. Exploring Vinyl and PVC

Even more man-made than a composite railing, vinyl or PVC railings are other low-maintenance options that look great and can last a long time. These railings also come in DIY deck kits with all the necessary hardware and fittings to get your deck rail project going.

There are some downsides to using a PVC or vinyl railing though. They simply do not feel as solid as other options on our list. Even the composite decking consists of a fair amount of wood, which lends it a more natural and solid feel. You should also be careful attempting to install a railing during a cold spell as vinyl can crack very easily when cold. Temperatures around 50 degrees should be safe.

The benefit of using a PVC or vinyl railing is that they’re generally less expensive than a composite railing system. Also, because vinyl expands and contracts quite a bit with temperature, many of the systems attempt to hide the joints. This means the actual installation is a little easier than a precise metal or wood railing job.

7. Embrace Rustic Charm

Something would be amiss if you decided to use an ultra-modern railing design on your cabin or country-style home deck. While there are some decks that can pull off the modern look, a rustic deck rail is usually a better fit for these scenarios.

Take a look at these rustic deck rail ideas to get a good understanding of how this works. There may be very little fit-and-finish, but the end products look really cool and may actually save you a little money.

What makes a railing rustic, you ask? Well, there are a number of ways to achieve a rustic-looking railing, but we’ll point you in the right direction to get you started. The backbone of a rustic railing is almost always wood. It can be made from pine, redwood, or ipe, but cedar reigns supreme for a wood post. Large, cedar posts and handrails are the starting players here.

What makes rustic railings so great is the fact that you can use so many different materials to make up the field, or spindle area, of your railing. Metal fencing panels, tree branches, or live edge slabs all make great choices for use in a rustic railing.

8. Modern and Contemporary Possibilities

The style of your home can play a part in determining the design you choose for deck railing. Farmhouses and colonial homes will look best with a traditional style, while a contemporary home requires a more modern approach.

Modern railing designs are hard to define, but they’re usually constructed of metals like aluminum or stainless steel and may include pre-fabricated panels with designs or patterns. You’re less likely to find composite or vinyl touches, but the industrial feel often incorporates wood features like posts and handrails.

If a modern or industrial look is your idea of the perfect style, you should look at these next few images and take a few design cues. There are so many different styles and materials available that will work in this realm that finding the right design for your deck railing system may take you some time and research. With enough effort, you’ll come up with a deck railing idea that works for you.

9. Creating Privacy

You may have great neighbors, but that doesn’t mean you want to interact with them every time you step out onto your deck to grab some sunshine or sip a glass of wine under the stars. You have the option of planting large privacy shrubs, but you’ll either get short shrubs that take years to grow or pay a premium for a landscaper to dig large holes and plant expensive, mature shrubs.

The other option for lounging on your deck without being invited to game night next Thursday is to install a privacy railing. They’re great for keeping to yourself and enjoying a quiet night at home while providing a safe alternative to standard railings.

For an idea of how to create some solitude on your back deck, check out the ideas below. Notice how most of the railings are designed with at least a little space to allow air to move through the railing. You can also see how a half-wall 8 feet in the air can shield you from prying eyes on the ground level.

There are a few things to consider when designing your privacy railing. Building a solid wall creates more of a sail effect than you’ll probably want. No one wants a strong wind to make the deck sway, and you don’t want your privacy railing to break away from the structure and cause damage or hurt someone. Also, a full-size wall may seem ideal for privacy purposes, but if you consider that most of your outdoor lounging is done sitting down, a half-wall railing will usually do the trick.