Planning to use the Deckorators Aluminum Balusters for my deck railing, but I don't like the plastic attachment connectors. What is the best way to mount them to the wood railings and is this a bad idea?

Thanks

 

Do you not like the look of them (they offer several styles) or are you worried about longevity?

Are you planning on round or square balusters? Is this an existing railing or are you building it now?

With round ones, you can drill matching blind (partial depth) holes top and bottom. You make the ones on the underside of the top deeper that the bottom ones so you can slip the baluster in the top hole, and then lift it up high enough to drop the other end in the bottom hole. If you put a little construction adhesive in the bottom hole before doing this, it keeps them from rattling around in the wind.

 

Don't like the look of plastic, and as it weathers it usually becomes even more unattractive. They would get a lot of direct Georgia sunlight.
Planning to use round balusters.
I'm building a complete deck, I'm several weeks away from the railing.

Should I be concerned about water sitting in the holes, seems like a bad thing to have.

 

Yes, it would be a good idea to drill a smaller hole all the way through the bottom side to allow water to drain out, although keeping spiders and whatnot from plugging them up may be a challenge.

What type of wood will be used for the rails? If pressure treated you should make sure the balusters are OK for direct contact and won't corrode from the treatment chemicals. I suppose that would be one advantage to the plastic fittings. Also, PT lumber is usually quite wet when you get it, and the size and shape of the holes (if you go that route) will change as it dries. That might lead to some uneven gaps around the balusters.

Make sure you space the balusters close enough to meet code. You shouldn't be able to squeeze a 4" diameter sphere through any opening.