As part of a larger remodeling project we replaced an old, utilitarian deck with a cedar deck and railing system. After redoing the roof and replacing the old French doors out to the deck with modern, more thermally secure doors, we built the deck with an eye to grace and roominess. We compressed the elevation profile closer to the roof with smaller framing members and more intermediate supports. This prohibited using the deck frame for giving the railing posts sufficient moment connection with the framing – it needed bracing. So in order to give them lateral support we used outriggers and the sweeping diagonal braces. The horizontal spindles on the outriggers are intended to support planters and vines. See more photos here.