As others have said, code first. Beyond that, what do you want your rail to do? Other than the obvious be safe and up to code. Be open and light like the old one? Do you wish it was taller or had some more screening effect for privacy? Do you happen to know how much weight your third story deck can handle? You might have some weight limitations to consider too when picking out materials.

The answer depends entirely on the applicable building code and local amendments so it would help to reveal that information up front; that would help avoid such a wide range of opinions and guessing If the code is the 2015 IRC, R311.7.10.1 describes how a spiral stair can serve as an egress inside and outside of the house. The clear width at and below the handrail must be a min. of 26" and the walk line radius should not be greater than 24.5". Min tread = 6.75"; max riser = 9.5". Min headrooms = 6-6. I suspect the applicable code is different or amended because it apparently limits the area served by a spiral stair to 250 s.f. but in your case that doesn't seem to be a limtation. Are you skeptical of your architect's judgement? He/she at least knows what the applicable code is and no one here does.

Wait! What? - "Framer said the sloping can be done in the tiling process..." Rule #1: Architect Before Builder Rule #2: Architects design structures to maintain safety and code Rule #3: Builders BUILD the structure to the SPECIFICATIONS of the Architect Rule #4: No one alters the plans without the Architect's Signature Rule #5: Do not take structural advice from the guys who swing hammers Rule #6: Do not take design advice from the finishers/painters So...the Elephant in the room is the "Framer said". That's where you stop the build and bring the builder BACK IN to explain how and why a framer was allowed to redesign an Architect's requirement. This is a MASSIVE mess that needs to be stopped RIGHT NOW! You need to hold the Builder to the standards/plans created by the Architect (who must follow code). Don't do anything until your Builder comes in and rebuilds this deck. And please, do NOT take structural/code advice from someone who swings a hammer. Not unless they can show you their Degree in Architecture (and can indicate how their modifications can and will support code requirements).

I have a ceramic tiled, grouted rooftop deck on my townhouse and it was recently ruined by some type of solvent that a pressure cleaner used. The roof does not leak but it has some dips in it where the water likes to collect. We live in Pompano Beach and get a lot of rain. We are considering painting it (Quote: $3500 for 1000sf deck with grout painted a different color). Other than painting it, what are some other options we might have to cover it up? Also, what's the rough cost of the job you're recommending? Thanks so much!