Thank you for your question!! Distressed vs. Smooth is pretty much how it sounds. Our distressed kits come with a lightly hammered finish on the metal for a more rustic look, and our smooth kits have a matte (sandblasted) type metal finish. Our color coats are applied over either. In regard to Track lengths, you may order Tracks along with your Kit(s) in 5', 6', 7' or 8' lengths. When longer lengths are needed you may order multiple tracks and splice them together with our RH803 Splicer, e.g. order 2 ea 5' tracks to get 10'. Or you may (with the right tools), cut them down on site and drill new end holes if you need to shorten a track(s). Hope this helps, and thanks again!!