When investing in outdoor railings for your home or business, you don’t want to buy something that breaks or rusts within a year or two. The faster your outdoor railings begin to have problems, the sooner you have to sink maintenance costs into them. So, what’s the best type of metal for outdoor railings? Let’s look at a few options and what pros and cons they come with.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a fantastic choice for outdoor railings; that’s why they’re so easy to spot lining commercial walkways and steps. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t have their drawbacks, right? Well, in fact, there really aren’t any. Stainless steel is probably the best metal you could opt for when choosing a metal for outdoor railings.
- They take ages to show the slightest hint of rusting
- They’re sturdy and stand up to a lot of weight and impact
- A variety of styles are possible with stainless steel
Aluminum
Aluminum railings actually look pretty similar to stainless steel when made in certain styles. Are they equally as good a choice? Well, not quite. Aluminum railings aren’t as strong as steel, since aluminum isn’t as dense a metal. However, that isn’t to say aluminum doesn’t have its perks.
As much a perk as a drawback, aluminum being less dense than steel means it’s more lightweight. If you’re looking for railings that can be picked up and moved around, aluminum is a great choice of metal. That’s why segmented railings, like those used at a fair or other event, are usually aluminum.
In addition to being lighter weight than steel, aluminum is also more affordable. As you know, “cheap” can be as much a pro as it can be a con.
Glass
If you’re looking for railings that stand up well to moisture and wind, glass is worth considering. Sure, glass isn’t a metal. But, that can be a good thing. Because glass isn’t metal, there’s no chance of it rusting.
If you’re looking for railings to line a porch, balcony, or deck, glass railings are a great choice. Some glass railings do come with metal frames, and most come with metal connectors. So be sure to choose your glass railings carefully.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron isn’t the best metal for outdoor railings. It’s more prone to rusting and it’s brittle enough to break, rather than bend, if backed into with your care. However, humans have mastered the art of caring for wrought iron so that it does a pretty solid job of staying beautiful.
Wrought iron has the benefit of being extremely customizable and beautiful. And, it can stay that way if properly maintained. Therefore, if you opt for wrought iron railings, just be sure to keep an eye on it for rust. Then, if you spot any, act fast to stop it from spreading and put on a new coat of rust inhibiting paint.
Buy Outdoor Railings That Last
No matter what metal you decide on, there’s a right way to buy it and care for it to ensure you end up with quality. To start, source your railings from a group of professional craftsmen like those who work at Pro Weld. Our team is here to provide you with top quality railings, year round. Call us today if you have questions and we’ll happily help you sort out the answers.
