Depending upon your living environment, view, and deck style, there are various railing materials to consider when selecting railing materials for your deck railings. Optimally chosen materials offer long-lasting quality with minimal upkeep costs.
Aluminum railings are an ideal choice for our climate, boasting non-rusting properties as well as sleek modern design features and available colors. But there are other deck railing materials you might opt for. Here are the top 4 you should consider.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a robust material that resists corrosion, rust, and wear-and-tear damage, withstanding snowfall, ice storms, and extreme weather without losing shape or aesthetics. Furthermore, its resistance to UV rays makes it a popular choice for deck railing applications.
Aluminum railing systems feature a sleek look that works beautifully in modern homes. Customizable to your taste with colors and designs to complement the style of your house, aluminum systems are lightweight and simple to install – an excellent solution for DIYers!
Composite and vinyl materials are cheaper than aluminum but lack durability. Although typically scratch-, insect-, and water-resistant, regular treatments and painting may be required over time; composite can turn yellow over time, while vinyl will often not. Wood is another affordable material but susceptible to rot and deterioration over time, posing safety concerns with its potential to splinter and even present fire risks; treatment/staining must also be applied regularly to protect it against the elements.
Vinyl
Vinyl railing is an economical solution that will outlive any home. Easy to keep clean, it comes in various styles to meet virtually every aesthetic imaginable and is relatively cost-effective compared to wood or aluminum alternatives.
Composite railings are another popular choice, which combines wood fibers with durable plastic to produce prefabricated railings that mimic traditional wood without the risk of rot or insects. Unfortunately, many composites have an artificial look, which may leave some homeowners dissatisfied.
Aluminum is an ideal material choice for those seeking sturdy and reliable deck material that’s resistant to weathering, as it weighs less than wood and can be installed quickly using simple bracket systems that adapt easily to any deck setup. Furthermore, its corrosion-proof nature means it can withstand snowfall, ice accumulation, and rain without compromising – providing year-round safety benefits!
Wood
Selecting an ideal railing material requires both practicality and style considerations. Climate is also a major factor when considering costs associated with buying and maintaining the railing over time; coastal regions require materials resistant to saltwater corrosion.
Wood decking is an elegant traditional choice, providing a warm and natural aesthetic. Painting or staining to match the aesthetic of a deck is simple; however, wood requires regular treatment to prevent rot or moldy growth, which could pose fire hazards and splinter.
Aluminum railings offer an excellent alternative to wood. Lightweight, sturdy, and rustproof, it comes in various styles and colors that can complement any deck’s aesthetics. Installing it requires less lifting weight compared with steel, yet its lack of flexibility makes it less labor-friendly for beginner builders.
Steel
Steel is one of the strongest deck railing materials to use when building something sturdy, yet it has several drawbacks. Steel’s weight makes it difficult for DIY enthusiasts to work with, and it may become susceptible to corrosion over time. Steel also becomes less flexible in colder temperatures, reaching what is known as its “ductility-to-brittleness point,” potentially endangering your railing and creating potential safety risks.
Stainless steel can be an expensive and time-consuming solution, and its maintenance needs may also require extra care. Brushed aluminum offers similar looks at lower costs while being more corrosion-resistant than its stainless steel counterpart.
Wood remains a popular choice, particularly cedar or pressure-treated lumber. Wood’s versatility enables designers to achieve various aesthetic designs from classic to modern easily, and its customizable aspect allows you to make it your own with paint or stain. However, regular treatment must be carried out or it could suffer rot or insect damage over time, as well as moisture-induced warping and splintering issues.
