When it’s time to upgrade or replace the railing systems around your home, it’s the perfect time to think about more than just functionality. Beyond the aesthetics, you’re likely to consider price, materials, longevity, and maintenance. Each of these factors comes into play when designing or remodeling your home.
Spending time browsing the internet, it’s easy to go down a rabbit hole of options. Railing manufacturers have come a long way in recent years and there are so many types and materials available, it can feel overwhelming.
If you’re lucky enough to have a professional on your team, they can give you advice to enhance the aesthetic of your space. And, if you’re taking it on yourself, don’t worry! We’ve done the research for you.
Today, we’re looking at the most common materials used for railing systems in the United States.
Which type of railing is best?
Railings play an integral part in the look of your home, deck, and patio areas. And, just like different architectural styles, there isn’t one that’s the best. Thankfully, there are options out there that fit any design.
When you think about it, railings can be found throughout your home. Along with obvious applications like along a staircase or deck, they’re also used to help define different spaces. They’re frequently used at the edge of a sunken living room, around a balcony or along a loft or upper-story walkway.
Safety matters
Beyond the design of a handrail system, you should also consider safety. Whether indoors or outdoors, railings are there to protect you and your loved ones from a fall. Every railing installed both inside and outside your home must meet rigorous building code standards to ensure your safety.
Safety requirements cover everything from rail height, distance between posts, fasteners used, and infill types.
Pros and Cons of Different Materials
Wood
Wood is hands down the most classic railing material. If you are replacing an existing railing system, especially inside your home, odds are that some or all of it is made from wood.
These railing systems can be made entirely of wood, including the posts, top rail, and pickets. In a more modern design, they may include other materials, like glass, iron rods or cable infill.
Wood is a great option because it’s not overly expensive to install. You can paint or stain it any color to coordinate with other features in your home. And, depending on your project and technical capabilities, you may be able to install a wood railing yourself.
Many suppliers offer wood railing kits, with the necessary fittings and hardware included.
For outdoor applications, the downside to wood is that it’s a natural material that tends to break down over time. Especially in regions with extreme weather, high humidity or precipitation, even pressure treated wood only lasts 10 to 15 years, on average.
Without regular maintenance, including cleaning and staining, wood will dry out and splinter, rot and go moldy due to moisture infiltration. It’s also susceptible to pests that can reduce its effectiveness over time.
Vinyl
Vinyl is among the most affordable railing systems on the market. It’s usually made from preformed PVC and comes in a variety of colors to match your aesthetic. Typically, vinyl railing systems are supported internally by an aluminum or steel frame to provide strength.
This material is reasonably maintenance-free and needs only an occasional cleaning to remove any debris or dirt. It’s more affordable to install than other options. And, as a low maintenance option, you won’t spend a fortune keeping it looking pristine.
Unlike some of the other common materials, vinyl doesn’t age well, especially outdoors. When you’re ready for a refresh, it’s not as simple as sanding and repainting or staining. Vinyl railing systems can fade over time.
Durability is another common complaint. Vinyl isn’t ideal for extremely hot or cold climates, and it can warp or crack, which will require it to be replaced.
Steel
A stainless-steel railing system is virtually maintenance-free and is resistant to corrosion when properly maintained. Homeowners concerned about durability and longevity can consider options like 306L or 2205 stainless steel. These products are rated for use in corrosive environments like near the ocean or pool.
A steel railing system may consist entirely of stainless-steel components for the posts, top rail, and pickets. Alternatively, it may incorporate other materials like cable and glass for infill. While kits are available for DIYers wanting to take on the project, the weight of steel can make it difficult to manage on your own.
While you’re sure to enjoy the benefits, your pocketbook will feel otherwise. Steel, particularly stainless steel, is the most expensive railing material. At nearly 10 times the price of comparable wood railing systems, it’s a big investment.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a great alternative to steel. It’s better suited for a savvy DIYer as its lighter weight makes it easier to move around and install. Additionally, aluminum railing systems tend to be less expensive than steel, while sacrificing very little in strength and durability.
Many suppliers of aluminum railings offer a variety of color finishes. Before the railing is finished in the color of your choice, it is pre-treated to help improve aluminum’s overall corrosion resistance. The treatment along with the color options make them a flexible option to fit with any design aesthetics.
Once they’re installed, aluminum railings are virtually maintenance-free, and have a greater lifetime value over wood and vinyl.
Infill Options
Many of the railing systems we’ve discussed use the same material for infill. But the space between the bottom and top rail can usually be filled with the material of your choice. You’ll typically see wood or metal pickets, glass panels, and metal cable in residential and commercial applications.
Glass Panels
Glass panels are a modern design choice that elevate your indoor and outdoor railings. They can provide a clear view and let in natural light or allow privacy if you choose frosted glass.
One of the most popular infills, they don’t require regular maintenance. Cleaning is another story, though. If you’ve got children or pets in the house, though, invest in glass cleaner! Outdoor decks put your infill directly in the path of environmental factors like pollen and dirt.
Glass can be heavy and if not handled properly, can crack during installation. Therefore, we suggest you hire a professional to manage the installation.
Cable
Cable railing systems are becoming increasingly popular. Compared to other railing components, cable is relatively lightweight, and the hardware is fairly easy to use. Stainless steel cable is durable and long lasting and regular maintenance is minimal.
Most often made from stainless steel, these high-tension cables balance the need for safety while creating an open and elevated view. They’re well suited for both indoor and outdoor uses.
Cable railing systems work with nearly any type of post material, including aluminum, steel, composite sleeves, and wood. They’re also easy to install yourself in existing railings. With the RailFX® Express Mount Bracket™, for example, you can upgrade your wood deck railing in an afternoon!
Material options like 316-grade stainless steel make cable railing corrosion-resistant and well-suited to seaside environments. Keep in mind that the key to a code-compliant cable railing system is achieving the necessary tension. So, while it’s easy enough to DIY, you may want to bring in a professional to install it.
Let the team at RailFX help!
We hope that our breakdown of the different railing systems and infills has helped you narrow down your choices. The right railing system can elevate your views and provide an aesthetic boost to your space.
For more information or to design your own custom cable railing system, reach out to our railing experts. Once you’ve got the design you love, we can connect you with local dealers and installers to help make your dream a reality.
Contact us now to begin the process!
