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At its heart, a railing is about safety. Whether indoors or outdoors, railings are there to protect you, your family and friends from an elevation. Every railing installed both inside and outside your home has to meet rigorous building code standards to ensure your safety. These requirements can include:

  • Railing height
  • Post Spacing
  • Materials
  • Fasteners

When you think about it, railings can be found throughout your home. Along with obvious applications, railings can help you safely navigate a staircase or define the boundaries of an outdoor living area. We also see them used at the edge of a sunken living room, around a balcony or along a loft or upper-story walkway.

Consequently, when it’s time to upgrade or replace them, you need to think about more than just their function. Price, materials, aesthetics, longevity and maintenance are all factors to consider when choosing the railing system styles that are right for you.

Railing System Styles: Materials

Wood

Wood is known as the most traditional and classic railing material. If you are replacing an existing railing system, especially inside your home, the odds are some or all of it is made from wood.

A wood railing system can be made entirely of wood, including the posts, top rail and pickets, or it may include other materials, like glass, iron rods or cable.

Therefore, 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. 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.

Unfortunately, interior wood railings have become dated instead of classic over the years. While they were the builder-grade standard for a long time, today’s contractors tend to use other modern materials, such as aluminum, iron or steel.

Finally, the downside to wood, particularly for outdoor applications in areas with extreme weather, high humidity or precipitation, is it’s not long-lasting. For instance, without regular maintenance, including cleaning and staining, wood will dry out and splinter, rot and go moldy due to moisture, or be susceptible to pests.

wood railing

vinyl railing

Vinyl

Vinyl is among the most affordable, and it can come in a variety of colors to match your home’s exterior. It is reasonably maintenance-free, needing only an occasional cleaning to remove any debris or dirt, so it will cost you very little over its lifetime.

The downside to vinyl, along with its limitations related to its overall strength, is its durability. Although vinyl’s color technology has improved over time, it is still prone to fading, particularly when placed outside. Additionally, vinyl is not ideal for extreme hot or cold climates, where it can warp or crack, which will require it to be replaced.

Steel 

When it comes to strength and durability, steel is, hands-down, the winner. However, steel, particularly stainless steel, is the most expensive railing material.

A steel railing system can consist entirely of steel components for the posts, top rail and pickets, or it can incorporate other materials like cable and glass. However, the weight of steel can make it difficult for the average DIYer to install themselves.

Finally, a steel railing, like stainless steel, is virtually maintenance-free and is more resistant to corrosion (when maintained properly). Homeowners worried about durability and longevity can consider options like 306L or 2205 stainless steel. They are rated for corrosive environments like near the ocean.

If you’re concerned about the look of a steel railing system, some steel can be painted. You’ll need to make sure the color you want is available in metal-compatible paints. Additionally, be prepared—particularly for outdoor railings—to repaint as needed.

 

steel railing

Aluminum

Aluminum makes 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 compared to steel. Additionally, aluminum railings also 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.

Finally, once they’re installed, aluminum railings are virtually maintenance-free, and have a greater lifetime value over wood and vinyl.

aluminum railing
glass railing

Glass

From a maintenance perspective, glass inserts are relatively low-maintenance. For exterior railings, you can clean them as often as you clean your exterior windows. However, they are known to weather and become cloudy over time. For interior applications, clean them as needed—like when you notice fingerprints after guests come for a visit.

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. Most often made from stainless steel, these high-tension cables balance the need for safety while creating limited visual distraction. 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.

Material options like 316-grade stainless steel make cable railing corrosion-resistant and well-suited to seaside environments. 316-grade stainless steel contains chromium, nickel and 2-3% molybdenum, with the molybdenum included to resist pitting and corrosion by most chemicals, as well as resist saltwater corrosion.

Additionally, like other metal railing options, cables only need an occasional cleaning to look good.

Compared to other railing components, cable is relatively lightweight and the hardware is fairly easy to use. However, the key to a code-compliant cable railing system is achieving the necessary tension; you may want to bring in a professional to install it.

RailFX Cable Railing for Balconies
RailFX Cable Railing for Balconies

Railing System Styles: Which Is Right for You?

To make the right decision when choosing a new railing system, here are some ways to compare different factors.

stair railing

Price

Material

Installation Costs

Maintenance Costs

Wood

$

$$

Vinyl

$

$

Steel

$$

$

Aluminum

$

$

Wood (with glass)

$

$$

Vinyl (with glass)

$

$

Steel (with glass)

$$

$

Aluminum (with glass)

$

$

Wood (with cable)

$

$$

Steel (with cable)

$$

$

Aluminum (with cable)

$

$

View

Material

View

Wood (pickets)

Limited view

Vinyl (pickets)

Limited view

Steel (pickets)

Limited view

Aluminum (pickets)

Limited view

Wood (with glass)

Uninterrupted view

Vinyl (with glass)

Uninterrupted view

Steel (with glass)

Uninterrupted view

Aluminum (with glass)

Uninterrupted view

Wood (with cable)

Uninterrupted view

Steel (with cable)

Uninterrupted view

Aluminum (with cable)

Uninterrupted view

Durability

(1 – somewhat durable to 3 – very durable)

Material

Durability

Wood

2 (with regular maintenance to prevent rot)

Vinyl

1

Steel

3

Aluminum

3

Ease of Installation

Material

Ease of Installation

Wood

DIY

Vinyl

DIY

Steel

Professional

Aluminum

DIY/Professional

Wood (with glass)

Professional

Vinyl (with glass)

Professional

Steel (with glass)

Professional

Aluminum (with glass)

Professional

Wood (with cable)

DIY/Professional

Steel (with cable)

DIY/Professional

Aluminum (with cable)

DIY/Professional

Ready to Choose Your Railing System Styles?

A railing is a critical component of your home’s design and safety. Not only does it serve a functional purpose, the railings need to complement your home’s design, look and feel.

For more information on choosing the right indoor or outdoor railing system for your home, visit us.

cable railings by the ocean

If you’re building your dream home near the ocean, of course, you want to be able to enjoy the view.  A deck is a great way to extend your living space to enjoy after a full day of boating or to entertain guests on.

A great deck balances function, aesthetics and safety. You want something that looks great, but local building codes will also have railing requirements to keep yourself and your visitors safe.

Unfortunately, a traditional wooden picket railing isn’t a great option when it comes to enjoying your view. What’s the point in facing the ocean if you can’t see past your railing?

Cable Railings Balance Safety and Aesthetics

For a long time, glass panels were the only option to protect people from injury and not interrupt the view. This transparent option is great at first, but over time, glass will stain and weather in the salt air.  Additionally, what was once crystal clear becomes hazy, even with regular maintenance.

Cable railings balance a homeowner’s quest between safety and aesthetics. Stainless steel cables suspended between aluminum, wood or composite sleeved posts provide little visual disruption. They also meet building code requirements and provide a long-lasting solution for homeowners striving for a timeless look.

Choosing the Right Cable Railing System

If you’re near the ocean, you want to choose a cable railing system that will  stand up to the elements. There are many systems to choose from. With CableFX, you can be confident our system won’t corrode in the salty air and will withstand rough weather.

The cables in a cable rail system are most often stainless steel. Stainless steel gets its name from the small amounts of chromium that are added to traditional steel. This makes the product corrosion-resistant. There are several grades of salt-resistant stainless steel. You’ll want to make sure your contractor selects one that will last in a challenging climate.

Also, look into the configuration of cable being used. The cable in a cable railing system needs to be under a lot of tension.  You should ensure the cable is durable and unlikely to stretch. A 1X19 cable (that is, 1 cable made-up of 19 strands combined together) will be less prone to stretching than others.

Aluminum or Steel?

The cables in a cable railing system are generally stainless steel. In contrast, railing posts are made with a variety of materials. In other environments, wood gives a classic rustic feel, but this natural material is not well-suited for coastal environments. For rails contending with high-salt air, homeowners should choose metal posts: either stainless steel or aluminum.

When it comes to deciding between stainless steel or aluminum posts, consider the following factors:

  • Weight
  • Cost
  • Corrosion-resistance
  • Maintenance

Aluminum is usually the lighter and more economical option of the two. It is much less dense than steel. A typical aluminum post will weigh 7-8 pounds, compared to an 18-20 pound stainless steel post. To withstand the tension of the cable assembly, you may need a thicker aluminum post. It will still be lighter, and ultimately, less expensive than a stainless steel one.

Corrosion Control

For years, stainless steel has been better in regards to corrosion resistance. Although untreated aluminum won’t rust the way non-stainless steel does, it can still corrode and pit in salt air. While it can detract from the aesthetic, the white chalky aluminum oxide that forms on raw aluminum can be a good protectant from further rusting. However, modern aluminum cable railing posts are manufactured with aesthetics in tough environments with oceanside homes in mind.

Products like RailFX aluminum posts are pre-treated in a 5-step process to prevent aluminum corrosion.  It improves paint adhesion in the most vulnerable areas, such as where the aluminum has exposed cut edges. RailFX uses an AAMA 2605 paint that is applied with strict guidelines and offers a 10-year warranty. RailFX cable rails use stainless steel hardware which is designed to last.

If you want extra protection, consider coating your railing system with Boeshield T-9®. It’s a wax-based formula containing no silicone or Teflon that dries to a waxy finish without leaving a sticky residue. It’s a great way to prevent rust and corrosion; plus, it’s easy to apply.

Maintaining Cable Railings

With modern, high-quality materials, homeowners shouldn’t have to do significant maintenance.  Keeping their cable railings looking nice and functioning correctly, even close to the ocean, is easy. Because stainless steel can rust, most manufacturers recommend periodic cleaning with water and possibly a mild detergent. Afterwards, do a thorough rinsing.

However, with more coastal areas facing extreme weather, like tropical storms and hurricanes, homeowners need to check on their railings after these events.

Cable railings are high-tension systems, and their lower overall surface areas should protect them during extreme winds. But, after a hurricane or tropical storm, carefully inspect the entire railing system, not just damaged areas. The tension of the cables may pull on other deck components and can create issues down the road. If any posts appear to be loose or twisted, reach out to your contractor.

Cable Railings Cleaning Guidelines

If you choose a RailFX cable railing system, the cleaning guidelines are easy:

  • Use clean water and a soft cloth for coated surfaces.
  • Use mild dishwashing soap with water and a soft cloth for stronger cleaning needs.
  • Remove minor scuff marks or scratches from aluminum posts and rails using a product like Soft Scrub™ (Note: bleach-based products should not be used on stainless steel.)
  • Do not use strong chemicals, household cleaners, harsh abrasives, etc. This is especially true for bleach or products containing bleach. Bleach will stain and discolor stainless steel quickly and easily.
  • Remove sap, tree seeds, bugs, etc. as soon as possible as additional sun and heat exposure can make them stick to the coated surface making them more difficult to remove (but not impossible).
  • Clean glass infills with regular glass cleaner or (made for glass) soap and water.
  • Always test cleaning products on a small, inconspicuous area before applying any product.

And if you have a question about maintaining your railing system, the RailFX team is happy to help. You can email us at sales@railfx.net or call us at (206) 453-1123.

Ready to Start?

If you’re looking to update your deck, or build a new one, a RailFX cable railing system is a great contemporary accent. The system balances aesthetics, safety, and durability, even in corrosive climates.

For more information and inspiration on cable railings, visit the RailFX website.