In a previous post, we discussed the different types of deck railings available to homeowners. Some options included metal varieties, including stainless steel and powder-coated aluminum deck railing. This week, we’ll dive a bit deeper into the ins and outs of these two materials to help you determine which railing option is better for your outdoor deck area.
Because these materials are metal, both powder-coated aluminum railing and stainless-steel railing are sturdy, durable options—when compared to other railing materials. However, when comparing the two, aluminum outstands the other.
FAQs About Aluminum Deck Railings
Strength & Durability: While stainless steel is incredibly strong, it’s far less resistant to corrosion and rust than powder-coated aluminum. Over time, stainless steel will corrode, affecting its integrity and strength. Stainless steel railings will require more upkeep, maintenance, and care. To help ward off some of the rusting, it’s common practice to paint stainless steel. But, just like any painted material, frequent touch-ups and repainting will be necessary to ward off serious corrosion. If you live in colder climates, like Minnesota or South Dakota, or in beachy salt-water climates, you may want to avoid corrosive materials like stainless steel, due to snow salt use or the beachy air that encourages rust.
And because aluminum is a non-ferrous metal (i.e. a metal without iron), it is rust and corrosion-free by nature.
Cost: When comparing aluminum with stainless steel railings, aluminum deck railings are more cost effective from the beginning. If you also consider the upkeep (painting, etc.) needed for stainless steel, powder-coated aluminum railings prove to be the least costly choice.
Customizability: Depending on your style preferences, aluminum tends to give more options. Its powder-coating can come in several different colors and finishes that won’t chip away or fade in the sunlight like that of painted stainless steel.
DIY Friendly: Stainless steel is a heavier material while lightweight aluminum can be cut using a standard miter saw, according to MMC Fencing and Railing. Since most homeowners don’t have the equipment needed for cutting stainless steel, aluminum railing is a more likely option for do-it-yourselfers.
How to Customize Your Aluminum Deck Railings with UglyDeck.com
There are so many looks you can achieve with powder-coated aluminum deck railing. As licensed deck builders since 2005, our UglyDeck.com team knows the ins and outs of this durable, maintenance-free railing option.
Colors: The powder-coated finish on aluminum is completely customizable, and we offer many different color and texture options to suit your preferences and style:
- Satin Black, Gloss White, Metallic Bronze, Gloss Beige, Textured Black, Evergreen, Textured Bronze, Chocolate, Speckled Walunt, and Sandy Shore.
Styles: With several Westbury aluminum deck railing styles to choose from, we are sure to have something that will speak to your style and needs. There are several options of railing styles to help your creative vision for your deck come to life:
- Tuscany styles, Riviera styles, Riveria Rings styles, Verdana Glass styles, Vertical Cable Rail styles, Drink Rail styles, and more!
Combinations: In a previous post, we discussed the difference between glass railings and cable railings. At UglyDeck.com, we’re happy to combine these styles with durable aluminum deck railing to offer you a truly unique and customized railing option for your outdoor space that will completely embrace the wonderful view from your deck. By adding vertical or horizontal cables to your railing, you can add more of a minimalistic, modern element to your outdoor space. And, by incorporating tempered glass paneling in place of standard spindles or balusters, you create a more contemporary, modern and sleek look to your deck. Check out our styles to see some of the aluminum railing you can use to frame out these wonderful options.
No matter what your needs are, UglyDeck.com is here to help make your deck-building experience easier. If you’d like to see some of these products in person, head on over to our showroom to get a hands-on feel for the railing options, or check out our photo gallery for some inspiration. Contact us today and let us know how we can help you create and customize a railing that truly resembles your style and needs.
