The Pros and Cons of Aluminum Deck Railing
For homeowners and pros, choosing the right type of deck railing for a project isn’t always an easy decision. After all, railing not only provides an important safety element, but also frames the aesthetic for the entire outdoor living space. As you weigh your decision, here are the pros and cons of aluminum deck railing.
When Should You Consider Aluminum Deck Railing?
From composite to steel to vinyl, there’s no shortage of deck railing materials to pick from for your outdoor living project. How does aluminum deck railing compare? To make the decision easier, let’s go through some of the main advantages of aluminum as a material.
- Lightweight: One of the biggest advantages of aluminum deck railing is how lightweight the material is. That means you’ll usually have an easier time transporting and installing it for your outdoor living project.
- Durability and Strength: Since aluminum is often used in consumer products like soda cans, you might assume the material is fragile; however, it’s actually very durable and can even stand up to some of the toughest weather conditions. With one of the highest strength-to-weight ratios of deck railing materials, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that it can even handle the heavy-duty applications found in commercial projects. Plus, the aluminum deck railing from our Fairway Railing Collection is powder coated for increased durability.
- Low Maintenance: Aluminum deck railing is also highly regarded for its low maintenance. The powder-coating protects the material to help maintain its condition against the elements. Cleaning aluminum deck railing only requires a little soap and water.
- Eco-Friendly: Aluminum is an eco-friendly material that can be recycled. If environmental considerations are important to your outdoor living project, aluminum is worth considering.
How Long Does Aluminum Deck Railing Last?
One of the most common questions you hear about aluminum deck railing is the longevity of the product. Unlike some other materials, aluminum is much less likely to degrade over time. In fact, if the aluminum railing has been powder coated, it could last for 20 years or more. It’s also worth noting that powder coated aluminum railing is more resistant to corrosion and weather.
Aluminum Deck Railing Ideas
One of the pros aluminum deck railings is that the material has design flexibility. For example, aluminum railing from our Fairway Railing Collection has a wide variety of infill options that suit almost any style. For a more rustic look, matte white railing with horizontal balusters is a great option. If a more modern aesthetic is more your style, textured black railing with a mesh infill offers a sleek profile.
When you’re designing an outdoor living space, you can bring almost any aluminum deck railing idea to life. The material is not only durable, but lightweight, which can give your design ideas more room for creativity.
What Are the Cons of Aluminum Deck Railing?
While there are some disadvantages to aluminum as a building material, most of them are minimal. For example, some people simply don’t like the look of aluminum deck railing because of its modern style. Along the same lines, there are some regions in the country where aluminum doesn’t fit with the trending style for outdoor living spaces.
Even though aluminum deck railing is durable, there’s a possibility that the finish can be scratched. If you’re moving deck furniture or if tools hit the railing during the construction of an outdoor living project, scratches can happen. The good news is that a powder-coating reduces the risk of the finish being damaged or nicked. Envision Outdoor Living Products does offer a touch-up pen to match the finish of your railing if this happens.
Envision Outdoor Living Offers Stand-Out Aluminum Deck Railing
Our Designer Aluminum Railing is versatile, easy to install, and sports a refined aesthetic. It also comes in a variety of colors and infills that can complement your outdoor living space design.
In addition to the powder-coating, our aluminum deck railing also includes our noise-reducing technology in the top and bottom rails, so you won’t hear any rattling or vibrations.
Let Envision Help Boost Your Next Outdoor Living Project
For homeowners, DIYers, and pros, aluminum railing can help boost the aesthetics of outdoor living projects. Connect with our expert team today and request a quote for deck railing that offers reliable performance and unmatched style.