One of the essential parts of any residential and commercial building is its staircases which require railing and handrails. Reliable contractors choose and use the best materials for metal railings to ensure the bars work and are expected and provided the required protection.

Although protection is the primary function of metal railings, everyone wants to improve their building’s aesthetics. So, you should choose decorative railing material that can be both beautiful and functional.

This guide will introduce you to the best materials for metal railings, perfect for commercial and residential facilities. These materials are:

  • Aluminum Metal Railings
  • CORTEN Steel Railing (Exterior Staircases)
  • Steel Railing
  • Wrought Iron
  • Brass Metal Railings

Advantages of Metal Railings

Unlike traditional railing materials such as Glass, PVC, and wood railings, the best metal railings offer a vast array of advantages, making them the most wanted materials for privacy and safety components of a house or building. Another privacy product that every facility should have is the decorative metal fence. Metal fence materials are similar to metal railings, and their benefits are almost the same.

  • Metal handrails facilitate the construction of lightweight and small sections to suit the purpose.
  • Metal handrails are incredibly durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
  • Most metal railing materials do not rust or corrode like wood.
  • You can order custom design railings with metal materials.
  • Metal fabricators can make them with different methods, including metal welding services.
  • Metal is the better choice compared to wood and PVC for exterior applications.
  • The most significant advantage of metal handrails is their lower maintenance cost. You can clean them by just wiping them with a wet cloth.
  • Manufacturers apply special powder coating to the metal railing surface to increase its lifespan up to 30 years.

Metal Railings Materials

Now that you know the primary advantages of metal handrail materials, it is time to know them individually.

Aluminum Metal Railings

Aluminum is a metal material that is widely used in commercial applications due to its naturally occurring characteristics and lower density compared to other metals. Manufacturers use these materials to produce various construction materials, including claddings such as an aluminum composite panel.

Due to the various advantages of aluminum, you can find aluminum metal fences and railings with different designs and styles on the market. Aluminum railings are resistant to corrosions and rusting without requiring any additional treatment.

Since these metal railings are lightweight, installing them is more accessible than other materials such as steel. The combination of the benefits of aluminum makes it the ideal choice for handrails.

CORTEN Steel Railing

CORTEN steel is one of the trendiest metal materials in the construction industry because of its unique appearance and advantages. This particular metal forms a natural oxidized layer with a beautiful color scheme.

CORTEN steel claddings and railings are widely used in locations with higher humidity levels. With these weathering steel metals; you do not need to worry about maintenance or applying extra protective layers.

Steel Metal Handrails

Although steel is one of the most traditional metal materials in different industries, it remains one of the most popular and widely used metals in construction applications.

Steel is a rigid material, and it is a lot denser than many other materials used in commercial and industrial applications. Due to the versatility of steel, manufacturers can produce various products and systems using this metal.

Steel is one of the best materials for metal railings, but it has its drawbacks. For example, one of the main disadvantages of steel is that it is prone to rust. So, it is better to use CORTEN steel for exterior applications.

Wrought Iron Railing

Wrought iron is a practical alloy of iron with very little carbon. Although this metal is not manufactured for large-scale applications, it is still used for railings and fences that need a classic appearance.

You can use wrought iron railings for outdoor and interior staircases in commercial and residential buildings. When you want to create a dramatic look, wrought iron is the best choice for you.

Brass Metal Railings

Brass is also a perfect choice for decorative and functional metal railings in high-end residential, entertainment, and industrial facilities. This particular metal offers a traditional look, but you can also use it for ultra-modern architectural projects.

Brass is a wear-resistant material. However, a polished brass metal railing will require regular maintenance, while solid brass will form a beautiful patina after years.