Decorative Railings and hand railings are one of the safest ways to increase the safety of staircases to prevent injuries and falls while creating an aesthetic appearance for the building. These practical products come with different types and materials, including composite materials, metal, glass, and wood, to create various visual effects. These types will impact the overall appearance of the place. The perfect materials for these products depend on the environmental factors and the demanding design. Metals such as aluminum, steel, and iron are popular choices for industrial and commercial projects which require contemporary looks. On the other hand, wooden products provide a more classic vibe and appearance, and the glass is efficient when the view beyond the stairs or balcony is required. Followings are the introduction to the top types and materials of decorative railings with their pros and cons.
Composite Decorative Railings
Composite decorative railings are among the most popular types of products for outdoor applications due to their wide range of benefits. The product’s composition and durability make it a perfect material to hold up in any climate while requiring low maintenance. It is constructed from a combination of metals and other substances. They come with boards, and then after being fabricated, they are ready to be utilized as a decorative railing material.
Composite Decorative Railings may seem perfect without any issues. However, like any other industrial products, they have a few drawbacks. When damages occur on the material, it is hard to repair or replace it with a new one, and it will need a complete installation process. It is good to note that these products come in kits to provide more straightforward installation methods featuring a single top and bottom rail with spindles for connections.
Steel Railings
Another suitable railing material for commercial and industrial facilities is steel. Manufacturers also produce galvanized and stainless steel to prevent the product from rusting. The coating material for these products is often zinc, a corrosion-resistant substance, and can protect the steel below.
The steel railings are compatible with any environment. The handrail is often created with the galvanized steel, and the other components are made of ordinary steel. These products provide a sleek and modern look for commercial spaces and homes. However, the rails that exist for commercial and industrial sites are more functional.
The steel material is solid and is famous for its durability. It allows manufacturers to apply unique coats and paint finishes to improve the performance. Galvanized and stainless steel are materials that require low maintenance, and individuals can clean them by only utilizing simple tools such as sponge and mild divergent.
Stainless steel also has its drawbacks. The first disadvantage of these products is that in extreme heat, they can buckle and weaken. They are relatively expensive, and it is hard to utilize them in DIY projects due to their heavyweight. The installation process for decorative steel rails is also more complicated compared to other products.
Solid Aluminum
Aluminum is one of the common prevalent elements found on our planet, which has a lower density than other metals. Thus, they have become popular due to their lightweight characteristics. The metal has a reflective and silver-like appearance, which makes it suitable for modern buildings and applications. Additionally, it is resistant to rust and corrosion without requiring an extra coating process. The unique characteristics of aluminum railings allow designers to use them for interior and exterior applications in homes, commercial and industrial buildings.
The decorative aluminum railings are solid and durable and are practical to create a safe environment for occupants. These products can overcome the harshest weather conditions without requiring a regular maintenance process. They provide an easy installation system due to their lightweight, and individuals can utilize them in their DIY projects. Another advantage of aluminum railing is that manufacturers can cut and fabricate their product straightforwardly due to their physical properties. Additionally, these practical railings can accept almost every type of finishes without causing future issues.
The only drawbacks of decorative aluminum railings are their cost which is more expensive than steel, and they can scratch and dent more easily than galvanized steel.
Wrought Iron Decorative
Wrought iron is one of the most popular iron alloys that contain carbon in its structure. Designers utilized this material for decades to create decorative effects. Manufacturers produce this substance on large scales. Similar to aluminum railings, they are practical for interior and exterior applications. Besides, they are applicable for curved and straight stairs. However, it is commonly used for private residences and office facilities.
The primary benefit of wrought iron decorative railings is their versatility. Their malleable characteristics can be used to achieve an endless array of modern styles to elaborate scrolls. They are strong materials to provide strength to the stairways and increase stability. It is easy to apply a various range of color as finishes to allow designers to create limitless aesthetic railings.
On the other hand, the wrought iron is a custom-made material, and it is more expensive than the other railings. The installing of these materials can be challenging due to their heavyweight physical property, and the process can be time-consuming, which can increase the labor cost. The crucial disadvantage of these materials is that if the owner does not maintain them properly, they can rust due to the wether exposure in time. To prevent rusting and other damages, they require periodic recoating and repainting.