#Deck rails wood professional

Wood is subject to environmental damage that leads to rot, warping, and deterioration of the material due to temperature fluctuations and moisture. By contrast, aluminum doesn’t move when the temperature changes. However, vinyl is subject to fluctuations in size in heat or cold, which can accelerate the aging of the material. With respect to maintenance requirements and upfront cost, the two are quite similar. While style differences are, ultimately, a matter of taste, you often have to settle for white or light tan when selecting vinyl railing colors. It’s not uncommon to see some vinyl railing products yellow and chalk a few years after installation. The greater hardness of aluminum makes it more scratch- and dent-resistant. Vinyl is a durable material, but when comparing aluminum vs vinyl railing, it’s not nearly as durable as aluminum. But there are some strengths and weaknesses you should be aware of. The answer depends on factors like style, budget, how much maintenance you’re willing to endure, and even the regional circumstances where the material is being used. The same is true when comparing aluminum to most other materials. There is no clear winner in a head-to-head comparison of aluminum and low-maintenance composite deck railing options. By contrast, aluminum railings can generally be kept clean with just soap and water. Wood railing requires regular reapplications of chemical coatings to help slow down their inevitable destruction. That said, railings are often created from at least some recycled material. Aluminum Railings are Eco-FriendlyĪluminum is a fully recyclable material. This allows for greater design flexibility, combining classic and modern styles for a more striking appearance - aluminum railing can truly set your project apart. Style & CustomizationĪluminum railings are available in a range of colors, the most common of which are black, white, and shades of brown. You can also find a variety of infills for aluminum railing, such as stainless steel cable, mesh, aluminum balusters, or even glass. Most manufacturers offer touch up kits for this purpose. You should also make sure you touch up any areas where your railing gets scratched or scuffed. However, it’s still a good idea to intermittently spray down your rails to help keep them looking their best. It’s durable, resistant to the elements and can provide texture to the finished railing. Powder coating is an electrostatic painting process where the finish is baked on at a high temperature. Aluminum doesn’t require that level of upkeep, because aluminum railing is typically powder coated.

Wood needs to be painted, sanded, and resealed. That makes aluminum railings both long-lasting and ideal for safety.

Powder-coated aluminum isn’t prone to rusting like steel, it won’t rot like wood, and it isn’t as vulnerable to fluctuations in temperature as vinyl. Extruded aluminum is usually coated, adding a critical layer of environmental resistance. The versatility of aluminum means it can be flimsy enough to tear with your hands or sturdy enough to create buildings. Aluminum railing can also provide a fairly wide range of aesthetic customization options. It’s easy to work with, enjoys excellent lasting power, and maintenance is minimal. That makes it a great choice for projects where safety can’t be compromised. Benefits of Aluminum RailingsĪluminum is both strong and lightweight. Installation costs per linear foot for can vary greatly based on where you live and who you hire to complete the installation. Looking solely at material cost, aluminum railing is sold at an average cost of $30-45 per linear foot.

#Deck rails wood professional

The ultimate cost of aluminum deck railing will depend on whether you’re installing it yourself if you opt to have a professional installation done for you. Save How Much Does Aluminum Deck Railing Cost?Īluminum railing is a premium railing material from both a performance and price standpoint.