Best Material Choices for Deck Railings

The most commonly utilized materials for constructing deck railings are metal, wood, and composite materials like Trex. Selecting the right material for deck railings can be a challenge with so many choices among the material types and preferences for safety and durability. Which type of wood is best? What type of metal should use for a coastal railing? Is stainless steel a better choice than aluminum? In this post we will answer these questions as well as some common questions regarding material choices for constructing deck railings.

Top Choices for Metal Railing Materials

Metal railings are arguably the most durable and widely utilized railing type available in today’s marketplace. Despite this durability, constructing a standard iron railing in the wrong setting or using the wrong metal combinations can have a detrimental affect on longevity. Our favorite material for constructing metal railings is stainless steel. Using similar metals like stainless frames combined with stainless cables will achieve the best results. Stainless steel is available in different grades for different levels of exposure. Type 316 stainless steel can be left exposed to the elements with a bare finish; standard iron railings can not. Iron will often rust when left exposed to the elements and almost always requires a coating for durability. When compared to aluminum, stainless steel is stronger and more attractive; allowing for leaner profiles due to its strength. Stainless railing frames require less components, grommets, and bushings when used in coastal settings. For modern railing infill  like cable and glass panels, stainless steel is superior to wood, aluminum, mild steel, and rod iron railing systems. The price point for stainless steel is higher than many comparable materials; however the durability and longevity is superior.

Best Wood Types for Exterior Construction

Wood is widely used for construction projects and allows for flexibility as it is widely available. Wood can be stained or painted to achieve different looks and colors. Bare wood finishes are also popular and wood is relatively inexpensive when compared to most steel options. Some drawbacks to using wood framing for railing projects are maintenance requirements and durability issues related to insects and or dry rot fungus. Wood can be combined with steel and/or stainless steel to construct hybrid railing systems which offer a bit of cost savings and versatility when compared to all steel or all wood systems. For exterior structures with maximum exposure, hardwood species like Ipe’ will perform better than softer woods like cedar, fir, and redwood. Soft woods should be treated with penetrating oils, or painted for maximum durability. The price point for many wood species is better than steel and aluminum in most cases.

Composite Products and Vinyl Railing Materials

When it comes to low maintenance and use as a decking (flooring) material, composites are very hard to beat. They require much less up keep than traditional wood, rarely scratch or fade. Despite the ease to maintain, they lack the beauty and charm of natural wood and cost wise composite products can be very expensive. For years we have utilized composite materials as a capping material for wooden and steel sub rails to add durability or to color match decking material. For structural purposes and railing frames we do not utilize or recommend composite products. Structurally speaking, composite and vinyl materials do not measure up to steel, hardwoods, and aluminum railing frames. The amount of expansion and contraction during heat and cold make maintaining these railing types more difficult. Even the best fasteners can be sheared by this expansion and for this reason our top recommendation for railing material type is stainless steel. Vinyl fencing (non structural or load bearing) is durable and long lasting when utilized for perimeter fences, however we do not recommend or utilize vinyl products for constructing railing systems. San Diego Cable Railings and our preferred installation contractors have been fabricating and installing deck railings since 2009. Our steel, stainless steel, and wooden railing systems offer unmatched aesthetics and durability. We offer a full line of stainless steel railing posts, cable and glass railing packages, and preferred installation of the products in the state of California. if you have questions or would like to obtain pricing for interior or exterior railings please give us a call or visit the quote request page.