Stainless steel types, grades and finishes; with so many choices which one is right for your project? In this post we aim offer our potential customers a beginners guide to stainless steel railings; including grades, finishes and infill types. With our selection of product solutions, preferred installers, and code compliant railing hardware you’re sure to find answers and products to fit your needs.
Grades of Stainless Steel
When dealing with interior and exterior building products like fences and railings, we are primarily discussing two grades of stainless steel. Railing posts and products we furnish are available in both T304 and T316 grades of stainless steel. Both choices offer excellent corrosion resistance; however T316 is considered to be a “marine grade” stainless steel product. For salt air conditions right on the coast T316 stainless is our grade recommendation. All of our stainless cable assemblies utilize T316 wire and hardware.
Customers with homes at least 1-2 miles from the coast and further inland may benefit from the cost savings offered by T304 stainless steel products. T304 offers superior corrosion resistance to mild steel at a better price point than T316. For inland and non salt applications T304 products sustain excellent corrosion resistance for 30-50 years. Our company also offers galvanized options discussed in other posts.
Infill Choices for Stainless Steel Railings
Although modern choices in today’s railing market place are vast, we fabricate with two primary infill options. Many of our customers homes have expansive views, and they primarily request glass or stainless steel cable infill. Our stainless railing posts can accommodate both tempered glass panels and stainless steel cables. Glass panel systems utilize stainless steel clips to secure the panels mechanically to the railing posts. Cable infill options are available in both 1/8″ and 3/16″ diameter wire; with machine swaged and DIY hardware options.
Other infill options for stainless steel railings can include vertical cable, stainless rods, horizontal bar railings and even wooden infill options. Horizontal wood infill can be combined with stainless railing posts for a modern twist on privacy railings or screens. Horizontal bars or pipes can also be used as railing infill.
Mechanical and Coated Stainless Finishes
Many of our bare stainless steel railing posts and rails feature mechanical finishes of different grits, sheens and textures. These include dusted, brushed and polished finishes. Each have respective strengths and desired aesthetics related to durability and sheens. Low sheen finishes are more forgiving when it comes to dirt or traffic. High sheen finishes will typically offer more resistance to contaminants but less resistance to dirt or fingerprints.
Powder coating is a durable and cost effective way to add longevity and adaptability to stainless railing components. Much like paint, powder coating offers hundreds of color options with the bonus of a high temperature baked on coating that offers a barrier between the metal and any contaminants. Powder coated finishes can also mimic metallic finishes, while offering options for light to rough texture. Clear coats, waxes, cleaners and oils can also be used to protect and enhance the finishes on stainless steel railings.
San Diego Cable Railings produces some of the longest lasting and attractive railing options in todays marketplace. Since 2009 our sales and production team has assisted customers in 50 states. Our preferred installers travel up and down the California coast providing quality craftsmanship and expert knowledge of our product line. Potential customers interested in stainless cable and glass railings can visit the quote request form or give us a call at 844-277-7327.
