MMC Blog

Last Updated: May 11, 2017

Strength. Beauty. Durability. Affordability. When it comes to your home’s railings, you want it all, don’t you? You could choose steel, but its hefty weight and even heftier price tag might dissuade you. You could choose wood, but its tendency to rot and its required maintenance duties might be hard to stomach (all that painting, staining, and sealing . . . ). Before you waste a lot of time scrolling through your railing options, do yourself a favor and learn about the many benefits of aluminum railings. Beautiful, reliable, and requiring very little maintenance, aluminum railing might be just what you’re looking for. Scroll down to explore the many benefits of aluminum railings.

Benefits of Aluminum Railings

Aluminum Railings Are Durable.

Aluminum, unlike many other railing materials, isn’t susceptible to corrosion or rust, and it can easily hold up to tough weather, including ice, snow, rain, and UV rays. Aluminum railings also won’t splinter, twist, shrink, or warp. In nearly all environments, no matter what Mother Nature throws at them, aluminum railings should remain durable. The durability of aluminum contrasts sharply with the frailty of wood. If you don’t maintain wood railings properly, they will fall apart as the years go by. If you don’t maintain aluminum railings, on the other hand, it’s not a problem! They will still look great. Speaking of which . . .

Aluminum Railings Are Low-Maintenance.

Aluminum railings are naturally strong products, so they don’t require a lot of upkeep. The powder-coated aluminum railings available these days need no maintenance whatsoever, but you may want to hose them down from time to time. Unlike regular paint, properly applied powder coating on most aluminum railings is permanent and won’t crack, chip, or peel. We recommend that you clean your railings at least once a year if they’re located in a standard outdoor environment. In more potentially threatening environments, such as those near an ocean or pool, inspect and clean your railings every six months or so. To learn how to clean aluminum railings, check out this previous post.

Aluminum Railings Are Easy to Install.

Compared to many other types of railings, aluminum systems are relatively easy to install. These days, many manufacturers design simple systems that can be quickly installed by your average homeowner. They arrive in a kit that includes just about everything you need to get started – from the biggest posts down to the smallest screws – so long as you have some basic tools. For example, you will likely need a saw, a drill, a tape measure, a level, and a rubber mallet. So if you’re confident in your construction abilities, feel free to tackle the installation of your aluminum railing on your own. To quickly gauge the difficulty of such a DIY project, check out our post discussing how to install a Westbury aluminum railing.

Aluminum Railings Are Affordable

Although aluminum is not the cheapest option available (wood tends to be less expensive), do you really want a cheap railing? Aluminum is an affordable option that offers numerous benefits, but it isn’t as pricey as steel or wrought iron. Plus, in addition to considering the initial price of your railing, remember to factor in installation costs, maintenance costs, repair costs, and the average lifespan of your chosen railing. Because aluminum requires no maintenance and will last a lot longer than most materials, you will find that the price reflects the quality of the product. Wood, though less expensive, will cost you more in maintenance, repairs, and supplies (like stains and sealants). Plus, aluminum railings have a longer lifespan than wood, so you won’t need to replace them as soon.

Aluminum Railings Are Strong and Safe.

Aluminum is a very strong, versatile material. The strength varies depending on the alloy, but if you’re doubting aluminum’s strength, note that many manufacturers use aluminum within the frame of other railings (like vinyl) to increase their strength. From a structural point of view, aluminum is a sound choice, especially if you purchase your railing from a reputable manufacturer. In addition, because it is non-ferrous and doesn’t rot, decay, or rust, you won’t have to worry about these issues affecting your railing’s strength or safety. It also maintains its shape in extreme temperatures, so you won’t have to worry about it deteriorating due to frequent expanding or shrinking.

Although it’s fairly lightweight, aluminum will stay strong through tough times and remain safe for years to come. It can easily withstand a variety of environmental blows, including wind, rain, snow, ice, and UV rays. In addition, you can find ADA-compliant aluminum handrail systems, which meet all ADA code requirements for safety and accessibility.

Aluminum Railings Are Gorgeous.

A railing’s primary function is, of course, safety. Without railings on balconies, porches, and stairways, far more injurious accidents would occur. Children, seniors, and disabled people would be especially at risk, and many people wouldn’t dare venture out of the safe center of a deck. However, just because a railing must be strong and safe, that doesn’t mean that it can’t boast great beauty as well. Aluminum railings are available in a variety of styles and colors, so you’re sure to find one that matches both your taste and your home’s personality. They offer all of the elegance and style of wrought iron without the hulking weight and expensive price tag. Plus, if you choose the right color and design, your railing will seamlessly blend into its surroundings, showing off your property instead of hogging the spotlight.

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Have I convinced you? Now that you know all about the many benefits of aluminum railings, if you’re at all interested in purchasing a new railing, do yourself a favor and check out MMC Fencing & Railing. You might be interested in the Westbury Aluminum Railing Systems, which are available in a variety of styles and colors. With names like Tuscany, Riviera, Montego, and Veranda, you can trust that these railings are both elegant and understated. Or, if you’re concerned about pesky insects, learn more about ScreenRail, an aluminum railing with heavy-duty screen panels to keep out mosquitos and other bothersome bugs.

For more railing options and to check out additional benefits of aluminum railings, please check out the MMC Fencing & Railing online store or give us a call at 1-866-931-5002.