Last Updated: June 12, 2017
Are you struggling to find the perfect railing for your home or business? Iron rails are too expensive, aluminum doesn’t offer enough privacy, wood is too high-maintenance, and on and on it goes . . . If you’re tired of shopping for railings and you’re worried that you’ll never find the perfect rail, let me ask you one thing before you go: have you considered vinyl railing? Vinyl is affordable, comes in a variety of styles, can offer privacy (depending on the design), and requires virtually no maintenance whatsoever. Beautiful and tough, it offers the best of both worlds. Intrigued? Let me tell you a little more about the benefits of vinyl railing.
The Benefits of Vinyl Railing
DURABILITY
Vinyl is built to last. Although it’s not as heavy as wrought iron or steel, vinyl is surprisingly strong and durable. In fact, it’s approximately five times stronger than wood! Plus, unlike wood, you won’t have to worry about it rusting, decomposing, blistering, rotting, peeling, or falling prey to pests. Decades down the line, your vinyl railing will still be beautiful. In addition, because vinyl railings consist of hollow pieces, some use aluminum-reinforced frames for added durability. The manufacturing process for vinyl railings does vary slightly from company to company, so be sure to assess your options carefully. In addition, review the products’ warranties for protection and peace of mind.
LITTLE MAINTENANCE
Don’t want to be bothered with railing maintenance? Vinyl might be the perfect choice for you. The color won’t fade, and the railing doesn’t require any staining, sealing, or painting. The only maintenance you can expect is a little cleaning, which can easily be accomplished with a hose and rag. Check out our blog post How to Clean Vinyl Railing to learn how to complete this exceedingly simple task. Especially when compared to wood railings (which can require power washing, staining, sealing, painting, and more), vinyl is a walk in the park. Of all the benefits of vinyl railing, this may be the most appreciated.
AFFORDABLE
Vinyl is an affordable and cost-efficient railing choice. Although some other materials (like wood) are typically cheaper than vinyl at the onset, they usually cost more than vinyl in the long run due to vinyl’s long lifespan and limited maintenance requirements. Due to its strength, your railing won’t need to be replaced for many years. Plus, because of its quick and easy installation, vinyl can be installed at a relatively low price. Finally, wood requires more maintenance, which costs more money (in the form of stains, paints, sealants, etc.) and may cause stress and frustration.
EASY INSTALLATION
If you want to make your vinyl railing even more affordable, learn how to install the railing yourself. Vinyl is lightweight and available in easy-to-assemble kits, so any amateur handyman with a few basic tools can install a vinyl railing. The material is also flexible, making it less likely to snap or break off when compared to wood. If you’re excited to tackle your railing’s installation on your own, this might be one of the most tempting benefits of vinyl railing.
STYLE
Like sleek lines? No problem! Classic styles? We’ve got you covered. Traditional ornamentation? Yes, we have that too. Vinyl railing is extremely versatile in both its design and color, so we’re confident that you’ll find the perfect product to ornament your home. You’ll find solid colors, speckled patterns, sleek lines, traditional trimmings, and more. Plus, if you were hoping for wood railings, know that vinyl railings make great doppelgängers. And unlike wood, vinyl won’t deteriorate over the years. You won’t need to worry about staining, rotting, mold, weathering, or most other forms of damage. Be sure to choose a high-quality vinyl railing, as some will fade in extreme weather conditions.
PRIVACY
Unlike aluminum railings (which are also durable, stylish, and virtually maintenance-free), vinyl rails can provide a lot of privacy. The amount of privacy will, of course, depend on the style you choose. If you’re concerned about neighbors or passersby seeing through your deck’s railing, look for a style with very little or no space between the balusters. You can also find vinyl railings with privacy panels (often made of lattice) above the main railing. For additional privacy and some natural beauty, you can let vines climb up the lattice. For example, creeping plants like clematis, morning glory, and ivy make excellent additions to lattice and can transform your porch or deck into a private, beautiful sanctuary.
Purchasing a Vinyl Railing
Are you planning to purchase a new vinyl railing for your porch or deck? If so, be sure to check out MMC Fencing & Railing. We offer free shipping on all orders over $50, and we are proud members of the Home Builders Association of Greater Springfield. Our fencing and railing experts can help you select the best product for your needs, whether you’re persuaded by the benefits of vinyl railing or not.
You might be interested in the PolyRail Vinyl Railing system, which is distinctive, versatile, and virtually maintenance-free. Amongst the many available styles, you’re sure to find one that fits your home’s style and your personal preferences. All styles are available in white and tan, and some designs include aluminum spindles, which are available in twelve standard colors and any custom color you like. All PolyRail vinyl railing systems come with a transferable lifetime limited warranty.
If PolyRail doesn’t charm you, take a look at the TRX Vinyl Railing system. The styles are classic, simple, and airy, and they’re also available in a number of different colors and design variations. You can purchase adjustable aluminum post mounts (which work on wood, concrete, vinyl, and composite) to secure your vinyl railing to the floor. In addition, you can customize the styles available in your choice of post caps and post flairs. The caps are available in flat, trim, gothic, and ball styles, while the flairs are available in different sizes and textures (some smooth, some fluted). All styles come with a lifetime limited warranty.
If you would like a beautiful, durable, and virtually maintenance-free railing, explore the options presented by vinyl railings. And for more railing options, please check out the MMC Fencing & Railing online store or give us a call at 1-866-931-5002.