Stair railings are a safety component to your home or deck that add serious design flair. They are often the first thing people notice when they come to visit and help them navigate your property without fear of falling or getting lost. They are the perfect opportunity to showcase your style in another way. This article will look at some insights and tips for choosing a stylish outdoor stair railing that is both safe and a major design statement.
What is the best material for stair railing?
There is a wide variety of materials available for outdoor stair railings. Some are easy to maintain and others require extensive care. For example, wood requires regular sanding and repainting, while aluminum does not. Many stair railing manufacturers offer a selection of colors and finishes to suit your style, and some also provide unique infills like stainless steel cable and mesh that can add a more industrial flair.
Generally, metal and wood are the two most popular choices for outdoor stair railings. Both offer a natural look that blends well with the overall aesthetic of your staircase, and both are durable and long-lasting. Wood can be quite expensive, but it offers the added benefit of being able to be stained and repainted to match your deck or home. Metal stair railings are typically made of aluminum, which is both lightweight and rust-resistant. They can be powder coated in a variety of colors and styles, and they are also relatively easy to install.
The most important factor in deciding on an outdoor stair railing is its ability to meet local building codes. For instance, in some areas you must have a handrail that can support 400 lbs. You don’t want a drunk adult male to accidentally kick the stair railing and fall off an upper floor, killing himself. Some metal stair railings have perforations that allow snow or rainwater to drain through, which reduces the amount of buildup.
Other factors that you should consider include durability, cost, and ease of maintenance. For example, wooden railings require frequent sanding and repainting. Some manufacturers produce low-maintenance stair railings that are pre-stained and ready to use right out of the box. These are a good choice for homeowners who don’t want to deal with the upkeep of regular wood stair railings.
If you’re looking for a stylish outdoor stair railing, check out the options at Fortress Building Products. Their product line includes a wide range of different stair railings, and they also make fencing, decking, and ornamental hardware that can complement your stair railing. Their products are aesthetically pleasing, and they are designed to be used by anyone, from prom queens to superheroes. Their stair railings are available in a variety of colors and finishes, and they feature unique features such as a rust resistant e-coating and hinged stair rail systems. They are also easy to install, and you can concrete them into the ground for a more stable finish.