It’s important to consider your maintenance needs and the style of your house before committing to a type of railing material
Many homeowners put a lot of thought into the type of deck they want, but many people don’t consider the importance of porch railings. The primary function is to protect individuals and pets from falling off the elevated deck. Besides providing security, porch railings are also beautiful and add aesthetic appeal to a home. However, it’s important to consider your maintenance needs and the style of your house before committing to a type of railing material. Let’s go over the types of railing materials and how to choose the right one for your home.
Vinyl Railing
Vinyl is a popular choice among homeowners. Its main advantage is that vinyl is reasonably maintenance-free, needing only occasional cleaning to remove debris or dirt, so it won’t cost you much to upkeep. Vinyl is lightweight and does not need to be sealed or finished while balancing style and safety. The downside to vinyl, however, is its durability. This material is not ideal for extreme hot or cold climates, where it can warp or crack, which will require a replacement. Although the color technology of vinyl has improved over time, it is still susceptible to fading, especially when placed outside.
Wood Railing
Wood is the most traditional and classic railing material. While wooden railings are generally found inside the home, they can be used for outdoor applications. You can paint or stain it to match with the rest of your deck. However, there are some downsides to wood for outdoor applications in areas with extreme weather. Fluctuating temperatures, high humidity, and precipitation can impact the strength of the wood. For example, the wood will dry out and splinter without regular maintenance, grow mold and rot because of the moisture, or become infested with pests.
Aluminum Railing
Aluminum is an excellent alternative to metal or steel railings, as its lighter weight makes it easier to move around and install. You also have a wide range of colors to choose from with aluminum railings, making them a flexible option to fit any exterior design. Finally, aluminum railings require virtually no maintenance once installed and have a greater lifetime value than wood or vinyl.
Interested in Improving Your Outdoor Living Space? Consider Landscape and Hardscaping Design Services from Carroll Landscaping
Carroll Landscaping has over 30 years of experience with landscape construction, porch construction, deck building, and hardscape installation. Our award-winning landscape designers are passionate about providing customers with top-notch service and landscape design. Our landscape designers have a creative design outlook and work as a team with our installation crews to make your vision a reality. We are committed to providing every customer with the highest quality workmanship, professional and knowledgeable service, and creativity in design in order to surpass our clients’ expectations in every aspect of the project.
We serve residents throughout the beautiful state of Maryland including Baltimore, Columbia, Ellicott City, Eldersburg, Clarksville, Sykesville, Manchester, Westminster, and Woodstock. For more information and to schedule a consultation with one of our expert designers, contact us online or give us a call at 410-922-2416