Stainless steel railing systems have numerous advantages. Whether for your balcony, deck, stairs, or walkway with cable or glass, they are cost-effective, aesthetic, durable, and most importantly, safe.
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Stainless steel railings are a worthwhile investment for any contemporary architecture. They last for years with their exceptional durability while increasing property value. These railings come with various design options that fit different aesthetic preferences.
While some of the reasons stainless steel railings are a good investment are evident, there is more to them. In this article, we’ll cover what makes these railings a smart investment for your property.
What are stainless steel railings?
Stainless steel railings are popular in both residential and commercial properties. These railings provide the utmost security where a barrier is needed, such as a porch, stairs, decks, balconies, and walkways.
Stainless steel railings are fixed on the building structure to hold the components such as glass frame, metal plate, cable, metal mesh, and vertical or horizontal bars. Essentially, the stainless steel railing column is the main load-bearing component of the guardrail. These columns are convenient for balconies, staircases, landscape enclosures, and anywhere a sturdy railing system is needed.
Stainless steel railings utilize various hardware and fittings that can be customized to complement different aesthetic preferences. They can use vertical or horizontal bars, glass panels, and cable to increase safety, as well as to enhance the visual appeal. Some of the varieties include glass and pole guardrail stainless steel posts and glass partition stainless steel post.
When designing a railing for your next architectural project, you can incorporate different of these elements of stainless steel railings to match the surrounding infrastructure. The flexibility in design, excellent durability, and versatility are just a few advantages of stainless steel railings.
Benefits of stainless steel railings
Stainless steel railings have many benefits that attract people looking for a reliable yet visually pleasing railing system. Here are some of the notable benefits of stainless steel railings.
Durability
Stainless steel railings are incredibly durable to the point of being indestructible compared to other railing systems. They can withstand years of use and exposure to extreme weather conditions thanks to their incredible corrosion resistance. Stainless steel is also fire and heat-resistant, where it maintains its strength and resists scaling at elevated temperatures.
In outdoor applications where other materials aren’t suitable, stainless steel provides excellent practicality. These railing systems are suited to withstand any setting, making them a great investment with their high durability.
Requires little maintenance
One of the main reasons why stainless steel railings are cost-effective is their upkeep needs. Furthermore, caring for a stainless steel railing system is straightforward. A thorough wipe with a damp cloth is all it takes to maintain their appearance.
Unlike the materials used for classic railings, stainless steel doesn’t require routine painting or finishing. Caring for a stainless steel railing is essentially free, carrying its cost-effectiveness further.
Aesthetically pleasing
Stainless steel railings can be designed to match any contemporary design. The shiny looks add a touch of sophistication and class. Stainless steel railings with cable and glass provide unobstructed views, creating an airy atmosphere.
These make stainless steel railings aesthetically pleasing. Whether for a balcony, staircase, or deck, you can find a stainless steel railing design that matches your visual appeal, added with the vast customization options.
Maximum safety
Stainless steel is a solid, immovable metal that maintains its shape with a high weight-bearing rating. It doesn’t bend or break easily. When installed correctly, stainless steel railings provide maximum safety.
Another benefit of stainless railings from a safety perspective is the parts you can add. Depending on the railing design, you can incorporate handrails or top rails to add a layer of extra security.
Stainless steel railings prevent falls, slips, and trips. These solid railing systems provide safety while keeping legal troubles away and your conscience clear.
It is sustainable
Despite what one might think, stainless steel railings are more sustainable than many alternatives. Most stainless steel railing systems are designed to last more than 30 years without replacement.
These railings require fewer replacement parts to be fully functional and safe. Besides, you only need a damp cloth to maintain a stainless railing system for years, requiring fewer manufactured goods to upkeep. These make stainless steel railings sustainable, next to their cost efficiency.
Common concerns about stainless steel railings
The benefits of stainless steel railings make them attractive, but with some common concerns. Here are a few of these concerns that often derive from misconceptions.
Corrosion
Contrary to its name, stainless steel can corrode if not maintained. Regular cleaning is a must to keep its shiny look and prevent rust. You can also consider passivating or sealing the steel to eliminate corrosion.
The Chromium in the stainless steel forms a layer of chromium oxide that seals the iron and prevents it from reacting with the environment. This prevents steel from rusting. However, chemical and electrochemical reactions occur when the metal is subject to a corrosive environment. This exposes the iron on the surface, making it react with the environment and progressively corrode the metal.
You can consider passivating the steel to eliminate corrosion. Passivation is a finishing process that uses acids to remove iron from the stainless steel surface. Passivation strengthens the steel’s corrosion resistance by thickening the chromium oxide.
However, how susceptible the railing is to rusting depends on the steel the manufacturer uses. For example, we use 316L stainless steel for our hardware and fittings. If you’re ordering a stainless steel railing system for outdoor applications in a humid or rainy region, we replace it with Duplex 2205 or 2507.
Stainless steels rich in Molybdenum like these have improved corrosion resistance in coastal regions against saltwater and snow-melting salt. In other words, chloride ions. This level of corrosion resistance makes the use of these steels ideal in railings subject to a corrosive environment.
Having said that, even though maintenance plays a critical role, the steel used for the railing system is just as vital. Additives give our clients an easier time maintaining their railings. Even though maintenance and additional applications play a critical role, the steel used is just as vital.
Cost
Stainless steel railings are costlier than traditional alternatives. Unity Metal as a manufacture, we can offer the stainless steel railing system price per linear foot varies between $45 and $80.
Sure, you will pay more for a stainless steel railing system initially, but you will pay only once and forget about occurring costs.
The maintenance, repair, and replacement costs add up with other railing systems, especially compared to classic ones. In the end, you may end up paying more with all these combined. This is one of the reasons why stainless steel railings are a smart investment.
Installation
Another common concern with stainless steel railings is installation. The installation process and difficulty vary depending on the design, location, and materials.
Nonetheless, installing a stainless steel railing is straightforward. Even if you have no experience with railings, you can install a whole railing system without breaking a sweat.
We don’t provide installation services at Unity Metal, but we have plenty of installation videos and assembly instructions to make the process easier.
Conclusion
Stainless steel railings are low maintenance, sustainable, durable, and provide maximum security without sacrificing aesthetics. With all these, they make a smart investment in any property.
Looking for a stainless steel railing’s supplier? Unity Metal is a stainless steel railing manufacturer with different types of railing systems. Whether you’re a wholesaler, distributor, or simply looking for a manufacturer to purchase railing parts, we’ve got you covered. Get in touch with us to request a quote!