10 Jun How to Choose Between Aluminium and Steel Railings

As a property owner, there are plenty of decisions to make regarding your residential or commercial building design. Choosing between materials to use can be very difficult, especially for items like railings that aren’t usually a top consideration. If you’ve decided on using metal railings, two popular options are steel and aluminium, which are, at first impression, very similar.

So how do you decide whether aluminium or steel railings are best for your property?

The structural steel fabricators here at Baker Steel Trading have years of experience designing, manufacturing and installing steel railings – so we’ve created a guide below with the advantages of steel compared to aluminium to help you make the best choice.

Comparing Aluminium and Steel Railings

There are quite a few differences between the properties of steel and aluminium that give them different advantages, so we’re going to compare them across several areas. First, consider the list below, and then make your decision as to which metal railings are best for your property.

Durability

In commercial or industrial applications, railings could be touched or held by hundreds of people each day. Seeing as railings are handled and used regularly, choosing a durable option for manufacture is essential.

• Resistance – Some people would say that aluminium railings are the better option because they are naturally resistant to rust; however, the same can be true for steel. Steel fabrication companies can use modern steel finishing methods, such as galvanisation, to help the railings withstand damage caused by rust or corrosion. This advantage makes steel railings especially suitable for outdoor use.
• Strength – Steel and aluminium are both known for being tough and durable, but steel is the more robust metal of the two. The strength of steel railings makes them the preferred option when exposed to severe weather conditions and heavy footfall, helping to keep anyone on your property safe.

Aesthetic

Steel and aluminium can both be used to create attractive railings. As metals, they have a similar appearance, and they’re both versatile materials that can provide the opportunity to create bespoke designs.

Choosing steel railings allows you to benefit from modern steel fabrication work. Steel can be bent and shaped into almost any design by structural steel fabricators, who can use machinery to expose structural and stainless steel railings to high heat and subsequently, create unique designs.

Many customers select steel because it can be designed to look modern or have a more rustic aesthetic than aluminium, leaving you with more design capabilities. So if you’re looking for a higher degree of innovation and customisation, steel railings are the way to go.

Cost

In terms of raw material costs, aluminium typically costs more than steel, which tends to surprise consumers, given the strength and reliability of steel handrails. However, that price comparison doesn’t include any added costs in treating the steel to prevent rust or corrosion, levelling the playing field a little more. Stainless steel, in particular, is a very affordable option if you want to add attractive railings to your property, as it balances aesthetics with strength and practicality.

Maintenance

Both steel and aluminium make railings that are very easy to maintain.

Aluminium railings are typically offered in a powder-coated finish, which is very reliable. The main maintenance task would be hosing down your aluminium railing to remove loose dirt and debris as necessary.

In comparison, steel is also low-maintenance as long as it has been treated through a method such as galvanisation. A steel railing with this corrosion-resistance coating won’t require maintenance for several years, only occasionally needing to be wiped clean of any residual dirt. In addition, thanks to the properties of structural and stainless steel, it won’t warp, crack or bend if you don’t tend to it.

Installation

Aluminium is a light metal, making it possible for property owners to assemble their railings themselves if they’d like. In comparison, steel railings can be considerably heavier, which helps contribute to steel’s strength and durability, but that does make customers think that installation will be difficult and therefore expensive. Thankfully, the Baker Steel Trading team has years of experience installing steel railings and will have no issues completing the task.

Local Steel Fabricators

It’s essential to consider the above benefits when planning a new construction project or renovating an existing one. If you have decided that stainless or structural steel railings are the way to go for your property, then Baker Steel Trading are here to help.

Our team of steel fabrication specialists have years of experience in creating and fitting steel railings and provide both off-site and on-site steel fabrication services, meaning that we can assist on your project no matter its size and scale. Get in contact with us today to find out more.