Is Aluminum or Composite Deck Railing Better?
Deck railings are a vital component of safety protection. They also serve as a key element in the overall aesthetic style of the deck. Traditional wooden railings have gradually been replaced by more durable alternative materials. Aluminum and composite deck railing are the most popular options on the market right now.
Aluminum is beneficial because it is cheap to maintain, can withstand harsh weather, and looks sleek and modern. On the other hand, composite deck railings make the deck look like it has wood railings. They are very strong and usually cost less up front than metal railings. Each material has its own unique features. The best choice relies on the user’s needs, budget, taste, and willingness to keep it up. This piece will go over the properties of both materials in depth to help you make a decision.
Table of Contents
Characteristics of Aluminum Railings
Aluminum railings made today are usually made using extrusion. Powder coating technology is often used on their surfaces to make a strong protective layer that can stand up to weather.
Naturally, aluminum is light, strong, and a good conductor of heat. When aluminum is outside, it naturally builds up a thick protective layer of aluminum oxide. This layer stops oxidation from happening anymore, which gives the material corrosion protection.
Characteristics of Composite Deck Railings
Composite deck railings are usually made of a mix of plastic resins and wood fibers. This material is made of plastic and wood, so it has both the natural look of wood and the long-lasting, easy-care benefits of plastic. It doesn’t rot, bend, or crack as wood does, so it lasts longer. Because of this, composite deck railings work very well for outdoor decks. Composite deck railings also offer more color and style choices.
Comparison of Aluminum Railings and Composite Deck Railings
Both railing materials possess distinct advantages. Below is a comparison of their characteristics across different aspects.
Appearance and Design Style
Aluminum rails have a simple, modern look. Their design usually focuses on geometric shapes and a “less is more” look. This makes them great for modern building and minimalist design ideas. Aluminum railings usually don’t have a lot of color options. Black, white, and brown are basic colors that most names offer. Aluminum rails can still look like a lot of different things, though, by using different kinds of surface treatments and structural designs.
Composite deck railings look better than other kinds of railings because they can look like real wood. Advanced manufacturing techniques replicate authentic wood grain, color variations, and even knots. This appearance makes them particularly suitable for traditional and rustic architectural styles.
Composite deck railings offer significantly richer color and style options. Brands like Trex and EVODEK provide multiple color options. Composite deck rails also let you choose from a range of extras, like handrail and baluster styles and other decorative features.
Cost
When it comes to the cost of the materials, composite deck railings are usually a little less expensive than metal ones. Aluminum railings usually cost between $40 and $100 per square foot in materials. The exact costs rely on how high-quality the materials are and how complicated the design is. Also, it has to be installed by a professional, which adds about 30% to 50% to the total cost.
It costs about $30 to $60 per square foot in materials to make composite deck railings. Having a professional do it costs a lot of money, but people with a lot of experience can try to install it themselves to save money. Also, the long-term cost of taking care of both products is much lower than that of wood.
Maintenance Requirements
Aluminum railings require only periodic cleaning and inspection. Clean quarterly or biannually using mild soapy water and a soft cloth. For stubborn stains, use a specialized aluminum cleaner. During rainy seasons, rainfall naturally washes away most surface dust from aluminum railings.
Composite deck railings are also easy to take care of. Cleaning often stops dirt from building up. In places where the air is wet, you should clean more often. Even though composite decks don’t mold or rot on their own, mold can still grow on dirt that builds up.
Durability
Aluminum railings offer excellent longevity and weather resistance. They perform well in extreme climates. Their powder-coated surface provides superior UV protection and color stability. However, aluminum may dent or scratch under impacts from hail or heavy objects.
Composite deck railings also boast good surface strength and longevity. High-quality composite railings can easily exceed 25 years of service life. They exhibit excellent weather resistance, adapting to diverse environments. Premium products incorporate UV stabilizers, preventing noticeable fading or aging over extended use.
Installation Difficulty
Aluminum railings are lightweight, making them easy to transport and position. Many systems offer highly pre-assembled components. Professional installers can also cut and drill on-site. They are typically secured directly with screws, though some systems require specialized fasteners.
Composite railings are heavier. They can be cut and drilled like wood. Stainless steel fasteners are recommended for securing them. Additionally, pre-drilling may be necessary to prevent cracking.
Environmental Sustainability
As environmental awareness grows, the sustainability of railing materials has gained attention. Aluminum railings consume high energy during production. However, their advantage lies in recyclability. Composite railings typically incorporate recyclable plastics and wood fibers. Their manufacturing process consumes low energy and produces no pollution. Both materials boast long lifespans. Consequently, you won’t need to replace them quickly, reducing resource consumption.
Should I Choose Aluminum or Composite Deck Railing?
Both aluminum and composite deck railings offer distinct advantages. The choice depends on your specific environment and requirements. Consider the following factors when making your decision:
Climate
The climate is one of the most important things. Aluminum railings have clear benefits in places where the air is humid. But composite deck railings also keep out water very well. No matter what material you use, make sure that water can get out and air can flow in. If you are in a place with a lot of sunlight, be aware that aluminum’s ability to absorb heat may make it uncomfortable to touch. Choosing composite rails that are lighter in color may make things more comfortable.
Architectural Style
People who own a home pick most of their outdoor products based on how their home is built. Before buying, ask sellers for samples so you can see them in natural light. Aluminum railings have a simple look that goes well with modern buildings. Composite deck railings come in a lot of different colors and styles, so they can be used with any type of building.
Budget
No matter what material is picked, the cost has to be taken into account. People who own homes and don’t have a lot of money may choose simple composite deck railing styles. If you have a lot of money to spend, aluminum or capped composite deck railing are great option. Also, none of them needs to be fixed or cleaned often. You don’t have to worry about paying more if you use it for a long time.
Conclusion
Aluminum and composite deck railings are two great choices of current outdoor building materials. Aluminum railings look modern, last a long time, and don’t need to be taken care of very often. Composite deck railings look warm and natural, come in a lot of different styles, and are the best choice for cost. It makes people happy by giving them both the look of wood and the property that doesn’t need a lot of care.
A high-quality railing system will make your outdoor space better, no matter what material you use. It enhances property value while delivering years of safety and visual enjoyment. For more information, contact us. EVODEK provides beautiful, high-performance composite decks.
FAQ
Do Aluminum Railings Truly Never Rust?
High-quality aluminum alloy railings offer exceptional corrosion resistance. This is because of the thick layer of aluminum oxide that forms on the surface by itself, and the powder coating that is put on during the manufacturing process. But, if the coating gets damaged or if it’s in a very harsh climate, it can still show signs of corrosion. Regular checks and upkeep are the best way to make sure rust doesn’t form.
Will Composite Deck Railings Rot, Crack, or Attract Insects like Wood?
Composite decking materials overcome these drawbacks of wood. They won’t rot or crack like natural wood and contain no nutrients that attract insects. But poor-quality items might get small cracks on the surface after a long time of UV exposure and changes in temperature. Therefore, choose high-quality products with UV stabilizers when purchasing.
Which Material is More Resistant to High or Low Temperatures?
Neither of the materials can be easily damaged by changes in temperature. Aluminum is better able to handle high heat and cold because it has a lower thermal expansion coefficient. It might feel hot when touched during hot summer days, but it stays the same. The thermal expansion rate is higher for composite decking. This means that the right growth gaps have to be planned and installed.
Is Composite Deck Railing Completely Maintenance-free?
Even though composite deck railings don’t need to be taken care of as much as natural wood, it still needs to be taken care of every once in a while to keep them in the best shape. Cleaning every three months is suggested to stop mold from growing. While composite decking does need less upkeep, it isn’t completely maintenance-free.
Can I Mix These Two Materials?
Yes, and this practice is increasingly popular. Mixed designs combine the advantages of both materials. Common hybrid designs include:
- Aluminum posts paired with composite decking handrails and balusters.
- Composite main structures complemented by aluminum decorative elements.
- Aluminum frames with composite decking panels embedded within.
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