Composite vs Aluminum Deck Railing: Styles, Prices, Features
When you’re building or renovating a deck, the railing material you choose is critical – not only is it a visual focal point, but it’s also a key safety feature. Aluminum and composite are two popular contenders in the deck railing arena, and each material has its own unique advantages and disadvantages
Learn more about the differences between composite and aluminum railing and how to choose the right railing for your project.
Lifespan and Durability
Aluminum Railing:
Aluminum railings can have an average lifespan of 15-25 years, with most sellers offering a minimum 15-year warranty. Because of the excellent corrosion resistance of aluminum railings, some manufacturers will offer a lifetime warranty.
Its durability is due to composite deck railings because aluminum railings have an oxidized film on their surface. This film protects it from corrosion by seawater, UV rays and acids, so its durability as a deck railing material is sufficient.
Composite Railing:
The average lifespan of a composite railing is about 10-20 years, but the results depend greatly on the quality of the composite material and how well it is maintained. Because high-quality composite materials can last at least 20 years – and possibly longer.
The durability of composite railing is good, although it pales in comparison to aluminum deck railing. Because of the presence of synthetic plastics or solid wood in composites, they can become brittle when exposed to high temperatures or extreme cold. If your deck is in a snowy or tropical area, then composite railings need to be maintained more frequently.
Aluminum Railing VS Composite Railing: Costs
aluminum railing cost：
The average material cost for aluminum railings is about $45-$70 per linear foot. However, this price can rise significantly when installation costs are taken into account. This is because the installation cost of aluminum deck railings can be expensive. This price includes the cost of labor for the installation and the assembly of the railing, and in the case of a complex aluminum railing will cost at least $800 extra to install.
Fortunately, since aluminum railings require low maintenance. Maintenance costs after installation are much lower than wood and composite materials. It will cost less than wood after a long period of time.
composite railing cost：
The average cost of composite railing is approximately $20-$45 per linear foot. It will be lower than aluminum because the raw material price is lower than aluminum metal, but it can be expensive if you choose a high quality synthetic plastic as the material. If you want a low budget option：composite railing would be best option for you.
Composite railing costs less to install than aluminum because it is lighter and has fewer mounting accessories. This means that labor costs can be lower, but its maintenance costs are higher than aluminum. Because the frequency of maintenance for composite railing becomes frequent after more than five years of use, if you want deck railing that will last a lifetime: aluminum railing would be a better choice.
Aluminum Railing VS Composite Railing: colors
aluminum railing color option：
Aluminum railings usually have more color options than composite railings. Most aluminum railing colors are: white, black and gray. But aluminum finishes can be powder coated to get the desired color. Hugh Aluminum, for example, offers over 60 color options, and you can discover more color options for aluminum railings or fences here.
Composite railing colors:
Composite railing will have more color options, and it will have three times as many common colors as aluminum. This extended range of colors makes it possible to better match your house. For example, choose the same color as your deck to match, or choose a primary color for the railing and a compound color for the deck. More color options can meet your design requirements.
It’s important to note that it really boils down to what suits your tastes, project needs and budget.
Aluminum Railing VS Composite Railing: style
aluminum railing：
Aluminum railing with its modern, simple design style and elegant metal texture. It can bring a modern and luxurious visual effect to the outdoor platform or deck. In addition, it can be welded to the railing panel by welding the decorative elements, if you want to have a free match between architecture and railing: aluminum will be the best answer.
Composite railing
Composite railings are usually styled to have a natural, rustic visual. They mimic the grain and color effects of natural wood, adding a warm, natural touch to buildings and decks. It’s type usually uses slender vertical rails that visually blend in with the background, thus giving you ample views from your deck.
Composite railings can give you a better view and a natural style. However, if you live in an area that is densely built up or need to focus on privacy. Railing in other materials will be better.
How to upkeep and maintenance?
Maintaining aluminum railings:
Aluminum is usually powder coated to protect it from damage, which makes it fundamentally waterproof. It is also resistant to corrosion and highly variable temperatures. Therefore, we don’t need to apply cleaners and use steel wool balls on it.
Maintaining the railings only requires cleaning with a high-pressure water gun, and the frequency of maintenance is usually twice a year. If the powder coating is damaged, you need to ask the manufacturer for a touch-up paint or kit.
Maintaining composite railings:
Different types of composite deck railings require slightly different levels of maintenance. Overall, composite railings require fairly low maintenance. Occasional use of surface polish or cleaning the surface with soap is all that is required.
However, when composite railings become scratched they need to be promptly painted or covered up. Because rainwater can penetrate its internal materials, composite railings can chip or warp when the temperature changes.
Explore All Your Aluminum Deck Options with Hugh Aluminum！
If you would like to learn more about all of the options for aluminum decking or aluminum railing, please feel free to contact us.
Hugh aluminum design and manufacture all types of aluminum decking and deck railings. In the past 14 years, we have excelled in completing 600+ construction projects and gained recognition from most of our customers.
We can help you choose the perfect color and style for your new deck!
