Metal railings are an ideal addition to any outdoor space and a surefire way to enhance your home’s curb appeal. Not only do they add beauty, but they are a key element to the overall safety and functionality of your space.
When choosing the right material for your railing, the decision between aluminum or steel is important. The main factors you need to consider are their durability, cost, maintenance needs, their strength, and your design needs for the railing.
At Hugh Aluminum, we can help homeowners design and manufacture the best aluminum railings. A proper railing will be a significant increase in the value of their home.
This blog explains the key differences between steel and aluminum railing systems and how to choose the right aluminum railing for homeowner.
Durability & Strength：steel railing vs aluminum railing
Steel：
Steel is known for its superior strength and sturdiness. It can withstand considerable weight and pressure, making it ideal for commercial or high-traffic decks. Its rigidity provides additional safety, especially on large decks or elevated platforms.
However, steel is susceptible to rust and corrosion, especially in coastal areas or high humidity environments. While treated or galvanized steel is resistant to rust, it still requires more maintenance than aluminum.
Aluminum：
Aluminum railing is naturally resistant to corrosion and rust, making it perfect for outdoor use, even in harsh environments. It doesn’t degrade in wet conditions like steel and has long-lasting durability. Aluminum also won’t bend or crack with temperature changes. While aluminum is strong, it is not as strong as steel. It may not be suitable for applications that require heavy-duty support, especially in structural strength dock railings.
In addition, aluminum has excellent UV resistance. Aluminum railings retain the luster and color of the metal even after prolonged exposure to sunlight. Over time, its finish still retains its original color.
In Hugh Aluminum, we manufacture all of our aluminum railings with a powder coated finish. The railing adds an extra layer of protection against corrosion and retains its color over time.
Comparing the Maintenance of Aluminum & Steel Railings
Aluminum railing：
The reason most homeowners choose aluminum railings is that they are easy to maintain and clean, and railings made of this material require very little maintenance and frequency. Simple cleaning of aluminum railings through a rag will keep them looking new.
Compared to stainless steel railings that require rust to be removed on a regular basis, aluminum railings are basically free from this concern. Because the oxide layer on the aluminum surface is resistant to rust and corrosion, an anodized or powder coated aluminum finish can further enhance its durability and longevity.
Aluminum under temperature fluctuations
However, aluminum is a soft metal. Just like the aluminum extrusion process used by Hugh Aluminum to manufacture aluminum extrusions, it can expand at high temperatures or contract when temperatures drop.
This property makes aluminum railings require some maintenance during the cold winter months. If your aluminum railings are located outside in the cold, such as in Canada or Russia. You may need to install rubber or screws to the aluminum railing to ensure its stability.
Steel railing:
Steel railings will be maintained more frequently and at a higher cost than aluminum, due to the fact that corrosion can be very damaging to steel. While we can use proper galvanizing or powder coating, steel railings can maintain fairly good corrosion resistance over time. But it will cost more than aluminum, even with coating scratches that expose the bottom metal to moisture.
Aesthetic Flexibility & Design Options
Aluminum Railing：
Aluminum railings offer a wide range of design possibilities. Due to their lightweight nature and ease of fabrication, aluminum can be formed into various shapes and profiles. From sleek, modern lines to traditional ornamental designs, aluminum railings can be customized to suit almost any architectural style.
Additionally, aluminum railings come in various powder-coated finishes, allowing for different colors and textures. The coating not only enhances aesthetics but also provides extra durability. Whether you prefer a matte black, glossy white, or a textured wood-look finish, aluminum can be tailored to your aesthetic preferences.
Steel Railing：
Steel railings also offer considerable design versatility, especially when it comes to intricate, ornamental designs. Wrought iron, a form of carbon steel, is especially popular for decorative railings with scrolls, finials, and other artistic elements. Steel’s rigidity allows for fine detailing that is difficult to achieve with other materials.
However, steel railings typically have a more industrial or traditional look, which may not suit modern or minimalist designs as well as aluminum. Custom steel railings can also be more expensive due to the labor-intensive fabrication process.
Which railing is best for your project？
- For contemporary designs and a broad range of finish options, aluminum railings provide greater aesthetic flexibility.
- For traditional, ornamental, or highly detailed designs, steel, particularly wrought iron, may be more suitable.
Cost-effective：aluminum railing vs steel railing
Aluminum Railing：
Aluminum railings are generally more affordable than steel, particularly when considering the overall lifecycle cost. The initial purchase price is often lower, and the savings continue over time due to reduced maintenance requirements and longer lifespan.
For example, while the upfront cost of aluminum might be slightly higher than basic carbon steel, the lack of maintenance expenses—such as
rust prevention treatments and repainting—makes aluminum more cost-effective in the long run.
Steel Railing：
Steel railings, especially custom or ornamental options, can be more expensive. The cost varies depending on the type of steel (carbon vs. stainless) and the complexity of the design. While basic steel railings may be competitively priced with aluminum, the additional costs for maintenance, protective treatments, and potential repairs can add up over time.
Stainless steel, in particular, carries a premium price due to its corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal. However, for projects requiring the utmost strength and durability, steel may justify the higher investment.
cost comparison table：Aluminum Railing & Steel Railing
| Cost Factor | Aluminum Railing | Steel Railing |
| Material Cost (per linear foot) | $60-$130 (depending on design and finish) | $30-$100 (depending on type: carbon vs. stainless) |
| Installation Cost (per linear foot) | $10-$25 (easier and quicker installation) | $20-$40 (heavier and requires specialized tools) |
| Maintenance Cost (over 10 years) | $30-$100 (minimal maintenance required) | $250-$500 (includes rust protection, repainting) |
| Average Lifespan | 20 – 50 years | 10 – 20 years (with proper maintenance) |
| Total Cost (over 10 years) | $150 – $240 (per linear feet) | $200 – $500 (per linear feet) |
| Additional Costs | Custom finishes may add 10-20% to the price | Custom designs and coatings can add 20-30% to the price |
| Return on Investment | High (due to low maintenance and modern appeal) | Low（due to its maintenance cost and lower lifespan） |
In summary:
Aluminum railings are more cost-effective, especially for residential projects, given the lower installation and maintenance costs over the long term.
Steel railing tends to be more expensive initially and requires more ongoing maintenance, but it is often chosen for its unmatched strength and similar aesthetics to wrought iron.
Environmental Impact & Recyclability
Aluminum Railing：
Aluminum is one of the most sustainable materials available, thanks to its recyclability. Nearly 75% of all aluminum ever produced is still in use today, largely due to its ability to be recycled repeatedly without losing its properties. The production of recycled aluminum uses only 5% of the energy required to produce new aluminum from raw materials, making it an eco-friendly choice.
Moreover, the lightweight nature of aluminum reduces transportation energy costs and emissions, contributing to its environmental advantages.
Steel Railing：
Steel is also highly recyclable, with most new steel products containing significant amounts of recycled content. However, the steel production process is energy-intensive, especially for stainless steel, which requires additional resources for alloying. The environmental impact of steel is higher than aluminum, particularly in terms of carbon footprint and energy consumption.
Aluminum vs. Steel Railing for Coastal Environments
In a beach environment, the comparison between aluminum and steel railings focuses on corrosion resistance, maintenance requirements, and cost. Aluminum railings have excellent corrosion resistance, naturally forming a protective oxide layer that prevents rust and degradation in salty and humid conditions. They are lightweight, easy to install, and require almost no maintenance, making them cost-effective in the long term.
In contrast, steel railings, especially standard carbon steel, are prone to rust near the coast. Although stainless steel (like grade 316) offers better corrosion resistance, it can still suffer from pitting or crevice corrosion and requires regular cleaning and upkeep, increasing maintenance costs.
Design Versatility and Overall Cost Considerations
Aluminum railings come in various styles suitable for both modern and classic architectural designs, while steel railings tend to have a more industrial appearance. Although steel is stronger and can handle heavier loads and impacts, its durability can be compromised in a beach environment if not adequately protected against corrosion. Therefore, considering durability, ease of maintenance, and overall costs, aluminum railings are often the better choice for coastal environments.
In Conclusion：Aluminum Railing vs Steel Railing
When deciding between aluminum and steel railings, the best choice depends on your project’s specific needs, budget, and desired aesthetics. Here’s a quick answer for your think:
- Aluminum railings are ideal for residential and light commercial projects where corrosion resistance, low maintenance, and design flexibility are priorities. They offer a good balance between strength and weight, with long-term cost savings due to minimal upkeep requirements.
- Steel railings are better suited for industrial applications, high-traffic areas, or projects requiring maximum strength and durability. While they involve higher upfront and maintenance costs, steel’s unparalleled strength and resistance to wear and tear make it the go-to choice for demanding environments.
In most cases, for outdoor installations or projects prioritizing ease of installation and low maintenance, aluminum is the more practical and cost-effective solution. For heavy-duty applications or when intricate designs are needed, steel’s superior strength and design versatility still hold significant value.
Why Choose Hugh Aluminum for Your Aluminum Railing Needs？
At Hugh Aluminum, we understand the importance of choosing the right aluminum railing for your specific application. With a wide variety of aluminum products, all of our metal railings are designed based on an in-depth understanding of the project and the railing’s construction, and we’re ready to help you find the perfect solution for your needs.
Whether you need aluminum railings for a high-rise building, a complex commercial project, or any other special application, the team at Hugh Aluminum is ready to provide you with the expertise and materials you need. Trust us to deliver high-quality aluminum railings that meet your exact specifications and contribute to the success of your project.
