The best material for balcony railings is one that doesn’t constantly need these half-hearted repairs. In fact, the best material, properly coated, will result in railings that don’t even need painting.
To understand what the best choice is for a balcony railing material, it’s important to know what materials options are, and what their strengths and weaknesses are. Wood’s disadvantages with rotting and splintering keep it from being a serious contender for anything but single-family homes where the residents can maintain it.
is possibly the best material to use in any outdoor environment. The chromium in stainless steel forms an invisible but rust-proof layer of chromium oxide that keeps it from corroding, even in harsh conditions.
Plus, it is much more difficult to work, making it largely impractical for balcony railings in most forms.
However, high- quality stainless steel cable railings are in widespread use and do make an attractive railing option, although the need to adjust the tension makes this impractical for most complexes.
Steel is quite the most commonly used material in balcony railings, especially for large complexes with many units. It is stronger than aluminum, although it does weigh more.
Depending on how it is heat-treated, it can be stronger than stainless steel while retaining more flexibility. It is also relatively inexpensive and easy to work. Its single real disadvantage is that it rusts.
Glass railings
are a new development. These are tempered glass panes or balusters that are suspended using clamps or posts or in a frame of aluminum or steel.
These have the advantage of really opening up views, and when the single pane version is used on high-rise balconies, they are able to act as deck or balcony railing windbreaks.
Aluminum
is a lightweight metal with excellent structural properties for its weight. Its lightness makes, therefore, it a good choice for many purposes, it makes great material for balcony railings.
When installed with steel fasteners in a high salt environment, it can start the process of galvanic corrosion, in which the railing corrodes before the steel bolts holding it in place rust. Even when its weaknesses are accounted for in the design.
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