Although a variety of materials may be considered when building a custom railing system, most architects think that stainless steel stair railing is hard to beat in terms of appearance, performance, and price. Steel is strong and incredibly durable, and steel railing systems provide excellent value in terms of the long-term cost of ownership. They can also appear sleek and modern or formal and historic.

Aluminum Railing Systems Versus Steel Railing Systems

Since steel is more robust and durable than aluminum, it is frequently used to create railing systems. Steel has obvious aesthetic advantages over aluminum because the latter’s protective oxidation layer eventually turns white and can pit. On the other hand, aluminum is soft, making it susceptible to surface dents and scratches and challenging to clean and maintain. In addition, design and engineering restrictions result from the fact that aluminum railings need more support than steel.

Although steel is unquestionably the most excellent material for railing systems, you might be surprised by the stark variations between different types of steel. Therefore, to create a system that offers the desired visual appeal, safety, and performance, selecting the appropriate variety of steel for your railing project is essential.

Most Common Steel Types for Railing Systems

Railing systems are mainly designed and manufactured using three types of steel:

• Carbon Steel
• 304-Grade Stainless Steel
• 316-Grade Stainless Steel

Each of these three types of railing systems has unique advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, when specifying a new steel railing system, it is crucial to be aware of your alternatives and the applications that each is best suited for.

Carbon Steel 

Up to 2% carbon in carbon steel produces tougher, more robust steel. The most incredible application for carbon steel is interior use with little exposure to environmental contaminants. In addition, carbon steel is the least expensive of the three primary types of steel used in railing systems.

Due to carbon steel’s inferior corrosion resistance compared to stainless steel, a protective coating is required. The most often used form of protection is powder coating, which prevents corrosion and is offered in various colors.

Although carbon steel is a less expensive option, it does need regular upkeep to maintain its finest appearance. Checking frequently for general wear and tear, particularly in high-traffic areas, as well as repairing nicks and scratches from other metal objects (like rings and watches), are all essential parts of caring for a carbon steel railing system. While these blemishes can be easily fixed using touch-up paint, avoid bare carbon steel exposed as carbon steel can rust and corrode rapidly without proper maintenance. If possible, avoid having to repair or recoat poorly maintained carbon steel railing systems.

The simplest cleaning solution is soap and water.

304-Grade Stainless Steel

Though often more expensive than its carbon counterpart, stainless steel is easier to maintain and doesn’t need a protective coating. 10.5 percent chromium (or more) must be present in the steel to qualify as stainless steel. Steel becomes significantly more resistant to rust and corrosion when chromium is added to the composition. There might also be numerous additional alloys, each of which would provide a specialized grade of stainless steel made for a particular use. Although more than 50 varieties of stainless steel are on the market, professional-grade railing systems typically use grades 304 or 316.

As 304-grade stainless steel contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, it is often referred to as “18-8 stainless.” Indoor applications frequently make use of this kind of stainless steel. For steel of this quality, there is no need for a protective coating, though it will readily receive paint or powder coating if color is wanted. Instead, various treatments, including mirror finish and satin (240 grit), are offered. These finishes have more than just aesthetic appeal. Satin finishes, for instance, are simple to maintain, whereas mirror finishes provide the highest level of corrosion protection.

In addition to interior uses, 304-grade stainless steel also works well outdoors, provided that the environment is kept out of the railing system’s way or that the conditions are not too extreme or harsh.

A 304-grade stainless steel railing system requires less maintenance than a system made of carbon steel. To preserve its beauty, wipe with soap and water regularly. Although 304-grade stainless is more expensive than carbon steel, it needs far less upkeep and maintenance. For indoor applications where lovely appearances and minor care are sought, 304-grade is perfect.

316-Grade Stainless Steel 

Stainless steel, regardless of grade, is resistant to corrosion when its chromium content interacts with the environment. It oxidizes into a very thin coating of exceedingly stable atoms and acts as a barrier to prevent further oxidation and rust. The chromium component quickly reoxidizes if the material is scraped or nicked, essentially self-repairing before corrosion can begin.

This does not imply that rust and corrosion cannot affect stainless steel. The chromium can’t always produce that protective layer as quickly when utilized in highly chlorinated environments, such as regions close to swimming pools or coastal areas where it is exposed to saltwater in the atmosphere.

With a slightly higher nickel content and 2% molybdenum to further increase its corrosion resistance, 316-grade stainless handles are under challenging conditions. Because of these additional alloys, 316-grade is the best option for outdoor applications or other situations where a more durable material is required due to adverse weather conditions. Like stainless steel of grade 304, no protective coating is necessary, and a range of finishes are available to give the ideal appearance for any purpose.

Due to its demonstrated performance in challenging situations, 316-grade steel is the most preferred option for outdoor and industrial applications. In addition, an adequately maintained piece of 316-grade stainless steel can withstand years of misuse even though no material is resistant to corrosion.

Uncertain about where to begin?

When choosing the ideal railing system material for your upcoming project, there are numerous things to consider. Choose the proper strategy, and you emerge a hero; choose the incorrect one, and you make a costly error that results in a dissatisfied customer. Working with a skilled and experienced partner who can explain your alternatives and develop a system that will fulfill your client’s demands (in case you’re an engineer) for years to come is vital if you’re unclear about which strategy is best for your application.

Here at Master Fabrication, we understand how to manufacture and install a unique stainless steel railing system. With more than two decades of experience in the industry, we can offer you the guidance and support you need to make the best decision for your next project.

Contact us today to learn more about our services or request a quote for your upcoming project!