There are more material possibilities than ever for business railings, but only some of them have the same level of applications. For example, stair railings made of stainless steel provide competitive advantages that other materials can’t match.

Stainless steel is one of the most flexible and durable materials to use in every place, but other materials may be appropriate for particular locations. They may be cut and welded into different designs, require little maintenance, and are resistant to corrosion. Additionally, stainless steel’s modern style complements other materials nicely, resulting in a distinctive appearance.

Strength

The most robust and long-lasting railing material available to architects is stainless steel. Let’s examine its tensile strength in comparison to aluminum to demonstrate this. The International System of Units (SI) uses the “pascal” (Pa) as the unit of measurement for tensile strength. A multiple is referred to as a “megapascal” or MPa. Stainless steel has an ultimate strength of 590 MPa compared to 6061-T6 aluminum’s 300 MPa.

Stainless steel railings will give more years of safe, aesthetically beautiful use than an aluminum system since their fatigue performance is twice as good as aluminum’s.

Eco-Friendly

Stainless steel is ideal for architectural designs if architects want to incorporate sustainable resources. In addition, stainless steel is entirely recyclable and may be used to create new steel products without losing its original quality.

In addition to coming from environmentally friendly sources, 92% of the stainless steel used in construction projects is recycled and repurposed. Stainless steel is a high-quality material that performs admirably and is also good for the environment.

Low Maintenance

The last thing you want to consider as a business owner is maintaining your building’s railing system. A railing made of stainless steel requires little upkeep to focus on other areas of your business.

Stainless steel doesn’t corrode or rust, so there’s no need to refinish or repaint it. In most cases, wiping the railing with a clean cloth is all needed to keep it looking new.

Resistance to Corrosion

One of the most significant advantages of using stainless steel railings is their corrosion resistance. This is due to the chromium oxide film that forms on the surface of the steel when it’s exposed to oxygen.

This film protects the steel from corrosion by creating a barrier between the metal and the environment. As long as this film remains intact, the stainless steel will not rust or corrode.

Aesthetically Appealing

The modern look of stainless steel is perfect for businesses that want to create a sleek, stylish appearance. In addition, stainless steel railings can be paired with other materials, such as glass or wood, to create a unique look that reflects your business’s style.

Affordability

While stainless steel may not be the most affordable option initially, its toughness and ease of upkeep make up for the expense.

Stainless steel can withstand inclement weather and won’t crack, break, or bend over time. In addition, strong stainless steel allows for the construction of posts and handrails that are significantly thinner than those seen in conventional railings. A steel post that is “strength equal” is 50% lighter than an aluminum post.

Additionally, stainless steel requires little upkeep. Routinely cleaning down railings and posts with a moist cloth is an easy and cost-free approach to keep them looking brand new.

Diversity in Design

It is possible to purchase prefabricated or custom stainless steel railing systems.

When choosing custom prefabricated railings, you get a custom-designed railing system with prefabricated elements assembled per the accepted railing standards. The designer selects the numerous parts to build the railing systems, which allows for personalization.

Usually, these systems have been pre-tested and found to comply with the necessary building code standards. However, since many prefabricated systems are produced outside the United States, delivery timelines will depend on stock levels or whether the original manufacturer needs to be contacted to order specific components. Prefab railings also often require more labor on the job site, which may make up for the price difference from custom-fabricated railings.

Custom stainless steel railings are created in-house, often employing welding rather than fastening. The following are some benefits of custom vs. premade products:

– Shorter turnaround time since there is no need to order or wait for components

– More design options are available, such as custom heights, angles, and finishes

– Custom railings can be made to match the existing style of a building

– There is more control over quality since the manufacturer can ensure all welding meets specifications.

Custom-fabricated railings will almost always be more expensive than their prefabricated counterparts, but the benefits may make them worth the investment. A unique railing system that offers durability and longevity can be provided to the architect and owner by specially designed stainless steel railings.

The Stainless Steel Finish to Choose

If you choose the proper finishing, your railings can have a long lifespan, be corrosion-resistant, and require little maintenance. The most popular stainless steel finishes for architectural railings are #4 brushed polish, #6 fine-brushed, and #8 mirror polish.

If you are looking for a more contemporary look, you can choose from various powder-coated finishes. These color options can give your railing system a unique look while still providing the corrosion resistance and durability of stainless steel.

Some other factors to consider when choosing a finish for your railing include the following:

The environment the railing will be exposed to

The level of maintenance you are willing to perform

Whether you want the railing to blend in or stand out

If you are still deciding which finish, your stainless steel fabricator can help you select the best option for your project.

Choosing the Right Stainless Steel Grade

There are a few things to think about before placing your stainless steel railing system purchase.

Stainless steel is graded according to the alloying components it contains. Each has advantages that improve its toughness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. The most popular stainless steel grades for architectural railings are 304-grade and 316-grade. In addition, duplex stainless steel 2205-grade, which offers the most substantial corrosion resistance for extreme marine environments, has grown to be the material of choice for ocean-side applications.

Railings made of stainless steel 304 grade are frequently used outside where harsh weather won’t damage them. They are also a popular option for indoor bars, and they only need to be cleaned with soap and water regularly.

Railings made of stainless steel 316 are ideal for use in outdoor or industrial settings. Thanks to its strong corrosion resistance, it performs effectively in situations with extreme weather. However, 304 and 316-grade steel may be vulnerable to corrosion if exposed to high-salt environments. When this happens, 2205 is the preferred grade.

Let us help you!

Here at Master Fabrication, we specialize in custom stainless steel railings design and fabrication. We work with you to create a railing system that meets your specific needs and budget. Contact us today to get started on your project!