One of the first things you may notice about RDI Deck Railings for your outdoor space is the variety of options from materials and colors to finishes and more. While options are always good, it’s even better to have all the facts so you can make the right railing choice specifically for your home. Considerations include weather resistance, strength, coastal applications, price, ease of installation and others. Breathe easy, you’ve come to the right place as we will explore the primary differences between aluminum, vinyl and composite deck railing systems.
Aluminum Deck Railings
Aluminum railing showcases a sleek and modern look and is available in various styles, including cable infills to create an open and contemporary feel, baluster infills to deliver a more traditional look, and for a truly unique design: Decorative Screen Panels. Aluminum railing advantages include resistance to corrosion, weathering and fading, while also requiring minimal maintenance. In addition, aluminum is lightweight making installation easier but also adding excellent strength. Aluminum railing may be a little higher in cost, but the benefits justify the extra expense. RDI offers three unique lines such as Avalon® Aluminum Railing, Elevation® Rail and Privacy RailTM.
Vinyl Deck Railings
Vinyl railing is made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) material, which is highly durable and resistant to rotting, warping and fading. Not only do these characteristics provide long-term performance, but also allow vinyl railings to look great with minimal maintenance. Featuring various styles and colors available at an affordable price point, vinyl railing is a great option for both residential and commercial applications. RDI offers three lines including Endurance® Original RailTM, Finyl LineTM and Titan® Pro Rail.
Composite Deck Railings
Composite railing like RDI’s Transform® was developed with a mixture of materials that result in a product with the look and feel of real wood. RDI’s unique Composicore® material contains no wood fibers, making it water and mold resistant so it will not rot, warp or stain. Composite railing is also durable, low maintenance, and offers design versatility with cable and baluster infill options, as well as a variety of styles and colors. Plus, Transform® contains recycled material, making it an environmentally friendly option. The material’s slightly higher cost is outweighed by its longevity and ease of upkeep.
A Closer Look at Durability, Maintenance, Aesthetics and Cost
When it comes to durability of aluminum, vinyl and composite they are all equally weather resistant, but the composite railing is a little stronger and will hold up better against high winds and regular wear and tear. Aluminum railings are slightly higher maintenance as they may show more scratches and discoloration over time. While aesthetics are certainly in the eye of the beholder, both vinyl and aluminum offer a wider range of styles and colors. For an easy way to compare all these qualities and more, refer to this chart on our website.
Tips for Choosing the Best Railing for Your Home
There are a number of things to think about when picking the railing that best suits your home. First, consider the style of your home and your aesthetic needs. Is your home ranch-style, farmhouse, mid-century modern, craftsman or another? Different types of railings and color options fit better with certain styles of homes. In addition, what type and color deck, porch or indoor space will support the railing? Take a look at our gallery of deck railing options from residents across the country to get a better idea of what best matches your home. Another consideration is the long-term maintenance requirements based on your abilities and the environment in which you live. Most RDI products are extremely weather resistant, perform well in coastal/salty areas, and are fairly low maintenance with aluminum requiring more care than the others. Lastly, budget and cost is always a factor. While vinyl is the lowest up-front cost, how large an area you are covering versus long-term durability are things to consider when choosing railing for your next home improvement project.
Remember, variety and choice is usually a good thing, considering aesthetics, budget, maintenance, ease of installation and other factors are important in finding the perfect railing for your home or commercial application. If you’re a DIYer, our website offers an easy way to find the RDI dealer nearest you. If you’re looking for an experienced railing contractor to install the railing for you, we can help with that too. Either way, an aluminum, vinyl or composite deck railing from RDI can provide you the versatility you need to create your dream outdoor living space.
