Frequently Asked Questions

Steel railing is a railing system constructed from high-strength steel designed for residential and light commercial applications. It offers exceptional stability and a slim, modern profile while maintaining code compliance. RDI Railing steel railing systems are finished with durable powder coating to help resist rust and corrosion in outdoor environments.

For outdoor railing, powder-coated steel engineered for exterior performance is ideal. Protective coatings help shield the material from moisture and weather exposure, reducing the risk of rust. RDI Railing steel deck railing systems are designed specifically for outdoor durability, giving homeowners and pros long-term peace of mind.

Cleaning steel railing is simple. Use mild soap and water with a soft cloth or brush to remove dirt and debris. The powder-coated finish is designed for low maintenance, so it does not require sanding, staining or sealing to maintain its appearance.

Yes. Steel deck railing offers excellent strength and a secure feel under hand. Its slim profile maintains open sightlines while delivering reliable performance for elevated outdoor spaces. When properly installed, steel deck railing provides lasting safety with minimal upkeep.

The base ingredient used for vinyl railing is rigid PVC (polyvinyl chloride), modified to provide superior strength and ultraviolet (UV) resistance. The formulation of vinyl railing is similar to vinyl siding which has been around for nearly three decades. This means vinyl railing also provides the same type of durability and structural integrity.

Yes, but only when the stair section is level (0 degrees). MetalWorks Excalibur® steel stair rail panels are designed for installation at angles ranging from 0 to 41 degrees. The higher the pitch of the rail, the closer together the spacing becomes. At maximum pitch, baluster spacing becomes about 3”.

MetalWorks Excalibur® Steel Railing panels are 1/4″ shorter than the nominal dimension. For example, an 8’ x 36″ panel is actually 95 3/4″ long. Once installed, accounting for bracket size, space between posts will be 96″.

There are four type of posts available for MetalWorks Excalibur® Steel Railing: end, mid (line), corner and blank. The end, mid and corner posts are preassembled for applications with either a 2” or 4” bottom space. End, mid and corner posts come standard in both 2” and 3” square steel posts that include pre-attached level brackets, pre-attached aluminum post caps, bracket covers, leveling shims and a two-piece trim ring.

Blank posts are available for both stair and level applications when the preassembled post is not ideal. This is most common with angled rail sections and/or stairs. Blank posts are 2” or 3″ square steel posts that include pre-attached aluminum post caps, leveling shims and two-piece trim rings. Blank posts do NOT include mounting brackets (brackets must be purchased separately).

If you need to cut a section of steel railing, it is recommended that you use an RDI Railing cutting jig with a jigsaw that has metal blades or a portable band saw. The cutting jig snaps onto the top and/or bottom rail and provides grip onto the section. The jig is designed so the shoe of the jigsaw can ride up against the guide and assist in accurate and safe cutting without scratching the finish on the rail. ALWAYS wear safety glasses when cutting railing!

Yes, pre-assembled 34.5″-wide gates are available for MetalWorks^® Excalibur Steel Railing and may be purchased for both 34″- and 40″-high panel sizes. We also offer gate end kits for use in creating custom-sized gates.

Gate end kits are used in conjunction with a level rail panel to create custom gates up to 48″ in length. Panels are cut down to size, and gate ends slide onto the end of the panel. Pre-drill holes using a 5/32″ drill bit, and fasten gate ends into place using hardware provided. Gate hardware kits (sold separately) must be used to attach gates to mounting posts to secure gate into place.

For MetalWorks Excalibur Steel Railing, we recommend Rust-Oleum Satin Canyon Black spray paint (code 249844) for Matte Black railing and Rust-Oleum Hammered Finish Brown spray paint (code 210880) for Hammered Bronze railing. For minor scratches and application, we recommend spraying paint into the cap and applying with a small artist brush or cotton swab.

Yes, MetalWorks Excalibur Steel Railing meets or exceeds all code requirements for installation on second-story levels. It is important to always check with your local code enforcement office for the requirements on your project.

Yes, rail ends may be painted with any zinc-rich primer or paint. For MetalWorks^® Excalibur Steel Railing, we recommend Rust-Oleum Satin Canyon Black spray paint (code 249844) for Matte Black railing and Rust-Oleum Hammered Finish Brown spray paint (code 210880) for Hammered Bronze railing.