These Outdoor Railing Systems Aced the Salt-Spray Test

If your railing is outside, it’s in a fight with rain, humidity, pool chemicals, coastal air and even de-icing salts. Over time, the elements try to break down what makes a railing look great and perform without losing its flawless finish, secure connections and long-term corrosion resistance.

That’s why salt-spray testing matters. It’s a widely recognized way to evaluate how well a coating system stands up to corrosion in a controlled, accelerated environment. The result? RDI Railing’s superior powder coated finish and metal components emerged virtually unscathed after 10,000 hours of salt-spray testing.

Along with the fade-resistant powder coated finish, every metal unit was tested for durability, including brackets, screws, balusters and support posts. This attention to detail is significant to the beauty, value and low maintenance of any porch, deck or patio railing system. 

What is Salt-Spray Testing?

Salt-spray testing places coated metal samples into a chamber that produces a warm, continuous salt fog. The goal is to accelerate corrosion pressure so you can observe how a finish system behaves in a short timeframe versus waiting years outdoors. In railing terms, it helps answer questions like:

• How well does the finish resist corrosion in salty, wet conditions? 
• Does the coating hold up at edges and connection points? 
• How quickly do early warning signs appear under consistent exposure?

RDI Railing guide specifications reference the internationally recognized salt-spray test method (ASTM B117) of finish requirements for decorative metal railing systems. The test evaluates the appearance of rust and potential blistering or loss of adhesion on coated parts.

Where Salt-Spray Testing Matters Most

Salt-spray testing becomes even more relevant when metal railings are installed in environments that speed up corrosion. The enduring, proven performance of RDI Railing systems translates into deck, patio and porch rails engineered for real weather conditions and not simply one-day curb appeal.

• Coastal homes and beachfront properties
• Pool decks — especially near saltwater pools, but even chlorine vapors accelerate metal corrosion
• Outdoor kitchens (due to cleaning chemicals)
• Urban and industrial areas
• Regions that use de-icing salts

Stylish by Design, Engineered to Perform

Deck railing is more than an afterthought. The right weather-tested metal railing fine-tunes the overall look and long-term enjoyment of an outdoor space. All RDI Railing metal railing systems are engineered for style and ease, with smart innovations to streamline installation and seamlessly secure connections. Understanding the materials, style and innovations will help you choose what deck railing blends in beautifully with your setting.

Aluminum Railing

Avalon® Railing provides unmatched versatility and customization for any design style. Define your look with sleek stainless steel cable infill or aluminum balusters in a choice of horizontal or vertical options. ProLock® strips connect railings from the inside out for a cleaner design. Baluster panels arrive pre-assembled to speed up installation.

Privacy Rail™ mixed material railing system offers full privacy or semi privacy in a stylish, contemporary way. Choose vinyl infill boards for blocking views up to 6′ high or decorative screen panels to help circulate cooling breezes. Patented ClickConnect™ technology locks vinyl infill boards together with ease to ensure pool code-compliant safety.

Elevation® Rail’s streamlined aluminum rails and stainless-steel cable infill set a modern industrial tone. Pre-assembled kits with our patented OneTen™ built-in tensioning control system make installation a breeze — 38% faster than leading cable railing competitors — all without special tools or fasteners.

Stainless Steel Railing

MetalWorks Excalibur Railing is the best choice for unmatched strength and style. Ideal on a deck, patio or balcony, the factory-welded railing panels and posts with pre-attached brackets accelerate installation and ensure precise spacing from top to bottom rail. Available with horizontal or vertical infill options, this timeless steel railing system is an excellent fit for both residential and commercial properties.

Maintenance Still Matters — Especially Near Salt

Even the best finishes benefit from common-sense care. We recommend cleaning metal railing more frequently in coastal or pollutant-heavy environments, about every three months using mild, nonabrasive soap and water, then rinsing thoroughly.

Salt-spray testing is one of the clearest, most comparable durability indicators for railing finishes when corrosion risk is real. RDI Railing doesn’t just promise performance. We prove it by testing our railing in extremely corrosive, salty conditions so your railing can keep its good looks and integrity wherever you live, including places that demand more.

Explore the many ways RDI Railing brings your outdoor space to life by locating an experienced railing contractor to install the best metal railing for you.

Seeking ideas? Browse our Inspiration Gallery for a variety of stylish railing applications.