Stainless steel is one of the most popular material choices for railing systems, especially in commercial settings or large residential settings such as condominiums. Metal has an inherently clean and modern look and, while there are other metal options, stainless steel provides many benefits that can make your railing system look better, for longer, without costing too much.

1. Strength Even When Small

Stainless steel is a high-strength material and has significantly better tensile strength than other metal options, including aluminum. This strength is especially useful in railing systems where, in order to look modern and block less of your view, you want a post material that can be kept quite thin. We can use stainless steel that is quite thin but still provides you with the strength you need, even if a crowd will be leaning on your railing.

2. Affordability

In part because it can be kept so thin in your railing, stainless steel is an affordable material. Higher quality stainless steels, including those made for saltwater environments, are more expensive than lower quality. However, we can guide you to choose the right kind of steel for your application while still keeping the railing within your budget. It won’t be too challenging.

In terms of affordability, you should also consider the long-term cost of the material you choose. As stainless steel has high durability and requires little to no maintenance, you will find railings made of these materials are more cost-effective in the long term. You won’t be replacing it anytime soon.

3. Sustainability

Steel is recyclable. We don’t typically think of metal as sustainable materials, but, in the case of steel, it’s true. In fact, when stainless steel is recycled, it does not even lose quality, as some other metals do. That means in many, many years when your railing is through, someone can take that steel and repurpose it into another high-quality project.

4. Outdoor Use

Stainless steel can be used on outdoor railings as well as indoors. Some properties in the Bay Area have unique challenges for their outdoor railings, including high humidity or proximity to the ocean. The right stainless steel can rise to these challenges and serve your railing well for many, many years.

5. Aesthetics

Sleek is the word people usually associate with metal railings. Indeed, stainless steel inherently creates clean, modern lines that make any railing look great. We can also create other unique aesthetics with stainless steel posts.

6. Pairing with Other Materials

Stainless steel pairs well with most other railing materials that you might want to use. This includes steel cables, wood and glass. Notably, you should not pair stainless steel with aluminum, as this creates galvanic corrosion. But don’t worry, you don’t want to do that anyway, as aluminum is a much lower quality metal than stainless steel.

While stainless steel is an exceptional material, it isn’t right for every single application. Reach out to railing professionals you trust to discuss if it is the best choice for you.