Aluminum Railing is Durable and Stylish
If you don't like annual maintenance, aluminum railing is one of the best investments you can make for you backyard deck.
I have installed many different aluminum deck railing systems some of which were very advanced and looked very neat and clean. I have also worked with other cheaper systems which had more basic fastening and anchoring systems.
The one thing I can say about all aluminum railing is that it is an exceptional long term solution to rotting and weathering.
Powder coating finishes ensure that the metal railing looks new for years to come. About the only maintenance required is a spray with your hose or a soft cloth wash once a season.
What to Look For in an Aluminum Railing System
Finish - The best finishes are powder coated paints where the parts are electrostatically charged so that the paint adhere everywhere. You can get most of them in white, brown or black.
Fasteners - Ideally you should use stainless steel to ensure minimal maintenance or powder coated to the color of the railing.
Styles - Usually you can find basic picket railing or glass railing panel options. If you pick a glass panel option, look for good glazing in the top and bottom rails and even better if there is glazing on all four sides.
Post Attachment to Deck - Since aluminum posts can't be notched and mounted into the joist framing of the deck they must be surface mounted. A strong surface mounting system is required.
Usually basic aluminum railing systems have a welded base and bolts or screws are secured into the deck surface (wood, fiberglass or concrete).
Some of these systems can be a bit unsightly. But you pay more for concealed systems. Also, railing sections that are all one length that join back to the building or form corners add strength and stiffness to the rail.
If a railing section ends without any supporting wall to attach to be sure that it has a solid anchoring connection. Read the horizontal loads article.
Picket alumnimum railing
Here are some white picket railing systems on jobs that I have done. They are simple but effective. The pickets are thin enough that they don't obstruct the view of the beautiful garden.
Aluminum glass railing
Here are some aluminum glass railing jobs I have also done. This is a very high quality railing system made by dekrail.ca.
I used to distribute their product and I was very impressed by the attention to detail in all aspects of this product.
This is a component system where you assemble the pieces together and all the fasteners including the post anchoring system is completely concealed. But its a bit more expensive than most other systems but I think worth it.
Here are some other basic aluminum railing systems. They still look good and will last just as long. But the post anchor bolts are visible and the glass is glazed only on the top and bottom.
Whichever product you choose, aluminum railing will be there for the long haul. No annual sanding, painting, staining or eventual replacement of rotted posts, rails or balusters.