Vinyl Railings Are The Next Step Up From Wood
The next step up from wood are vinyl railings. They are the least expensive synthetic material and offer a long range of life without any color change or deterioration.
Vinyl is actually polyvinyl chloride or PVC and has not structural integrity. PVC railings are just a skin which has galvanized steel or aluminum structural inserts to give it longitudinal strength.
The
posts are usually standard 4x4s that are attached to the deck joists and
framing. The vinyl post cover then slips over it to conceal the wood. The
railings can usually spand up to ten feet between posts without any sagging
given the strength of the metal inserts.
The
only downside to vinyl railing is that the railing components may squeak
as they rub together when certain force is applied. But this is something
you will have to check out for yourself. On the plus side, vinyl railing
will easily outlast wood railing and requires very little maintenance.
I would recommend vinyl pvc railings as a good option for home owners who are on a tighter budget but still want a longer term option over wood.
Here are some of the vinyl railing manufacturers: