ALUMINUM DECK RAILINGS : AVERAGE COST OF ALUMINUM DECK RAILINGS

• Panels or Custom Design – Most deck railing is built using standard panels. You choose the post you want, and decorative accessories and then the full panel. However, some railing series offer several choices for top rail and bottom rail. Some are quite a bit more expensive. Secondly, when more pieces have to be assembled onsite, installation costs rise.
• Panel Length – For some brands, cost per linear foot goes down slightly the longer the panel is. Looking at Westbury again, its Riviera II 8’ railing is about $8 per linear foot less than the 5’ panel.
• Stair Railing or Level Rail – Some brands price stair rails slightly higher per linear foot than level railing.
• Premium or Special Order Colors – These raise cost slightly, and they can also delay your project by several weeks waiting for them to be produced and shipped.
• Deck Complexity – A rectangular, single-level deck makes for easy installation, so lower labor cost. A two-level, non-rectangular deck with stairs is a complex installation, so labor cost might be double.

Cons

To be frank, aluminum’s disadvantages are so minimal and debatable, they aren’t worth mentioning at all. Unless you simply don’t like the look of aluminum, why not give it a shot? Aluminum is an exceptional railing material, offering strength, weather-resistance, easy installation, and so much more. Just be sure that you purchase your aluminum railing from a reputable company that offers a reliable warranty and helpful customer service.

Finally, you might wonder how aluminum railings compared to those made of steel, wood, or vinyl. So let’s take a little time to compare some of the most popular material options for railings:

• Aluminum vs. Steel: Steel requires more maintenance than aluminum, as it needs to be repainted every few years. It is also substantially heavier than aluminum, which makes handling and installation more tricky. Installing steel is also more difficult because, unlike flexible aluminum, it is extremely stiff and may require a special grinder or cutting torch for on-site adjustments.
• Aluminum vs. Wood: Wood is prone to rotting, unlike non-ferrous aluminum, so it must be regularly repainted. Depending on where you live, you may also need to treat your wooden railings to ensure they stand up to the elements. Aluminum requires far less maintenance than wood.
• Aluminum vs. Vinyl: Aluminum maintains its shape regardless of the temperature, barely expanding or shrinking at all. Vinyl, on the other hand, can fluctuate in extreme cold or heat. This can cause premature aging and deterioration. Vinyl is also vulnerable to UV rays, which can cause fading and cracks. Aluminum stands strong beneath bright sunlight.