Choosing a Railings Contractor

HomeProMatch - Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

Railings add security and beauty to your home. Handrails and guardrails come in a wide variety of styles and materials, including aluminum, steel, vinyl, wood, and wrought iron. Choose a railing to match the style of your home and your desired maintenance level. Adding new rails or repairing the existing railings on stairs, decks, porches, balconies, or walkways can improve your home’s curb appeal and ensure the safety of your family and guests.

Does my deck or porch need a railing?

Check your local building codes before installing or upgrading a deck or porch. Decks that are 30 inches above ground or higher are required to have handrails on stairs. Rails should be no more than 4 inches apart to prevent children from slipping through the railings.

Which railing materials are maintenance free?

Wood railings have a tendency to rot, crack, splinter, and warp. There are many other railing materials available that last longer than wood and require little or no maintenance. Composite, vinyl, and aluminum are poplar maintenance-free options for porch and deck railings. These low-maintenance railings can be used on any type of deck or porch, including those made of wood.

How do I choose a railing material?

When choosing a railing material for your deck, porch, stairs, or balcony, you want to consider the style of your home, as well as your desired maintenance level. The most common materials used for rails are iron, wood, and vinyl. Iron and vinyl are popular choices because of their durability, although the price point might be higher. Wood railings are also widely installed, but they require more maintenance. A qualified HomePro Match Contractor can help you choose the best material for your railings.

What are composite railings?

Composite railings offer the look of wood railings with greater durability and little maintenance. Composite railings are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and recycled wood fiber. Composite railing material doesn’t rot, warp, split, or crack like wood. It also never needs sanding, painting, or staining. More homeowners are choosing composite railing over wood for its low-maintenance benefits. The recycled content of composite also make it an environmentally-friendly material option for porch or deck railings.

How much does it cost to install new railings?

The cost of your railing installation or replacement depends on the chosen material and complexity of the installation. For example, glass railing installation is typically the most expensive. Vinyl and composite deck railing materials are cheaper on average. The cost of your railing installation also depends on the contractor you use and the amount of material that’s needed. A HomePro Match contractor can help you choose railings that are within your budget and fit the look that you want.

Will metal railings rust?

Metal railings are prone to rust, especially when located outside. Rust can be removed from metal railings to prepare them for resurfacing. There are rust-inhibitive primers and finish coats that can be used to help prevent rusting.

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Why Railing Safety Is Important

Safety is important in every aspect of the home, including your railings, even though they can be often chosen and installed with little thought. Provide safety and security to your homes outdoor spaces with a HomeProMatch professional today!

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