How much thought do you give to choosing railings for your home?
Many homeowners do not give this decision the consideration it warrants. You take factors such as durability, appearance, cost and maintenance into account when choosing porch columns and other architectural elements for your home. Choosing railings, newel posts and balustrades should be no different.
The options can be overwhelming, however. Railings may be constructed out of wrought iron, galvanized steel, wood, safety glass, vinyl or other materials. Each material offers unique advantages and may come with certain disadvantages. You will need to consider various factors and weigh your options.
Function and appearance: When it comes to construction, the devil is in the details. Railings may not be the first element catching your attention but they are very crucial from both a safety and an appearance perspective. You need to think about the places in your home where you need to have railings installed. Stairways, landing areas, the deck, porch, a balcony or verandah, the pool area and backyard are some of the common spaces. Each space requires a different approach and you will need to choose the strength, height, material and style of your railings based on the application.
Maintenance: An important factor to consider especially for outdoor applications is maintenance. Exposure to moisture, varying temperatures and other weather conditions causes materials such as wood to crack, warp and peel. When choosing railings, you need to think about how much time and effort you are willing to put into maintenance and whether a low maintenance product such as PVC railings may be the best fit for your home.
Cost: The cost of your railings will vary depending on their quality, function and maintenance requirements. If you’re looking for a durable, long-lasting option that requires very little maintenance, vinyl or PVC railings are likely to be your best bet. High quality PVC railings that are manufactured for the long haul tend to cost more than inferior quality railings that may look similar or identical but will not stand up to the test of weather exposure.
Why PVC railings are popular:
Although every material has its benefits, PVC railings seem to be the popular choice in recent times owing to various factors.
PVC railings are water resistant
Insect resistant
Retain the appearance of wood, yet,
Do not fade
Do not crack, bend or peel
Weather and water resistance makes them ideal for outdoor use
Customizable styles makes them suitable for indoor use
Easy to assemble and install, even available as fully assembled panels
That said, remember that the quality of vinyl railings and the experience and reputation of the manufacturer determine the results in each case. Be sure to spend some time and effort in researching the product and source before choosing PVC railings, balustrades and newel posts for your home.
If you have questions about PVC railings or other curb appeal products, please free to send them our way. We would be glad to answer them for you.
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