Design Diversity of Stainless Steel Railings

Stainless steel railings can be offered as prefabricated or custom design systems.

When choosing custom prefabricated railings, you are ordering a custom-designed railing system where pieces are pre-fabricated and put together per the approved railing specifications. The customization is achieved by the designer picking and choosing the various components to create the railing systems. These systems are typically pre-tested and approved to meet specific building code requirements. Since many prefabricated systems are manufactured outside the United States delivery times will be dependent on inventory or if the components need to be ordered from the original manufacturer. Additionally with prefab railings there is typically more labor on the jobsite which could off-set the price difference from custom fabricated railings.

Custom-designed stainless steel railings are designed and fabricated in-house, typically welded instead of using fasteners. Some of the advantages of custom over prefabricated include the following:

ㆍCan offer better structural integrity

ㆍOffers lower maintenance and repairs

ㆍCan be build to specific project specifications

ㆍInstallation cost is typically lower

ㆍLead times can be comparable to pre-fabricated systems if component parts are coming from outside the country

Custom-designed Stainless Steel railings can offer the architect and owner a unique railing system that offers durability and longevity.

Selecting the Stainless Steel Finish

Choosing the right finishing can ensure your railings have a long lifespan, are corrosion resistant, and are low maintenance. The most common stainless steel finishes for architectrual railings are #4 brushed polish finish, #6 fine-brushed finish and #8 mirror polish finish.

Choosing the Right Stainless Steel Grade

Before ordering your stainless steel railing system, there are a few factors to consider.

Stainless steel comes in different grades based on its alloying elements. Each offers benefits that increase its strength, wear, and corrosion resistance. When it comes to architectural railings, the two most common stainless steel grades are 304-grade and 316-grade. For extreme marine environments 2205-grade which is a Duplex Stainless Steel offer the highest corrosion resistance and has become the preferred choice for ocean side and extreme corrosive environments.

Stainless steel 304-grade railings are often used in outdoor areas where they are unaffected by harsh weather conditions. They are also a popular choice for indoor railings and only require regular cleanings with soap and water.

Stainless steel 316-grade railings are perfect for industrial applications or outdoor locations. It works well in harsh weather environments due to its high corrosion resistance. However, both 304 and 316-grades may be susceptible to corrosion if exposed to high-salt areas. This is when 2205 is the grade of choice.

When choosing stainless steel railings, you ensure a modern design and durable system that will serve its purpose and stay shining for years. Sunsong offers custom stainless steel railings. Contact us for more information.