Aluminum Railings or PVC Deck Fence? – What To Choose
There are many options available when it comes to deck fences and railings. You can choose materials like wood, wrought iron, aluminum, and PVC. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages. At Worthington, we have noticed that PVC and aluminum railings for decks are the two most popular options. It can be difficult to the right fit without knowing the benefits of these materials. Here’s a look at how to compare the two materials and make a decision:
1. Appearance
Both aluminum and PVC fences look great. They come in a wide range of designs that can easily fit into different kinds of architectural backgrounds. PVC deck fences come in a wide range of colors like black, white, brown, green, etc. You can choose a color that suits your property’s exterior appearance perfectly. Aluminum fences usually come in black or white, with black being the most popular option. These fences look sleek and suit the modern minimalist design preference. Aluminum fences also look similar to wrought iron fences, which appeals to most clients.
2. Durability
Modern PVC fences are designed to handle different kinds of outdoor environments. Unlike order PVC products, they don’t fade or grow weaker under the sunlight. They can handle changing temperatures, rain, cold, and other such elements well. A PVC deck fence doesn’t require much maintenance either. You don’t need to sand and polish it, apply any sort of anti-rust coating, or deal with rot.
Aluminum railings are also very resilient. They don’t rust like iron or warp like wood. They can handle outdoor conditions better than PVC fences and can last for a long time if maintained properly. Maintenance usually involves washing once in a while and a fresh coat of paint if the color flakes off.
3. Strength
PVC fences are strong and can hand a substantial amount of load. They won't bend or break if you trip and fall on them. These installations are designed according to the latest building code requirements and are very reliable.
Aluminum railings for decks are strong as well. They can handle a lot of load without becoming compromised. It is a good idea to install aluminum railings on high installations like decks that are on the second or third floor of a building. These railings are resilient and will keep everyone on the deck safe.
4. Price
In most cases, PVC is the most affordable material. The fences are cheaper than wrought iron, wood, stone, fiberglass, or aluminum. People on a tight budget usually prefer a PVC deck fence. Aluminum isn’t an expensive material. It is still more affordable than wood or wrought iron and it doesn’t require much maintenance either. If you have some room in your budget, consider installing an aluminum fence on your deck.
If you want to know more about aluminum railings for decks, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Worthington. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and offer custom recommendations based on your requirements.