Handrails are installed in a home to promote safety, especially if there are kids and elderly people who might need assistance with balance. However, just because their main purpose is safety doesn’t really mean handrails also can’t look good. In this article, we present five materials that are great for handrails. These materials will look especially pleasing if they are implemented with modern design ideas.
Brass
Brass is a compound of zinc and copper and has been used to create staircases for quite some time now. It has a naturally elegant brownish-red and yellowish golden tint, so it’s quite pleasing to the eyes. Since it contains copper, this material also has anti-microbial properties.
Although brass can be used both on indoor and outdoor staircases, this material tends to suffer from discoloration when exposed to the elements. Should you decide to still use it outside, you may have to spend more time on maintaining it.
Aluminum
Aluminum is among the most commonly used materials for handrails. Aside from the fact that it is cheap, it is also quite resistant to rust and corrosion, so it is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
Furthermore, aluminum can fit with different kinds of finishes. Contractors like HMC Builders can give it a polished look, satin finish, or matte or soft matte appearance. A possible downside is the fact that smudges and fingerprints are easily seen on aluminum, especially if you opt for the more polished version.
Stainless Steel
Like aluminum, stainless steel is also a rust-resistant material that can be used for both indoor and outdoor fixtures. It is also quite durable and can resist dents, smudges, and other blemishes that plague other materials such as aluminum. Aesthetically, stainless steel perfectly fit homes or places with a more modern touch to them. They tend to accentuate metal furniture and appliances.
Wrought Iron
When we talk about railings, someone will surely mention wrought iron. Technically, this material is an iron alloy with very low carbon content, just about 0.8%. Like brass, this material has been used for many years. It’s often used not only as material for handrails but also for fences, gates, and window railings. Wrought iron is also great for decorative metalworks. It has been installed on both indoor and outdoor fixtures.
Vinyl
Vinyl is a top choice for railings because of the many benefits that it offers. Aside from the fact that it resists rusting, it also does not easily decompose like wood. In fact, it is said to be around five times more durable than wood. Besides its strength, vinyl is also preferred because of its appearance and how easy it is to maintain. Unlike wood, there is no need to seal, paint, or stain vinyl. Its look also tends to last for years without requiring any special treatment; you only need to clean it like any other item in the house.
As mentioned, handrails are there to serve a protective function. For this reason, they need to be strong enough to withstand the average weight of humans. It’s also nice if they are durable so that they won’t have to be replaced often.
