What is best material for outdoor handrail?

Choosing the best material for an outdoor handrail is an important decision that requires careful consideration of factors like durability, maintenance, safety, aesthetics, and cost. The handrail will be exposed to sun, rain, snow, and physical wear-and-tear, so it must stand up to the elements while still providing a safe grip for users. The ideal material will last for years with minimal upkeep required. There are several good options to evaluate when selecting an outdoor handrail material.

Key Factors To Consider

When weighing the options for outdoor handrail materials, some of the key factors to take into account include:

• Durability – The material needs to stand up to weathering, moisture, sun exposure and physical wear without corroding, rotting, splintering or becoming excessively slippery.
• Low Maintenance – Look for materials that won’t require frequent repainting, staining, sealing or other upkeep to maintain their integrity.
• Strength – The handrail must be structurally sound enough to support the weight and pressure of people leaning on or grasping it.
• Texture – A slip-resistant texture is important for proper grip, even when the material is wet.
• Appearance – Pick a material and style that complements your exterior design aesthetic.
• Budget – Cost will factor into the decision, so know how pricing compares.
• Safety Standards – Ensure the material meets local building codes for outdoor rails.

Taking these key factors into account will help narrow down the options to find the ideal material for a durable, low-maintenance outdoor handrail.

Main Material Options

Three of the most popular and recommended options for exterior handrails are metal, wood, and plastic:

Metal Handrails

Metal is an excellent choice for outdoor handrails because of its strength, durability, and weather-resistance. Some top metal options include:

• Stainless steel – Offers superior corrosion resistance. More expensive but very durable and low maintenance.
• Aluminum – Lightweight, strong, resists rust. Can develop an oxidized coating but still weathers well. Requires some periodic sealing.
• Steel or wrought iron – Prone to rusting. Needs frequent painting or other protective finishes applied.
• Powder coated metals – Any metal with a powder coating provides an extra layer of weather protection.

Metals like stainless steel and aluminum can last 20-30 years or longer. Their sleek, contemporary look fits nicely with modern exterior designs. Metal handrails are simple to cut, shape and install. Higher initial material costs for metals like stainless steel are offset by their exceptional longevity and almost zero maintenance needs.

Wood Handrails

Wood handrails offer a charming, traditional look and warm feel that many homeowners love. However, wood requires more maintenance than metal or plastic to keep it protected from the elements. The best woods for exterior use are:

• Cedar – Has natural moisture-resistance. Needs a protective sealer or stain.
• Redwood – Also fairly rot-resistant. Should still be sealed every 1-2 years.
• Pressure-treated woods – Treating infuses preservatives to reduce rotting. Sealing still recommended.
• Teak – A high-end option due to its natural weather-resistance. Needs only light sanding/sealing.

Properly finished and maintained wood rails can last 10-15 years. Expect to re-coat or re-seal wood every 1-2 years. Pricing is relatively affordable. Ease of installation varies by skill level. Overall, wood requires the most upkeep but rewards with timeless curb appeal.

Plastic/Composite Handrails

For the ultimate low-maintenance option, plastic and composite handrails are hard to beat. Materials like:

• PVC
• Vinyl
• Fiberglass
• Reinforced polymers

Require virtually no upkeep. They won’t rot, peel, crack or splinter. Minor cleaning is all that’s needed. Plastic and composite rails last 10-15 years or more in outdoor settings. A plastic handrail costs more upfront than wood but saves on maintenance efforts. The major downside is that plastic lacks the visual warmth and character of natural materials like wood. But for pure longevity and hassle-free performance, plastic is hard to match.

Design Factors

Beyond picking the broad material type, some other factors play into the design of the handrail:

• Mounting – Handrails can be mounted directly into the wall, to posts, or to a standalone frame.
• Size – Standard size is 1-1/4″ to 2″ diameter for the gripping rail. Larger diameters provide more grip.
• Height – Handrail height typically ranges from 30-38 inches above stairs.
• Spacing – For porch rails, balusters spaced 3-5 inches apart meet safety codes.

Consult your local building codes for exact rail height and baluster spacing standards. Also factor in design elements like integrated lighting or cabling for electric heaters.

Cost Comparison

Material costs are a significant factor in the total project budget. Here’s an overview of price ranges for different handrail materials:

Material	Cost Per Linear Foot (Installed)
Stainless Steel	$65-$100
Aluminum	$55-$80
Wrought Iron or Steel	$45-$70
Wood (Cedar or Pressure-Treated)	$35-$60
PVC Plastic	$40-$70
Composite	$50-$90

This gives a general comparison for pricing based on handrail material. The final installed cost will also depend on if you do it as a DIY project versus hiring a professional. The amount of labor involved factors into the total price as well.

Maintenance Comparison

In addition to looking at upfront costs, it’s critical to consider long-term maintenance needs when evaluating materials. Here’s how the typical maintenance demands compare:

Material	Maintenance Needs
Stainless Steel	Virtually zero maintenance needed.
Aluminum	Periodic cleaning. Apply protective sealant every 2-4 years.
Wrought Iron/Steel	Clean and repaint every 1-2 years.
Wood	Seal, stain or varnish every 1-2 years.
PVC Plastic	Occasional washing. No refinishing needed.
Composite	Little maintenance. Power wash periodically.

This comparison makes it easy to see that wood requires the most frequent refinishing and maintenance to retain its look and performance. Metals like stainless steel and plastics require minimal work beyond occasional cleaning.

Appearance Comparison

Beyond functional considerations, aesthetics play a big role in choosing outdoor handrail materials. Here’s how the visual appeal compares:

• Wood – Warm, natural beauty. Craftsman style versatility.
• Wrought Iron – Black metalwork with old-world charm.
• Aluminum – Sleek, contemporary, polished or powder coated finishes.
• Stainless Steel – Sleek, modern look. Can feel cold and industrial if not balanced with other materials.
• Plastics – Typically a clean, minimalist look. Lacks character of natural materials.

There’s no universally superior look, as exterior design aesthetics are highly personal. Choose materials that integrate with and enhance your overall architectural style. Many designers use combinations of materials like metal and wood or metal and cable infill to marry the benefits of each.

Safety Standards

Besides considering function, cost and appearance, it’s vital that outdoor handrails meet key building safety standards. Relevant codes to review include:

• Height requirements – Handrails must be a minimum of 30-38 inches high, depending on jurisdiction.
• Spacing – Balusters usually can’t exceed 4-6 inches apart.
• Load capacity – Handrails must withstand a specific amount of downward and lateral force.
• Fire rating – Materials must meet fire safety codes for outdoor structures.

Always have a licensed contractor or building inspector check that your planned handrail meets the applicable local and national safety standards for outdoor structures. Don’t compromise safety or code compliance in the quest for cost savings or aesthetics.

Choosing a Contractor

Unless you’re an avid DIYer, contracting a professional installer is advisable for such an important structural project. Make sure to:

• Get recommendations and reviews.
• Verify licensing and insurance.
• Check examples of their previous work.
• Get multiple quotes.
• Ask lots of questions!

A quality contractor will help you navigate design choices while meeting safety codes and installation best practices. They’ll also ensure a sturdy, long-lasting finished handrail.

Conclusion

Selecting the optimal outdoor handrail material requires weighing factors like:

• Durability and weather-resistance
• Maintenance demands
• Strength and safety
• Cost comparisons
• Aesthetic design

While metals like stainless steel and aluminum are excellent choices, wood and plastic should not be overlooked, depending on your needs. Combining materials can provide the benefits of each. Work closely with professionals to ensure proper installation and compliance with building codes. With some thoughtful planning upfront, your new outdoor handrail will provide safety, curb appeal and durability for years to come.