Aluminum Handrails for Outdoor Steps: What to Consider

You may have never thought about the handrail installed for your outdoor steps. However, if you’ve ever lost your balance on those steps, you know precisely why a suitable handrail is essential. Reliability is one of many factors you should consider when choosing aluminum handrails for outdoor steps.

What Should You Look for When Purchasing Aluminum Handrails for Outdoor Steps?

A handrail for your outdoor steps might not seem like the most critical piece of hardware for your home or business. However, that handrail has an important job. It’s the first thing visitors will interact with, and if they have mobility issues, they’ll be relying on it for entry. It has to be sturdy enough to withstand constant usage and the elements of an outdoor environment. It also must be aesthetically pleasing enough that you want it to be the first thing people see when approaching your door. For people seeking a balance of form and function, aluminum handrails for outdoor steps are a great fit. What should you consider when you purchase one?

Know the Requirements

It would be nice if you could select your handrail based on appearance alone, but handrails have an important job to do. Handrails are essential for providing building access to senior citizens, people with mobility issues, and others who rely on them. Because handrails serve such a vital purpose, building codes often have specific requirements for them. Some spaces are also covered by other rules that need to be followed, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Before you purchase a handrail, do your research. You can also make this step easier by purchasing handrail equipment that promotes accessibility, like an ADA-compliant handrail kit.

Keep Track of the Details

Once you know what requirements your aluminum handrail has to meet, you can move on to the other criteria you’ll want to consider when purchasing. There are several details you’ll want to be sure about before choosing your aluminum railing:

• Where are you installing it? Will it be freestanding or mounted to a wall or other existing structure? The hardware needed for installation can vary based on the location and materials involved.
• How long does the handrail need to be? To provide the best support, your bar should reach from the nosing of the bottom-most step to the nosing of the top step. A continuous railing will offer more support than a series of disconnected ones. Be sure to take complete measurements before making your purchase.
• What is the warranty like? It’s important for a handrail to last, so you shouldn’t purchase a handrail with a bad warranty. That’s why our handrails are made in the USA and have lifetime warranties for your peace of mind.
• What do you want your handrail to look like? Because aluminum handrails are powder-coated, they’ll have an excellent finish that lasts for decades. You’ll have a variety of custom colors and finishes to choose from. Don’t just get a handrail that does the job; get one you can be proud of!

Consult the Experts

While these tips can get you off to a great start, we know every project is different. If you need more help finding the right aluminum railing for your outdoor stairs, don’t be afraid to reach out for expert advice. An experienced sales team can help you find the perfect aluminum handrail for your needs and budget.

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Is it time to purchase an aluminum handrail for outdoor steps? We hope this guide will help, but call us if you need more information.

At Aluminum Handrail Direct, we are committed to providing high-quality aluminum handrails that are durable, affordable, and attractive. If you have questions or are searching for a handrail system that fits your needs, call us at 417-409-3179 or 888-518-9890 (toll-free) or visit Aluminum Handrail Direct’s online store today. We offer handrails, wall mounts, mounting screws and anchors, touch-up spray paint, and more. We hope to hear from you soon!