AHD Blog
Benefits of Aluminum Outdoor Handrails
Why You’ll Love Aluminum Outdoor Handrails
Benefit 1: Durability
Wood is at risk of warping, rotting, and splintering. It’s also vulnerable to destructive insects. Iron and steel are prone to rust. Aluminum resists all these threats easily. In fact, aluminum is naturally weather-resistant, as the U.S. General Services Administration reports. If bare aluminum is exposed to moist air, it doesn’t react by forming brittle rust that crumbles away. Instead, it creates a thin but tough skin of aluminum oxide. This becomes an invisible shield that prevents weathering or damage.
Manufacturers often enhance aluminum’s natural defenses by powder coating their handrails. This finish provides greater durability and can offer more grip. It’s also an excellent way to deliver a wide selection of colors, textures, and finishes.
Benefit 2: Strength
Many people have balled up a sheet of aluminum foil or crunched an aluminum can. As a result, they mistake aluminum’s versatility for weakness. This material can be processed into thin, malleable forms, but it is far from fragile. After all, aluminum is also utilized in bridges, high-rise buildings, and other heavy-duty constructions. Aluminum has an impressive strength-to-weight ratio, and it’s a reliable choice for places where support is necessary, including handrails.
Benefit 3: Ease of Installation
Aluminum is strong enough to offer necessary support, and it’s also lightweight. That means it’s easier than many other construction materials to maneuver. It also doesn’t require special tools to install. Aluminum outdoor handrails can be installed by professionals. However, skilled do-it-yourselfers can generally manage the task without much difficulty.
Benefit 4: Freedom from Maintenance
Many outdoor products require a lot of work to retain their functionality and appearance because of their constant exposure to the elements. Because aluminum is such a hardy material, an aluminum outdoor handrail is a virtually maintenance-free handrail. No elbow grease is needed to enjoy decades of service. Of course, handrails can get dirty. If the rain doesn’t provide enough of a bath, simply wash the handrail with soapy water. Follow with a rinse of clean water. Never use abrasive cleaners on an aluminum handrail. Doing so may harm the finish.
Benefit 5: Beauty
Do you favor a modern look? Are you a fan of a classic line? Is following the latest trend vital for your brand? Is the traditional style more your style? Whatever look you like, there’s an aluminum handrail to match it. With powder-coated finishes that add a range of colors and textures, the possibilities are even more expansive.
Benefit 6: Compliance
The Americans with Disabilities Act was enacted to provide safe access to public spaces for people of all ages and abilities. The law requires public facilities to have ADA-compliant handrails. Some homeowners also opt for these handrails because they can make aging in place safer and more comfortable. Aluminum is a fantastic choice for an ADA-compliant handrail, and attractive styles that are specifically designed to be compliant are readily available.
Benefit 7: Value
Handrails made from wrought iron, steel, and other more expensive materials are available. However, aluminum handrails offer the same benefits at a better price point, which makes them a fantastic value. In addition, their lightweight status can produce additional savings on installation and labor costs. The savings continue over time. Since aluminum handrails have increased durability and resistance to corrosion and moisture, you won’t need to invest in costly repairs and replacements. Plus, you’ll save time and money because aluminum handrails are so low maintenance.
