Wood vs. Aluminum Handrails

Are you building or replacing a handrail at your home or business? One of the first decisions in this process is choosing what material to use. Many home and business owners are drawn to wood handrails for their timeless and elegant aesthetic, but how does wood measure up to materials like aluminum when it comes to cost, durability, and safety? A side-by-side comparison of the features and benefits of wood vs. aluminum handrails may help you understand your options and make a more informed decision.

Comparing Wood vs. Aluminum Handrails

Wood handrails are indeed attractive, sophisticated, elegant, and timeless. Unfortunately, the benefits of wood railings rarely extend beyond their visual appeal. By virtually every measure, aluminum handrails offer the advantage. Let’s dig a little deeper . . .

Durability

One of the most significant issues with wood handrails is durability. While more expensive wood handrails will provide more durability than their more cheaply constructed budget counterparts, no matter how much you spend on a wood handrail or how well you protect and maintain it, wood handrails are prone to warping and rotting. Wood’s integrity can be damaged by moisture in the air and by sunlight, meaning that even the best-maintained wood railing will likely eventually fail. 

Aluminum handrails, on the other hand, can withstand and perform despite the elements. Metals like aluminum are durable, and aluminum is particularly ideal for handrails because it is weather-resistant and does not rust.

Maintenance Requirements

As you explore wood vs. aluminum handrails, you’ll quickly notice that one of the most significant differences is the maintenance and care each material requires. 

Maintenance for a wood handrail often begins on day one. Many wood handrails will come to the consumer unfinished, allowing them to customize the stain and finish to match the existing woodwork. However, the handrails must be meticulously sanded, stained (often with multiple coats), and sealed. To maintain your wooden handrail, you’ll need to commit to years of repainting, re-staining, and meticulous specialized cleaning. This requires using materials and methods capable of cleaning the type of wood your railing is constructed from without damaging it. 

Maintaining aluminum handrails is simple. To maintain their finish and shine, you just need to wipe them down every once in a while. They’re virtually maintenance-free! 

Cost

Good wood railings are expensive and a serious financial investment requiring ongoing maintenance and upkeep. It can be tempting to choose a budget option, but wood is one material where cutting corners will cost you in the long run. While you can find less expensive wood handrails, these are usually made with cheaper, softer wood like pine. Less expensive wooden handrails often look as good as their more expensive counterparts, but you’ll end up paying for that lower price point over time. Cheap wooden handrails tend to dent and scratch easily, requiring serious ongoing maintenance to stay visually appealing and functional.

Aluminum, on the other hand, is one of the most affordable railing materials you can find. Compared to wood, aluminum handrails cost less in both the short and long term; you won’t spend time or money maintaining aluminum handrails the way you would with wood handrails. And since you can count on them to last for a long time without warping, splitting, rotting, cracking, or splintering, aluminum handrails will typically come with a smaller maintenance budget down the line.

Safety

Handrails are essential safety equipment for seniors, people with disabilities, and anyone with movement issues. A broken or damaged handrail can pose a legitimate safety concern for anyone who relies on them for safe movement: a broken handrail can easily lead to falls, which can result in serious injury or even death. Wood handrails are more susceptible to damage, rot, cracking, splintering, and warping, making them less reliable and unsafe for anyone who relies on them to access your home or business. 

Investing in aluminum handrails is an investment in accessibility and safety. You can count on them to perform without regular maintenance or replacement. If safety is one of your top priorities, an aluminum handrail fits the bill. And if you need ADA-compliant handrails, aluminum is a material that makes it easy to ensure that your facility is accessible to everyone.

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