Four Factors to Consider when Choosing a Deck Railing Material

SK Rails in Saskatchewan, Canada, manufactures customized railing products for commercial and residential use in accordance with the company principles of innovation, quality, strength, versatility, and installation ease. For residential projects, SK Rails offers wood-, cable-, and iron-railing options outfitted with lighting systems and modular caps made to enhance outdoor spaces and structures, such as decks. 

Various factors beyond color and style preferences affect the selection process when choosing a deck railing material. Here are a few to consider:

1. Budget. Railing materials vary widely in price. The durability of the material used can impact prices because some may cost less but impose a bigger financial burden overall due to required replacements and upkeep expenses. This makes determining what is affordable the first step in making a decision. 

2. Building codes. Family dwellings with three stories or fewer are subject to regulations outlined by the International Residential Code (IRC), which contains rules for building decks. IRC mandates include restrictions regarding railing height and other safety requirements, although specifics can vary. 

3. Accessibility. If a deck-railing design incorporates elements to accommodate someone with a physical disability or injury, it may need to comply with certain legal standards, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

4. Maintenance needs. Maintenance requirements for railing types can vary significantly. Wooden railings need regular sealing and staining, for instance. Determining the upkeep time and cost associated with each material can help to narrow down the selection.

How to Keep Cable Railings Clean

A railing company based in Canada, SK Rails provides customizable solutions to residential and commercial clients. In addition to offering rails made of both wood and iron, SK Rails makes cable ones available to patrons seeking a sleeker, more minimalistic look.

Once installed, cable rails require routine cleaning to ensure they last as long as possible. Usually, this begins right after installation and involves wiping down the cables to remove any carbon deposits left behind. This is best done using a stainless cleaner and a soft cloth.

From there, individuals should clean their cable railings as needed with a mild soap, some water, and a cotton rag. This general type of washing removes marks and fingerprints that can degrade the structure over time. At minimum, owners should perform this every six months to ensure that cable wiring stays protected. However, railings that see a lot of use should be attended to more frequently.

While doing as such, people should avoid harsh solutions, abrasive materials, and power-cleaning tools as much as possible. If these items must be used, any residue, grease, or oil they leave behind must be wiped from the railing soon after. Further, power-washing tools must be kept on a low setting so they do not remove any protective sealant.

After the cleaning process, all components must be left to dry completely so that rust doesn’t form. Since drying is so important, cable railings are best washed on sunny days or dried entirely by hand using a cloth.

Reasons to Choose Iron Railings for Your Home or Business

A custom railing company based in Saskatchewan, Canada, SK Rails is dedicated to producing the highest quality, longest-lasting railing products on the market. With a large selection of wood, cable, and wrought iron railings, SK Rails provides nearly endless options for homeowners or business owners to create their perfect outdoor space.

In addition to sleek cable and traditional wood railing products, SK Rails produces a range of decorative iron railings crafted by highly trained members of Canada’s Professional Ironworkers. Compared with other railing materials like wood, wrought iron railings are exceptionally durable and strong enough to serve as security fencing. These handcrafted railings also come in a variety of designs to allow homeowners or business owners the freedom to pick a favorite style.

With their classic beauty, wrought iron railings bring a dash of elegance to any property while necessitating only a low level of maintenance. While iron will last a long time, thoroughly cleaning and then painting such railings every 10 to 15 years will keep them looking fresh.