What's the Best Material for Balcony Railings?
Explore the pros & cons of 7 popular materials used for balcony railing designs
A balcony railing not only functions as an important safety feature in our homes but, with the right design and material, can aesthetically change the look and feel of the house facade. Factors like the overall design of the home (traditional or modern), along with the railing’s resistance to external weather conditions, play a key role in deciding the most suitable material for the railing design. With so many materials on offer, such as metal, glass, wood and concrete, which material is most suitable for balcony railings and why?
2. MS (mild steel)
MS railings are most commonly used for the balconies of condominiums, apartments and residential complexes. These railings give a polished look to the balcony.
Pros
MS railings are most commonly used for the balconies of condominiums, apartments and residential complexes. These railings give a polished look to the balcony.
Pros
- MS is a very strong and durable material.
- The metal is malleable and easy to work with.
- These railings can be easily painted in any colour to match the colour of the building exteriors. However, the most commonly used colours are black, grey and off-white.
- MS is very easy to maintain; routine cleaning involves wiping the railing with a damp cloth.
- One can achieve both simple straight-line designs as well as ornamental designs in MS.
- These railings are budget-friendly and comparatively less expensive than SS railings.
- MS has the tendency to rust when exposed to external weather conditions. Hence, these railings should be periodically painted to create a protective coating that prevents MS from rusting.
3. Aluminium
Aluminium is a strong, lightweight and affordable material. Aluminium railings give a modern look to the home. They are powder-coated in finishes such as matte, gloss or satin. The powder coating imparts an attractive look to the railings and does not discolour, corrode or peel easily.
Pros
Aluminium is a strong, lightweight and affordable material. Aluminium railings give a modern look to the home. They are powder-coated in finishes such as matte, gloss or satin. The powder coating imparts an attractive look to the railings and does not discolour, corrode or peel easily.
Pros
- Aluminium is a highly durable material and is highly resistant to harsh weather conditions.
- Various designs are achieved with the sleek sections of aluminium and can be powder-coated in various colours.
- Aluminium railings are easy to maintain and only need to be wiped with a damp cloth.
- Aluminium railings are resistant to rust and do not swell or crack when exposed to heat.
- Aluminium railings have a tendency to corrode and discolour due to oxidation in the presence of salt-laden air. So, avoid using aluminium railings in the coastal areas.
4. Glass
Break away from conventional railings and opt for glass railings, especially if your balcony opens to picturesque views such as the mountains or the sea. Glass railings are tempered glass panels that are suspended within a metal frame. One can also go with a frameless glass installation topped with a simple metal handrail, as in this example.
Pros
Break away from conventional railings and opt for glass railings, especially if your balcony opens to picturesque views such as the mountains or the sea. Glass railings are tempered glass panels that are suspended within a metal frame. One can also go with a frameless glass installation topped with a simple metal handrail, as in this example.
Pros
- Glass railings give a modern, high-end look to the home.
- They bring in a sense of transparency and open up views of the surroundings, thus making the balcony look bigger.
- The glass panels also work as windbreaks.
- Glass railing panels need to be cleaned regularly.
- Glass is susceptible to scratches.
5. Wood
Wooden railings add softness and bring in an element of warmth into the balcony. But when it comes to safety, especially in high-rise buildings, it is strongly recommended to go for only metal railings because they are more sturdy. However, one could always combine wood as an infill panel within SS or MS railings.
Pros
Wooden railings add softness and bring in an element of warmth into the balcony. But when it comes to safety, especially in high-rise buildings, it is strongly recommended to go for only metal railings because they are more sturdy. However, one could always combine wood as an infill panel within SS or MS railings.
Pros
- These railings can be fabricated in various types of wood and can be finished in different colours.
- Wooden railings complement both modern as well as traditional homes.
- Wood has the tendency to rot and get attacked by termites.
- Wood may splinter over a period of time.
- Wooden railings require a lot of maintenance in comparison to other railing materials. It needs to be repainted and sealed at least once in two years.
6. Concrete
Concrete is a robust material. These railings, made of concrete, are available in a prefabricated form and are usually installed in low-rise bungalows or villas. Concrete railings are selected so that they match the external facade of the building, just as in the image above.
Pros
Concrete is a robust material. These railings, made of concrete, are available in a prefabricated form and are usually installed in low-rise bungalows or villas. Concrete railings are selected so that they match the external facade of the building, just as in the image above.
Pros
- Concrete railings are sturdy.
- These railings are cost-effective.
- They are low on maintenance.
- Not available in many designs.
- Concrete railings are very heavy.
7. Cast iron and wrought iron railings
If you like the ornate look, then then bring in wrought iron or cast iron railings. Cast iron railings are fabricated by pouring them into a mould while wrought iron is first heated and then worked upon with tools.
Pros
Trending Now: 15 Balconies That Will Instantly Relax You
What to Do With the Balcony?
Tell us:
Which railing material will you consider for your balcony? Tell us why in the Comments below.
If you like the ornate look, then then bring in wrought iron or cast iron railings. Cast iron railings are fabricated by pouring them into a mould while wrought iron is first heated and then worked upon with tools.
Pros
- One can achieve intricate and ornamental designs for the balcony railings in wrought iron and cast iron.
- The railings can also be painted in rich colours like gold or silver to impart a royal look to the balcony.
- One has to seal and coat the wrought iron and cast iron railings regularly so that they do not rust.
- These railings are very expensive and require good workmanship.
Trending Now: 15 Balconies That Will Instantly Relax You
What to Do With the Balcony?
Tell us:
Which railing material will you consider for your balcony? Tell us why in the Comments below.
Sponsored
SS is one of the premium materials used for balcony railings that can give the balcony a high-end modern look.
Pros
- SS is a strong material, it is maintenance-free and does not require any painting once installed.
- SS comprises a rust-proof layer of chromium oxide over the steel, which prevents the railing from corroding even in harsh climatic conditions.
- It can be easily customised into any design.
- One can achieve a flawless finish in SS; it effortlessly gives a sleek look to the balcony, just as in this example.
Cons- SS railings are very expensive compared to other metals that are used to fabricate balcony railings.
Take a look at stainless steel balcony railing images