| If you have decided that you want metal railings | | | | railings. There are advantages and disadvantages |
| for your home, you can certainly have them in | | | | to each, so you have to examine each kind. |
| any style you desire. You are limited only by the | | | | Pipe railings are typically found in industrial settings. |
| design limitations of the manufacturer. Metal | | | | Straight pipes, with a very functional look is all |
| railings are a very good choice for your home | | | | that is required in this environment. Some people |
| because of the advantages they exhibit over | | | | find this look attractive, and they have been |
| railings made from other materials. Following a | | | | formed into wavy pipes to add interest, especially |
| few of these advantages:a. You have a wide | | | | if they are painted to suit your décor. |
| choice of styles, since metal railings can be | | | | Wrought iron railings became very popular very |
| worked into very small, intricate designs without | | | | quickly once it was developed for use in metal |
| any loss.of strength. If you compare "strength to | | | | railings. It is a very popular look, especially for |
| weight" ratios of metal railings versus PVC, for | | | | fancy estate gates and other fencing around |
| example, they are much higher.b. You have a | | | | properties. |
| wide range of colors in metal railings. Metal retains | | | | Hollow section railings are frequently used for |
| color intensity much better than most other | | | | railings. Hollow sections make it very easy to put |
| materials, giving you a choice that can be uniquely | | | | in interesting designs such as straight or geometric |
| yours in the brightest or sublest colors available.c. | | | | patterns. Curves are not that easy to achieve |
| Iron railings last longer than the buildings they | | | | with hollow section railings, and so they are not a |
| were attached to. If you install an iron railing, you | | | | usual design feature. |
| will not have to do anything further to it. A wood | | | | Flat section are best used for geometric patterns |
| railing will rot and splinter and usually does not last | | | | that are popular in hand or stair railings. A flat |
| longer than 20 years.d. Metal railings can be | | | | section made from stainless still can completely |
| crafted to suit just about any decorating style | | | | transform the look of a rail to completely modern. |
| you choose. The cost of having an unusual styleis | | | | Flat section railings are most popular in malls, |
| usually not much more than a standardized one.e. | | | | hotels, hospitals and airports. |
| Metal railings can be easily repaired, if repair does | | | | Thin rod railings are the best type to use if you |
| become necessary. Parts are welded back | | | | want to have a very intricate design in your |
| together, and a coat of paint makes a metal | | | | railings. These rods are made from metal which is |
| railing look brand new. (This is not the case with | | | | 5mm or smaller in width, making it perfect for |
| wrought iron railings.)f. You can install metal railings | | | | small, artistic patterns. Rails can be very |
| yourself. If you are an avid "DIY"er, you can install | | | | customized when you use thin rod railings. Square, |
| metal railings yourself. If you have welding | | | | circular or rectangular patterns can be achieved, |
| materials, you can even make your own from | | | | and even more intrticate patterns such as stars |
| metal sections, and create your own unique style. | | | | have been created |
| There are many choices in the types of metal | | | | Easy maintenance and perfect customization |
| you want for your metal railings. Pipes, hollow | | | | make metal railings the prefect option for any |
| sections, bars and flat pieces are used to make | | | | home. |