Few elements of home improvement are as beautiful and useful as exterior railings. Unlike wrought iron railings which are more appropriate for a Victorian Townhouse, other modern metal railings can be found on contemporary Countryside estates. The right metal railing enhances your curb appeal while providing safety and a boundary fence.
At Metal Gates Direct, we understand this at a profound level. It's been a UK wide endeavour supplying homeowners, architects and developers with quality metal railings over the years. We have also gathered insights on which metals the UK's weather can withstand. Let’s look on the various options available for you make an informed decision.
Wrought Iron: Timeless Elegance
In the case of iron, wrought iron is considered the best by exterior fence enthusiast in the UK. The demands placed on wrought iron railings from its users has kept it popular over centuries. Reasons such as,
Durability— Wrought Iron is virtually unmatched in its durability under otherwise temperamental weather conditions. Properly finished railings can last for decades with exposure to stormy weather and overcast skies.
Versatile Designs— Strong iron can withstand severe precision work and can therefore be shaped into almost any design ranging from modern minimalistic to intricate Victorian scrollwork.
Heritage Appeal— Other metals are unable to match wrought iron railings are unparalleled for period properties.
The distinctive character and exceptional strength of wrought iron capture the attention of many property owners, even though it requires periodic rust preventative maintenance.
Aluminium: The New Challenger
Those looking for low-maintenance options will find aluminium compelling for these reasons:
Resistance to rust – Aluminium is resistant to corrosion by nature and requires little maintenance even in coastal regions that are salt air heavy.
Light, but strong – Quality aluminium railings are light as they weigh about a third of steel but provide unmatched structural strength at the same time.
Versatility in powder-coating – Aluminium railings can match any architectural style as they can be coated in nearly any colour and finish.
The substantial feel wrought iron possesses, along with its historical authenticity, is absent in aluminium, making aluminium railings more suitable for contemporary properties.
Steel: The Practical Middle Ground
In terms of aesthetics, durability, and value, steel railings stand out for:
Exceptional strength – Galvanized steel is known to provide great structural strength making it ideal for areas with high traffic.
Cost-effective – Steel is usually more affordable than wrought iron and offers a similar appeal, therefore, providing better value.
Flexible design – Advanced manufacturing steel techniques allow creating bold contemporary statements and mimicking traditional wrought iron designs.
When correctly coated or galvanised, steel railings require little maintenance to withstand harsh weather conditions.
Stainless Steel: The Premium Option
For uncompromised durability, no material stands alongside stainless steel:
- Virtually maintenance-free: Withstanding corrosion, staining, and rust, stainless steel railings last for decades with minimal care.
- Exceptional Longevity: Although the stainless steel's initial investment is higher than other metals, it still pays dividends through decades of trouble-free service.
- Contemporary Aesthetic: Sleek appearance of stainless steel goes well with glass and other modern building materials.
While particularly well suited to modern architectural styles, stainless steel may look out of place on period properties.
Making Your Selection
The exterior railings in metal “best” choice ultimately comes down to a few deciding factors:
- Your Maintenance Preferences
- Budget Considerations
- Design Requirements
- Your Property’s Architectural Style
- Your Local Environmental Conditions (coastal, urban, rural)
At Metal Gates Direct we offer all metal types, allowing you to find that balance of aesthetic appeal, durability, and value, specific to your requirements.
Find the solution you've been searching for by browsing our collections and witness the transformation of your property’s exterior with the right metal railings.