On Steel Railings

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What grade of steel should be used for your railings?

Carbon Steel
  • Most affordable
  • Low resistance to corrosion
  • Coating is necessary to prevent corrosion; most popular method is powder coating, allowing for many different colours
  • Requires regular maintenance to look its best, to fix scratches etc.
  • Suitable for indoor use, where there is minimal exposure to the elements; not suitable for indoor environments where there is a lot of usage (e.g. hospitals, airports)
  • Contains a small amount (~ <2%) of carbon to be stronger
304-Grade Stainless Steel
  • Affordable
  • Higher resistance to corrosion
  • Coating is not necessary, but could have coating of paint or powder; non coating finish could be satin to finer finishes including mirror finish (satin finish is easier to maintain, mirror finish offers ultimate corrosion resistance)
  • Suitable for indoor application, and outdoor environments that are not overly harsh or extreme; as long as not too much salt/chlorine, outdoor is fine
  • Contains chromium (>10.5%) to be considered stainless steel, 304 is 18% chromium and 8% nickel
316-Grade Stainless Steel
  • More expensive
  • Greatest resistance to corrosion here
  • Coating is not necessary, but could have coating and finishes depending on look required
  • Suitable for outdoor application and harsh environments
  • Contains slightly higher nickel content and 2% molybdenum to further strengthen corrosion resistance
How corrosion is prevented: When the chromium content of steel interacts with air, it oxidizes to form a thin, extremely stable layer of protective atoms that stops further oxidation (rust) from occurring. In highly chlorinated areas (swimming pools & coastal locations), chromium may not always create protective layer as quickly.

Information from: http://www.handrail-design.com/blog/selecting-the-right-material-for-railing-systems

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