What is the advantage of using iron handrails vs. other materials?

Strength, durability, custom designed architectural features to match different styles.

What is the difference between iron and aluminum railing/fencing?

Iron railing is custom made for your application. We do not use material with pre-punched holes. All of our holes for picket spacing are divided out equally between openings. We have the machinery/tooling needed to punch the holes in-house. This makes a custom fit rail vs. material that is trimmed off each end to make it fit. Although we can fabricate most designs using aluminum material instead of iron, aluminum is a more expensive material and the welding is more complicated.

Advantages vs disadvantages of different materials:

Advantages of Iron:
Stronger. More design possibilities. Easier to repair.

Disadvantages of Iron:
If not properly painted, it can rust.

Advantages of Aluminum:
Lighter weight. Will not rust.

Disadvantages of Aluminum:
1) Can be unstable. If it is pre-fabbed it will have uneven spaces and unattractive brackets. Looks "store-bought". Cannot use in some HOA situations or Historical Districts.
2) Very hard to repair.

Advantages of paint:
Can be touched up on the job site when on site welding is required. Easier to coat in cracks and crevices that powder has difficulty coating. Cost less than powder coating.

Disadvantages of paint:
Not as scratch resistance as powder coating.

Advantages of Powder Coating:
Can apply a thicker coating to the material. Harder surface.

Disadvantages of Powder Coating:
Hard to get powder in some smaller cracks and crevices - which can cause rust on iron. More costly to perform. Cannot be touched up on a job site due to components having to be baked in an oven.

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