durability of stainless steel versus powder-coated-aluminum railings
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Posted by: oceanfrontpaul ® 03/19/2007, 16:47:17 Author Profile eMail author Edit

Dear Folks, I am interested in having new balcony railings installed on my ocean front home. Can anyone tell me what type of metals/system will hold up better to the salt air? Some people claim that Stainless steel is the way to go, and just as many say powder-coated aluminum will be better. I am hoping to find the most durable,long lasting and maintenance-free solution. Thank you very much for your help! Paul Wilson

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Re: durability of stainless steel versus powder-coated-aluminum railings
Re: durability of stainless steel versus powder-coated-aluminum railings -- oceanfrontpaul	Post Reply	Top of thread	Forum

Posted by: Kelly Bramble ® 03/19/2007, 20:45:57 Author Profile eMail author Edit

First, you might read some of the web pages here: /corrosion.shtml and here /galvanic_capatability.htm . I believe both will work fine, however I can see how Stainless Steel (SS) might be more durable in the long run. Many powder coatings are tough, however they can chip and crack allowing the salt to enter the base material and begin the oxidation process. Additionally, SS is much more stronger than most aluminum alloys. Therefore will withstand more abuse and inadvertant loading without deformation or failure. Quality SS is much more expensive than powder coated aluminum though. Modified by Kelly Bramble at Mon, Mar 19, 2007, 20:46:40

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Re: Re: durability of stainless steel versus powder-coated-aluminum railings
Re: Re: durability of stainless steel versus powder-coated-aluminum railings -- Kelly Bramble	Post Reply	Top of thread	Forum

Posted by: oceanfrontpaul ® 03/19/2007, 21:01:39 Author Profile eMail author Edit

Thank you! My chief concern with using stainless steel is whether I will need to clean/polish it regularly to avoid surface corrosion from starting. Seems that's all people who own boats do is clean and polish!

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Re: Re: Re: durability of stainless steel versus powder-coated-aluminum railings
Re: Re: Re: durability of stainless steel versus powder-coated-aluminum railings -- oceanfrontpaul	Post Reply	Top of thread	Forum

Posted by: Kelly Bramble ® 03/19/2007, 21:30:00 Author Profile eMail author Edit

Good question, there are many grades of stainless steel. Some are more resistant than others within a salt environment. Also, surface treatments, such as passivation will help the right grade of SS be more resistant to oxidation. My quick guess is that SS 316/316L is a cost effective choice, however 317L is tougher and more corrosion resitant. If want the best then you might use 2205 (UNS S 32205) or 904L. These SS are pretty tough. Of course, you may be able to remove and install a couple of powder coated aluminum (and steel) railings cheaper over the long run. What ever you do, try to avoid 304/304L as these are pretty cheap and will stain. Modified by Kelly Bramble at Mon, Mar 19, 2007, 21:34:37

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Re: Re: Re: Re: durability of stainless steel versus powder-coated-aluminum railings -- Kelly Bramble	Post Reply	Top of thread	Forum

Posted by: randykimball ® 03/20/2007, 00:23:24 Author Profile eMail author Edit

Also avoid 303 which is an easy to weld bar stock... and will actually rust and take to a magnet. The worst suggestion of your lifetime may be the catalyst to the grandest idea of the century, never let suggestions go unsaid nor fail to listen to them.

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: durability of stainless steel versus powder-coated-aluminum railings -- randykimball	Post Reply	Top of thread	Forum

Posted by: CCR5600Design ® 03/20/2007, 09:57:42 Author Profile eMail author Edit

You may also want to consider powdercoating a stainless railing as well and eliminate the need for any polishing. If this interests you, I would suggest staying away from the epoxy powdercoating as its UV stability is not as good as the polyester powdercoating. One of the benefits of powdercoating is you can choose from a myriad of colors and textures to suit your taste. If this railing is going to be wet and you desire a textured surface for better grip, powder coating may well be your answer. Ron "What we need are more people who specialize in the impossible." - Theodore Roethke

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