Imagine your perfect home as you enter through the wrought iron gates, past your beautifully vinyl-railed porch and out onto your modern aluminum railing deck overlooking an unforgettable view. Railings are a great way to increase the attractiveness of your home by giving it the look of enhanced elegance and style. With so many railing options, customizing your home to have the look and feel you want is easy if you know which material to work with. Here are 6 types of railing materials to consider:

Wood: The most common among the 6, wood is also the most inexpensive railing material available. Easy to customize and coming in numerous mix and match options, wood can be used to create a classic and traditional look for your home. One thing to consider is that wood does require constant upkeep, needing to be cleaned and repainted often.

Composite: Made of durable and easily customizable elements, composite is also a material that has many options to mix and match as you tailor your home railings to your needs. Although slightly more expensive than wood, priced mid-range, it requires little maintenance and generally looks clean and fresh for an extended amount of time. But since it is made up of a blend of plastic resin and wood flour, beware of poorly created composite railings that can warp over time.

Vinyl: Five times stronger than wood, vinyl railings are affordable, incredibly versatile, and even come in a number of designs and colors. For the families who tend to sway more green, vinyl railings are the best choice as they are non-toxic and can be recycled. Because of their dependability, many vinyl railings even come with warranties.

Aluminum: Lightweight and strong, aluminum railings don’t corrode easily and can be easily repaired if it should break. Aluminum lends itself to a clean and modern look, so it will add a nice update to new and older homes. One thing to consider is that aluminum cannot be formed easily into curves so straight patterns are the predominant styles available.

Wrought Iron: Although railings can be made of many different types of metal, wrought iron is the most popular due to its durability and ability to produce unique shape and forms according to preference. It is also the material used for most ornamental railings. It provides an elegant touch to any house due to its use in American historical architecture and because most wrought iron railing designs are thin, it does not block the view of your front or backyard. Wrought iron railings, depending on design, are priced anywhere between mid to high range, but is recommended due to its ability to withstand the strongest elements, an important quality in Florida where homes must hold against strong tropical storms and hurricanes. If you do choose to go with wrought iron, make sure that your contractors install properly coated railings, as any exposed uncoated area will rust.

Glass: The most elegant of material, tempered glass is an excellent choice for homes with a fantastic view. Although it is the most expensive material to work with, priced high-range, it is safe and requires almost nothing to upkeep. Additionally, it adds a modern and sophisticated feel to your home that is undisputed.

The right home is made perfect by the way it reflects your personal taste, style and needs.  As the finishing touch, railings can add character to your home and complete the look and feel you want. Moreno & Moreno specializes in vinyl, aluminum and wrought iron railing installation and repairs. We invite you to either book a free estimate here or call us at 407.300.4500 for more information on railings in Orlando and the surrounding areas.