Stainless Steel vs. Metal Handrails: Here’s Why You Can’t Go Wrong with Either

When you start looking around for custom handrails, you’re going to see a lot of options that branch out from old traditional wood to a wide variety of metals. Notably, you’ll see stainless steel and a wide variety of other metals such as brass, iron, etc. 

While each metal has its own unique properties, stainless steel is often considered on its own, with other metals typically grouped together. It’s an important distinction that could influence how you choose the material for your handrails.

So, stainless steel vs. metal handrails - which is the better choice? Today, we’re going to go over the differences you can expect from stainless steel and non-stainless metals, and why neither is a wrong choice, despite what you might have heard. 

Stainless Isn’t Corrosion-Proof

First and foremost, we have to debunk a common misconception. Since stainless steel is called “stainless”, a lot of people have the misconception that it’s impervious to rust and weathering that impacts other metals. 

The reason we bring this up is that it’s one of the main selling points of stainless-steel handrails. People get the idea that it’s corrosion-proof, and they automatically think that it’s going to last longer and look exactly the same in 30 years as the day they got it. 

Stainless steel does age and change in appearance, and it can even develop some light surface rusting if it’s a low-quality steel. The more texture there is to the stainless steel, such as a bead-blasted finish, the more likely it is to develop that corrosion. 

Stainless steel simply resists water and moisture damage a lot more effectively. It’s highly unlikely to corrode under normal usage. Even in an outdoor setting, but there are other ways that it shows wear and tear over the years. 

In general, the reason to choose between stainless steel and other metal options is far more nuanced. 

Aging Non-Stainless Metals Can Be Desirable

Usually, you don’t hear the word “aging” and think of anything positive. You automatically think about the material breaking down and needing to be replaced. 

But when it comes to metal handrails, aging can actually be a positive factor and an important consideration when choosing the right handrail. Let’s use brass as an example. 

Brass doesn’t rust. Instead, it oxidizes, and it tends to develop a patina. Visually, the patina looks like a very light oil slick, and the gold-like brass darkens. 

This effect doesn’t happen uniformly. The patina spreads across the brass depending on which parts are exposed to moisture and oils the most, and the look is pretty much randomized. 

In 10 years, that shiny brass handrail you bought will have an almost antique-like charm to it that is visually appealing and exudes timeless class. 

In comparison, stainless tends to show its age the most due to light surface scratches ruining its luster. Very quickly, your brand-new stainless-steel handrail will lose a lot of its shine. 

This happens when people grab it with rings on, lean up against it, and their belt buckles scratch it, etc. This isn’t a bad thing, but the timeless charm isn’t there. 

Handrails Aren’t Subjected to Extreme Force

The metal you choose for your handrail doesn’t matter in the vast majority of situations. At least, not in terms of strength. While there are major differences in the tensile strength of steel, iron, brass, aluminum, and every other metal, there’s never enough force placed on a typical handrail for that to matter. 

So, strength isn’t necessarily a big determining factor in a practical sense. Unless you’re installing it in a highly specialized situation, of course. 

Context is Important

When it comes to function, the main considerations really come down to context, specifically, whether the handrails will be used indoors or outdoors. 

Outdoor railings usually need to be a bit more resistant to the weather, and materials such as stainless steel and aluminum are typically better for that purpose. Although brass also works fine, and iron can be treated to work perfectly well in exterior settings. So, even though that isn’t a clear reason to only pick stainless. 

Likewise, indoor railings aren’t exposed to too much abuse in the vast majority of settings, and you can opt for any type of handrail material you want. However, just because you can opt for metals such as brass that are usually seen as more luxurious, you don’t have to. 

Stainless steel can look amazing in the right interior setting, even if you’re not taking full advantage of its resistance, and its resistance to moisture means it’ll look very similar in 20 years of indoor use compared to metals that age.

Whether or not you want to maximize the benefits of a metal’s properties in relation to the type of handrail it’s going to be is a big factor with this one. 

Appearance and Price are the Most Important Factors

Functionally, there are always ways around a specific metal’s weakness. So, you don’t have to worry too much. Instead, your budget and the look you’re aiming for should decide for you. 

Visually, metals such as brass tend to look better in more timeless and classic decor setups. Stainless steel and aluminum look great in more modern and professional settings, and different iron designs work well universally. 

The specific design of the handrail contributes to whether or not a handrail will match the decor, just as much as the metal it’s made of. 

Then, you’re just down to the price. 

Everyone has a budget, and while various metals are going to perform extremely similarly in any practical situation, they are priced dramatically differently. 

Price varies widely, and they vary even more when you factor in the size of the railing you’re ordering and how intricately detailed it is. However, it’s one factor that’s going to actually determine whether a metal is a good choice for you, or if you need to choose another one. 

Get the Best Custom Handrails from Integrated Metal Designs

So, stainless steel vs. metal handrails - which should you go for? In most situations, the metal you choose should be what matches the environment it is in visually and matches your budget. The various property differences can be managed, or aren’t even too relevant in most circumstances. 

Order a completely custom handrail from Integrated Metal Designs today to get the perfect handrail for you! 

In addition to custom handrails, we also create beautifully crafted range hoods designed to elevate the look and feel of your kitchen.

Ready to bring your vision to life? Contact us today! We’d love to help you create something truly one-of-a-kind.