Railings don’t just add safety and utility outdoors, it also adds to the design and presentation of your outdoor space. If you’re looking to add outside railings, there are many things you may be considering, such as the material and layout. But the big thing that may be pressing on your mind is the cost of installing railings. Here’s what you can expect.
The Average Cost of Railings
On average, you can expect to pay around $100 per foot for exterior railings. The final cost will depend on how many feet of railings you need. There’s also the labor costs if you plan on hiring a contractor to install it for you. The average cost of labor can end up being anywhere from $200 to $500. Other miscellaneous costs can go up to $50.
So you can expect to pay around $1000 for six feet of railing. Of course, the cost really can vary depending on how much your contractor will charge you. While you may be thinking of going with the cheapest contractor, you also have to consider safety issues. You want to ensure that the railings are installed properly so that nobody gets hurt. You also want to think about the quality to ensure longevity.
Recently, Balustrade railings have become popular in terms of design and cost. Also, these are readily available at affordable rates and also look luxurious.
What Kind of Railings Do You Need?
Another factor that will affect the final price of exterior railings is the material and type of railing. Let’s take a look at various railings that you can go with.
Wooden railings – This kind of railing is affordable and works well with the back yard. It pairs well with wooden decks.
Stair and ramp railings – These are railings that are typically used for commercial properties like offices. You want these railings to be built to be durable since many pedestrians will be relying on them for safety.
Aluminum railings – These are the standard railings many homeowners go with. The reason why they’re popular is that they’re simple, offer utility, and sturdy. They can be used for porches, balconies, decks, and patios.
Stair railings – This is basically railing that is going to be installed on staircases. You want a sturdy railing that’s going to support the people walking up and down the stairs. In confined spaces, the stair railings usually need to be customized for things like turns and angles.
Glass railings – If you’re looking for something with a more elegant look, you can go with glass railings. The glass railings are beautiful because you can see through them. The low-profile design adds a contemporary and minimalist look that works with many different designs and layouts.
Other things to consider – Some other things to consider when installing railings are gates, pillars, and walls. These parts can help section off and/or support parts of your outdoor space.
Should You Install Them Yourself?
You may be considering actually installing the railings yourself. You can save a couple of hundred dollars by buying the parts if the project is simple enough. If you know what you’re doing, then you should probably ahead and install the railings yourself.
But if you haven’t installed railings before, you have to consider the fact that you can create a safety hazard. You need to ensure that the railings are installed correctly so that they remain firm and sturdy when somebody leans on them. It may also be challenging to align everything properly so that it looks appealing.
And in many cases, you will require customization for areas like staircases, ramps, and gates. Unless you are experienced with metalwork, this is nothing something you’ll want to take on.
Conclusion
To sum up, the price of railings depends on the contractor, material, type of railings, and the amount of railing you need installed. You also need to think about the design and safety of the railing. That’s why it’s always best to consult with a professional no matter what you decide to do.