The Difference between Fencing and Railing...
Unless
you are a professional installer and deal with fence and railing every day, the
differences between the two may not be apparent. This page will explain
the differences so that you can determine which - aluminum fence or aluminum
railing - is right for your project.
It will also explain our hybrid product, the Premier Aluminum Fence line, which
may be the right choice for you.
The Basic Difference...
To put it in its most simple terms, aluminum fence basically is designed to keep people out. Aluminum railings, on the other hand, are designed to keep people in. For example, balcony or deck railings are used to keep people safely in, while swimming pool fence is designed to keep kids out of the pool.
Building and Pool Codes...
Generally speaking, railings must meet IBC or IRC codes which specify this fundamental requirement: able to withstand 200 or more pounds of lateral force.
Fences, on the other hand, typically do not have to meet any codes with the exception of swimming pool fences. (Click swimming pool safety codes for more information on pool codes.)
Therefore, fence will not usually qualify or meet code where railing is required as it is not designed to withstand the 200 pound limit.
Because railing usually needs to be much stronger than fence, it uses more and heavier aluminum and therefore costs significantly more.
Material Differences...
Fence typically uses rail of the same size for all the rails in a panel. Railing, on the other hand, uses a larger, stronger top rail that is designed to fit a person's hand. This is of particular importance on stair railings to aid the user in ascending or descending the steps.
The larger top rail also increases the strength of the railing panels to help meet building codes.
The pickets or balusters used in railing are a minimum of 3/4" square which is necessary for strength and are appropriate for use in both Residential and Commercial applications. One inch square balusters are available in Industrial grade railings where extra strength is required or desired.
For Residential fencing, 5/8" square pickets are the standard as this grade of fence is most often used for decoration or pool safety. If desired, Standard fences are available in 3/4" Commercial pickets and 1" Industrial pickets where additional strength and security are needed.
Can fencing be used for a deck railing where the deck is, for example, two feet off the ground...
Usually, but you must check your local building codes to be sure. We cannot advise you on whether railing or fence is the right choice since we don't know what your local codes are!!
In the absence of codes, think practically...if someone should fall out, would they be seriously injured? Your homeowner's insurance policy may determine this for you!
Relative Costs...
Railing is always the most expensive alternative because it requires more aluminum to produce the strength necessary to meet the building codes that enforce safety issues.
Standard fencing is always the most economical choice as it is not designed to provide the same level of safety as railings.
A middle ground is our Premier line which provides nearly the strength of railing, but at a substantial savings. Note: Premier line cannot be used where railing is required as it has not been tested to serve as such.
Product Differences Summary...
 Residential grade shown. Shows Ultra Rail's Internal Ribbing for superior strength. Photos are relative sizes and may not be exact. |
 Premier - Commercial Grade showing double rail. |
 Top and bottom in contrasting colors to better show detail. |
|
All 2, 3 or 4 rails are the same Uses the exclusive Ultra Rail with contoured shape and internal ribbing - unique among aluminum fences. Ideal for enhancing the look and value of a residential, commercial or industrial property Perfect for swimming pool fences in any grade: Residential, Commercial or Industrial Uses either a 5/8" square picket or the designer Ultra Picket available in Residential Grade only, 3/4" picket for Commercial grade or 1" picket for Industrial grade Ultra Pickets are available in Residential grade only and only on style numbers that end in 0 (zero), for example, available for the UAF-200, not available for the UAF-201) Sections can be raked to follow ground slopes Gates can be Arched Most economical option |
All 2, 3 or 4 rails are the same Uses the same contour shape as the Ultra Rail, but is a two-piece, closed bottom rail The two-piece rails hide all fasteners on the panel, no "ugly" side When used with "hidden fastener" Rail Ends there are no exposed screws heads any where (except stairs) providing a very sleek look When used with "hidden fastener" Rail Ends the fence is "Bee Free", no place for insects to nest Much stronger than Standard Fence due to the double, closed rails Uses either a 5/8" square picket for Residential Grade, 3/4" picket for Commercial grade or 1" picket for Industrial grade Sections can NOT be raked to follow ground slopes due to the double rails, must be mounted on level surfaces only Gates can NOT be Arched due to the double rails About 15%-20% more than Standard Fence |
Larger Top rail designed to be a "hand-hold" especially for stairs, four top rail styles from which to choose Middle and bottom rails are the same closed rails used on the Premier Commercial or Industrial grades of fence, as appropriate The two-piece rails hide all fasteners on the panel Comes in three constructions: Panel / Punched Post, Panel / Rail End or Post Top (continuous top rail) When used with "hidden fastener" Rail Ends there are no exposed screw heads any where (except stairs) providing a very sleek look When used with "hidden fastener" Rail Ends the railing is "Bee Free", no place for insects to nest Strong enough to meet or exceed all building codes for railings. IBC (International Building Code) compliant Uses 3/4" balusters (pickets) for Residential/Commercial grade or 1" balusters for Industrial grade. Designer "Monticello" turned, round balusters also available About 15%-20% more than Premier Fence |
The table summarizes the differences among Standard Fences, Premier Fences and Signature Railings. For more information on a particular product, click one of the following:
Standard Fence • Pool Fences • Premier Fencing • Panel Railing • Post Top Railings
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