3 Ways Minor Changes to Standard Architectural Railing Designs Can Impact Your Total Cost

In many cases, a manufacturer's standard railing design has the ability to look almost identical to the system a particular project requires.  However, despite the similarity in appearance, making even minor tweaks to the standard system's components or structural members, can increase or decrease the price significantly.

Here are some points to keep in mind when opting for modified versions of a manufacturer's standard railing system design:

1.   RADIUSING/SEGMENTING - Radiusing and segmenting (fusing "straight" railing sections to simulate a curve) may increase the shop labor and finishing prices.  The same is true for tight bends, as they require special tooling.

2.   MATERIAL WEIGHT - If a building owner or architect requires a standard system, but with a heavier look/feel, the profile might look the same, but the amount of material will increase (i.e. hollow pickets vs. solid pickets). This increase in material will likely cause an increase in price.

3.  INFILL SELECTION - The most obvious way changes can affect your total cost is to switch to a different infill style.  For instance, if at first you choose a system with custom, waterjet-cut infill panels, then decide to opt for a more simple, streamlined picket railing, your cost will noticeably decrease.

For more information on architectural railing systems, CLICK HERE. 

2 Big Reasons Vinyl Railings May Not Be an Ideal Choice for Your Multi-Story Application

Most would agree that vinyl railings are aesthetically pleasing and look great on a variety of applications, whether commercial or residential.

Although vinyl certainly does have its benefits, there are some points a building designer must consider prior to specifying this type of railing system on a multi-story structure.

Ordering Architectural Railing: 3 Tips for Minimizing Change Orders

Sterling Dula Railing on Skybridge Residential Tower
Chicago, IL

It's no secret that clear communication on all sides - beginning with the building owner, followed by the architect, contractor, manufacturer and, lastly, the installer - improves the speed of a project and cuts down significantly on unnecessary costs.

Below are 3 key ways that architects and contractors can minimize change orders for architectural railing systems.

Architectural Railing Applications (PART 1)

Architectural railings can be fabricated from a wide variety of materials and are available in a number of different styles.

In this 4-part series, we'll discuss various types of railings for different architectural applications.

PART 1:

• Balcony Railings
• Stair Railings
• Patio Railings

PART 2:

• Commercial Building Railings
• Industrial Railings
• Shopping Mall Railings

PART 3:

• Pool Railings
• Entrance Railings
• Guardrail

PART 4:

• Handrail
• Deck Railings

Welding & Aluminum Railings: FAQ's

Is a human weld better than a robotic weld? 

The welding process is one of the most utilized fastening techniques when fabricating architectural aluminum railing.

So, which types of welds are the best?  Below are some answers to frequently asked questions regarding aluminum railing welds: