When deciding on the best material for gates, fences, stairs, railings and other accents for your home or building, do not overlook the benefits of steel. Architectural steelwork has been proven as a strong, durable material to use for many aspects of homes and buildings. While some may already be aware of the power and resilience steel has to offer, some of their other fabulous advantages may not yet be common knowledge.
The following list breaks down some of the biggest benefits of choosing steel over other materials for various features of your next building project. Give it a read and learn how steelwork can contribute to the beauty and resilience of your new structure.
- It is Quick to Clean and Easy to Maintain
When you build with steel you are helping yourself out in the maintenance department. Steel does not absorb dirt, nor will it suffer from water damage. Moreover, it is smudge-resistant, a benefit when thinking of using it to build heavily touched items such as railings. It is important to check steel hinges for rust from time to time, but beyond that, a simple cloth and household cleaner will keep your steelwork features looking smart.
- It is Germ-Free
Plastic and wood absorb what touches it, meaning that germs can be a problem. Steel, however, is not porous, therefore it is far more resistant to germs than its plastic and wooden counterparts. When thinking of designing spaces that will be heavily touched by children, animals or the elderly, it behooves you to strongly consider steel for your choice of building material so as to minimize the exposure and passing on of germs.
- It is Long-Lasting
Steel is heavy and therefore provides a certain stability when it comes to using it for aspects of a structure that need to be counted on time and time again. Stairs will be sturdy and strong, railings will not wobble even when gripped by multiple people and gates will deter potential intruders as even the look of steel screams “safety.” If you’re looking for a material that can be counted on to last for years to come, steel is the obvious choice.
- It is Customizable
Not only is steel a strong material, but it is also a flexible material as far as design is concerned. This may come as a surprise to those who are used to seeing steel only in a functional (rather than fashionable) capacity, but steel can be fabricated into many different styles based on the needs of the client. This makes it a great choice for those looking for a unique shape or design that fits a particular aesthetic.
- It is Affordable
Great advances have been made in steel fabrication, resulting in lower construction costs, even when custom designing your pieces. While perhaps other materials may be cheaper to choose initially for railings, staircases and other features of your building, overall there is no more affordable choice than steel.
When crunching the numbers, it is important to include the maintenance and replacement costs of your items. Steel is longer lasting and requires less maintenance than other materials, making it the more cost-effective material to choose.
- It is Secure
Fences or gates made of steel are extremely difficult to break into, providing your building with a safe perimeter. Moreover, given the weather resistant nature of steel you will find that even when a major storm comes through your steel structure will still be standing. If you don’t want to have to worry about the security or resiliency of your fence or gate, steel is the ideal way to go.
- It is Aesthetically Appealing
Steel components provide a sleek, modern appeal. Contemporary in feel, steel combines beauty and strength to create a sophisticated look for your building or home that is neither masculine nor feminine in nature. Universally appealing, steel can be manipulated into a variety of designs to suit your particular tastes. Make sure you properly consider who you want to work with to ensure that your tastes and communication style line up.
- It is Environmentally Friendly
It’s common knowledge that as we continue to build structures and architectural components out of wood and plastic that we are contributing to the removal or damage of valuable resources. Rather than add to the problem, opt for steel which is a recyclable material and is largely considered the most environmentally friendly of all the building materials out there. As it is also a long-lasting material, it will not need to be replaced as often as something made of wood or plastic, making it an even more eco-friendly option.
Modern, sleek, sturdy and affordable, steel offers the full package. Without a doubt your next project will be served by the many benefits of architectural steelwork. The most trusted, robust and sustainable of all building materials, steel will provide you with secure and attractive additions to your next building project.
