If you are looking to upgrade your staircase design, a stair rail plastic cover can be considered a practical and useful option.

A staircase is more than just a structure to move between floors. It also acts as an interior design element that can elevate the ambiance of any home. Stair railings are an essential but often overlooked component for staircase makeovers.

The material for your handrail cover is an important factor to consider, especially if you are on the lookout for outdoor stair railing covers like veranda rail covers, railing covers for balconies or deck railing covers.

Wood has been the most used material since time immemorial. But the advent of technology has introduced alternatives like vinyl handrail covers.

Here are a few reasons NOT to go for wood stair rails:

Prone to warping:

The hygroscopic properties of wood make it prone to be altered by the amount of moisture present around it or on its surface. When it loses moisture, wood tends to shrink and swells on gaining moisture. Air, dry or humid, can change exterior wood handrails’ properties and make it warp over time.

Not resistant to natural elements:

Wood is extremely susceptible to damage by natural elements like sunlight, water and even infestation by termites and other bugs. The sun’s UV rays can shorten the lifespan of wood rail covers and cause the paint on them to fade away.

High Maintenance:

Since wooden rail covers are so prone to natural elements, these covers’ overall life is drastically reduced and requires constant maintenance like high-pressure treatment and paint jobs.

Often made of cheaper quality wood:

Most rail covers for outdoors are made of cheaper wood to lower costs. However, you can opt for higher quality wood rail covers that will be more reliable but also much more expensive.

Why plastic rail covers triumph over wood –

Low maintenance and long-lasting:

Unlike wood, stair rails made of plastic are resistant to natural elements like water and bugs, making it longer lasting. It does not fade or stain over time, which makes it easy to maintain by simply using water.

Affordable:

Plastic or vinyl handrail covers are second only to wood in terms of affordability. However, its long life and low maintenance make it more cost-effective than wood in the long term.

Versatile:

Plastic stair rail covers are versatile and are used both indoors and outdoors. They can be painted on to match the surrounding environment.