Choosing railings for a rental property is very different than choosing railings for your own home. When you own a rental, decisions aren’t just about looks — they’re about cost, liability, durability, and compliance.

That’s why, in real projects, most landlords make the same choice.

Why Aluminum Picket Railings Dominate Rental Properties

For rental properties, straight aluminum picket railings are by far the most common option. Not because they’re flashy — but because they make sense.

Landlords choose them because:

• They’re the most affordable option
• They’re durable and long-lasting
• They’re easy to repair or replace
• They clearly meet building code requirements
• They avoid design elements inspectors may flag as climbable

In rental properties, code compliance matters more than anything. When you’re responsible for tenant safety, you don’t want questions, grey areas, or re-inspections. Straight picket designs keep things simple and defensible.

In reality, 90–95% of rental properties end up with aluminum picket railings.

Cost Is Always the First Conversation

Owning property in large cities comes with constant expenses — taxes, insurance, maintenance, and fees. Because of that, upfront cost is always the first concern for landlords.

Aluminum picket railings check that box. They do the job, last for decades, and don’t add unnecessary cost to a project that already has tight margins.

That doesn’t mean landlords only care about price — it just means price sets the ceiling.

What About Glass Railings on Rental Properties?

Glass railings are less common on rentals, but they do come up — and when they do, it’s usually a very intentional decision.

Landlords who choose glass railings have usually:

• Done their research
• Understood the cost difference
• Accepted that glass is safe and durable
• Looked at the long-term value

In some cases, a modest upgrade makes a big difference. We recently completed a project where a rental property owner invested slightly more into columns and glass railings and immediately recognized the added value. The property looked higher-end, photographed better, and justified higher rent.

So yes — glass can make sense. Just not in every rental scenario.

Common Landlord Concerns About Glass

When landlords hesitate about glass railings, the concerns are consistent:

• Tenants damaging the glass
• Ongoing responsibility
• Perception that glass is fragile

In most cases, this comes down to lack of education, not real performance issues. Exterior glass railings use tempered safety glass and are extremely strong. But perception still matters, especially when tenants are involved.

That’s why many landlords stay with aluminum — it feels familiar and worry-free.

When Glass Actually Makes Sense for Rentals

There are situations where glass railings are not only acceptable, but recommended.

On two- or three-storey buildings, balconies often become storage spaces. Chairs, coolers, umbrellas, and personal items end up outside. With open picket railings, that clutter is visible from the street — and it affects the building’s appearance.

In these cases, better solutions include:

• Half aluminum / half glass railing systems
• Frosted glass railings
• Glass panels used strategically, not everywhere

These options help:

• Hide visual clutter
• Keep the building looking clean
• Improve curb appeal
• Maintain safety and code compliance

This is about controlling how the property looks long-term, not just the initial install.

A Practical Way Landlords Think About Railings

Most rental owners approach railings with a simple mindset:

• Pick the safest option
• Control upfront costs
• Avoid inspection issues
• Minimize tenant-related concerns

That’s why aluminum picket railings remain the default choice — and why glass railings, when used, are usually part of a more thought-out strategy.

At Terrace Aluminum Railings & Masonry, we help property owners choose railings that make sense for how the building is actually used, not just how it looks on day one.

Sometimes that’s aluminum. Sometimes it’s glass. The key is understanding the difference.