Railing News

The Lifecycle of Aluminum Railings

Aluminum Railings | February 25, 2025
lifecycle of aluminum railings

From how they are made to how they are recycled; aluminum railings have a long and sustainable life. As a leading provider of quality railing products, Vista Railings recognizes that the lifecycle of aluminum railings begins with the careful selection of raw materials.

Learn how to incorporate aluminum railings into your landscape design.

1. Making Aluminum from Raw Materials

Aluminum starts its journey as bauxite, a type of rock. Bauxite is mined, refined into a powder called alumina, and then turned into aluminum through a process called electrolysis.

2. Shaping and Coating the Railings

Once the aluminum is ready, it is shaped into railing components through processes like extrusion, where hot aluminum is pushed through moulds to create specific shapes, or casing, where hot liquid aluminum is poured into a mold. These extrusions can then be cut, welded, and/or mechanically fastened into customize aluminum railings. Powder-coating provides a variety of different colors and/or textures, which also makes the railings more resistant to weather and scratches.

3. Installing and Using the Railings

Aluminum railings are easy to transport and install because they are lightweight and many aluminum railings come with pre-assembled components that fit together quickly. Once installed, they require little upkeep. Aluminum naturally resists rust and doesn’t warp, so a simple wash with soap and water is usually enough to keep them looking great.

4. Long Lifespan

Aluminum railings are built to last. They can handle harsh weather without rotting or rusting, making them ideal for outdoor spaces. With basic maintenance, like checking for loose screws and cleaning occasionally, these railings can last for many years without needing repairs or replacement.

5. Recycling and Sustainability

When aluminum railings are no longer needed, they can be fully recycled. Aluminum is one of the best materials for recycling because it does not lose its quality, even after being reused many times. Recycling aluminum uses much less energy compared to making new aluminum, making it an eco-friendly choice. The recycled metal can be turned into new railings or other products, giving it a second life.

If you have any questions about our aluminum railing products, do not hesitate to contact the team at Vista Railings at 1-800-667-8247, either by phone or text.


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We are Washago Timber Mart and we've been a stocking dealer for nearly 15 years. Vista Railings are the absolute #1 best choice when it comes to Aluminum & Glass Railing Systems.

Chris Denne
Washago Timber Mart

James is wonderful! He continuously supports us and our Customers by ensuring that we receive our stock promptly and efficiently. He helps in rectifying issues that arise and at times he is known to personally drop off product either to our store or job sites to make sure we over deliver to our Customers! We appreciate you James and your team for all of your support!!

Rona Filsinger

The BEST railing in Canada… Customer Service is amazing. Thanks Team Vista the look of Vista railing is a beautiful sleek design it compliments any home and definitely increases the value of your home.

Brad Vermolen
Castle Niagara Building Centre

Top notch, sturdy and easy to install railing. Always a great experience dealing with James, Dwayne and Jim. From product knowledge, to solving any issues, they are always eager to help and on stand-by… Great working with them.

Mr Duncan

Vista has been a dream to work with, the program makes life so much easier and efficient to do quotes. Dwayne, Jim and the rest of the team I have dealt with are always willing to answer questions and go the extra mile to help fix any issues or getting pieces and parts to us promptly.

Matt Walker

We love working with the Vista Team! HF Smith Lumber in Cookstown, Ontario has been a proud stocking dealer since day one, carrying their four top colours. Vista’s quoting program is super easy to use and saves us a ton of time. The sales team is fantastic – always friendly, quick to help, and great to work with! We also love seeing the new products they continue to add. It’s exciting to expand our offerings and keep things fresh for our customers! Keep up the great work

Kim Ytsma
HF Smith Lumber

I purchase many different types of items in the building industry and have been at all levels from putting away lumber, customer service management and purchasing at wholesale level. The Vista railing company by far has been the best company to deal with in my entire 41 years in the industry. It’s just unbelievable the support and quality they produce from all levels — from manufacturing, pulling the product, design team and of course the sales support. Railing is a very difficult item for some yards to sell due to the complexity, but Vista makes it real easy with the least complicated quoting system, the Vista planner.
Thank you Team Vista for all you do for me and the industry!!

Randy Muentener