Railing systems can usually be installed with a variety of post and railing materials, such as aluminum, wood, vinyl, iron, and composite. You’ll want to choose your railing and post materials carefully when you live near the ocean, as some materials are more susceptible than others to corrosion and fading from the sun.  

Wood is beautiful and has a rustic style, but the humidity and salty air will take a toll on it, causing it to rot more quickly than other materials. It’s still a popular material for many beachside decks and railings because of its low price point, but it’s not recommended if you live near the ocean. Vinyl is very resistant to corrosion by salts, but some types of vinyl railing can fade if exposed to a lot of direct sunlight. Composite posts and rails may be a better alternative for the beachfront compared to wood or vinyl, and it can come in several colors to match or complement a deck and home.  

Iron has a reputation for being a bad choice around beaches and the oceanfront, but it may not anymore. While salty air and humidity can cause iron to rust and corrode, if it has a high-quality finish, iron can last a long time, even in the ocean. Some manufacturers have begun applying a high-quality coating that mimics the one developed by the automotive industry to prevent the rust and corrosion caused to the underside of cars by deicing salt. 

Aluminum does not rust the way iron does, making it another good choice for railings and posts. It is not corrosion-proof, however, so it’s important to install aluminum rails and posts that have a top-quality powder coating. A powder coating is extremely durable, lasts far longer than paint, and works very well to protect the underlying material from the elements. As with iron, though, bear in mind that most manufacturers offer a drastically reduced warranty on their product if it’s installed within one mile of the coast, and they may even void the warranty if the product comes into contact with saltwater.