Yes, any of the IC Railing components can be powder-coated (view powder-coated installation here). However, we recommend you avoid powder-coating the rods. The barrels, which the rods are slid through during installation, are just slightly larger in diameter than the rods. Thus, powder-coating the rods prior to installation, runs the risk of fracturing the powder-coat during installation. We’ve had a few customers powder-coat the posts, post base, lag screw heads, barrel set screws, and/or the barrels and leave the rods as the raw stainless steel. If you are determined to have the rods painted, seek guidance from the powder-coating company you used. This company may also provide a coverage warranty for their coating.

The answer will be dictated by your local code enforcement. For example, outdoor uses with drop-offs of 18” or more will typically require all rods to be used on Residential projects (36” high; 8 rods) and always on Commercial (42” high; 9 rods) applications. Check with your local city, county, and state building codes and regulations to ensure proper compliance for horizontal spacing of rods. If you choose to remove rods, do not remove the barrels. Each barrel is part of the structural integrity of the post. If you would like a ‘solid’ barrel instead of the standard barrel, contact your local dealer for pricing on solid barrel replacement.

While 48” is the recommended spacing which will provide the most structurally sound installation, a maximum distance of 5’ (or 60”) between posts is permitted. The exception is the Trident/Glass Post. The distance between the Trident posts will be established by the type of glass used and the location in which it is being installed. Consult with your glass panel supplier and their architectural/engineering department for maximum span. Should your glass-panel supplier need more information from IC Railing, they can download the necessary structural data links on our Technical page or reach out to us directly via email or phone.

The basic answer is Yes, it is. Over an extended period (several years) in extreme conditions (ocean salt spray or fog, high winds, poor weatherization, sub-standard maintenance, iron-rich soil or fertilizers applied within reach of the two metals, etc.), you could see early stages of electrolysis between the two metals. Normal use (without those impacts referenced above) will not be a worry.

Provided your wood slats are the same species of wood used on your handrail, use the same method of cleaning your Wood Post slats as you do your wood handrail. Be deliberate and thorough with your efforts to remove any excess/overflow of cleaning product from the stainless steel components (barrels, set screws, etc.) to minimize the potential for discoloring of stainless steel components.

Interior applications will require less maintenance than exterior applications, and your handrail will likely require more maintenance than your slats due to the horizontal nature of the handrail.

Similarly, take care in your maintenance of the stainless steel portions of your Wood Posts and slats, too. During routine and/or annual maintenance be sure to minimize the contact of your stainless steel cleaning components with the wood, and vice versa.

Yes. Just about anything left in the sun will increase its heat retention and stainless steel is no exception.

According to the Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA; 800-982-0355; www.ssina.com ) “locations within five to ten miles (9 to 18 km) of salt water are considered at risk for chloride-related corrosion. In some locations, marine salt accumulations are only a factor within the first .9 mile (1.5 km) from the shore. In other locations, salt may be carried farther inland.” If your installation site receives consistent inland ‘ocean-air’ breezes and/or fog banks, then it’s recommended to go with 316 grade stainless steel. All IC Railing components are polished smooth which makes them far less susceptible to surface tarnishing and/or corrosion.