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3-5/8" Poly Balustrade, Composite Railing

The 3 5/8″ Polyurethane railing system, or balustrade, is our smallest Polyurethane railing system and is the ideal size for small to mid-size porches. It’s also a great system for deck railings, when a nicer look than standard wood deck rail is desired. Sometimes called composite railing, our urethane rail will not rot, warp or crack.

As with all our Polyurethane railing systems, the 3 5/8″ composite railing is available in 8, 10, and 12′ lengths. It can be cut to any length on site similarly to wood railings. The 2 1/2″ turned urethane spindle is the centerpiece of this balustrade. This is the size to use on small to mid-size porches and decks. It has a fancy, yet modest look that will not over power the exterior of a home or porch.

Our composite rail is designed to be easy to install, which appeals to many builders and installers. Polyurethane railing cuts much like wood, and the same tools will work. See our Installation Instructions for specifics on your composite railing installation.

Often when people refer to “composite railing”, they are referring to a combination wood/synthetic material. This balustrade is made of High Density Polyurethane, which is a foam product with a density similar to that of a softwood such as cedar or pine. This is what gives our synthetic balustrade the natural look and warm feel that homeowners want.

You’ll sometimes hear composite railing referred to as Fypon railing. Fypon is a brand name of polyurethane. They are probably the largest brand, but have been bought and sold by big corporations and have outsourced production to China. We make all our polyurethane products in the USA, which gives us better quality control and more consistent lead times.

Specification

Polyurethane Railing is an excellent low maintenance synthetic balustrade system. Contains an internal aluminum square pipe for strength. Best cut with a slow-speed multi-cutter saw. Support Blocks should be used every 48″ or at mid-span. Use with our 1 3/4″ or 2 1/2″ wide Poly Spindles and 4″ or 5 1/2″ Newel Posts.
Our “poly” products are made from environmentally friendly water-based High Density Polyurethane (also called urethane, HDP, or simply Poly). The material is similar in density to a softwood such as white pine. Unlike PVC or Vinyl, our Poly material looks and feels like authentic wood. Each pattern is made to exacting dimensions by our staff of Master Patternmakers. The edges of American Porch polyurethane balustrade products are sharp, clean, and offer the true authentic look and feel of wood. It comes factory primed with a high emulsion latex paint that can be finish coated with any high quality exterior latex paint. Polyurethane spindles are reinforced with an internal PVC pipe for strength and rigidity. The rails are reinforced with either a PVC or Aluminum pipe. Cut our Poly spindles and PVC-reinforced rails using normal woodworking techniques. For rails with an internal aluminum pipe, a slow speed cutoff saw, a.k.a. multi-cutter, works best.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING POLY?
While many of our customers prefer the authenticity of wood, there is no question that urethane products have a few advantages. Urethane is very low maintenance. The paint is chemically bonded during the molding process which prevents cracking and peeling. An additional primer is applied before shipping all orders. Urethane will not take on moisture, which allows it to withstand the environmental elements. It will not rot and is impervious to insects. Urethane simulates wood, is structurally sound and is the perfect enhancement for any of your building or remodeling projects. American Porch polyurethane balustrade products are made here in the USA.

Technical specification