7 Common Mistakes Businesses Make When Installing Steel Railings

Whether you're running a retail storefront, a commercial complex, or a warehouse facility, steel railings are more than just a safety feature—they’re a statement. But too many businesses overlook the details that make a railing project successful, functional, and code-compliant.

As a commercial railing company near me might tell you, a poorly planned railing installation can cause headaches ranging from costly rework to code violations or worse—liability risks.

If you're a property manager, developer, or business owner planning to install steel railing for business in Colorado Springs, avoid these 7 common mistakes to ensure your investment pays off.

1. Ignoring Local Building Codes and Regulations

Let’s start with the most common and costly mistake: not knowing the local building codes.

Every city—including Colorado Springs—has its own specific codes for commercial railing systems.

These dictate:

• Minimum height requirements

• Load-bearing standards

• Baluster spacing

• Guardrail vs. handrail distinctions

• ADA compliance (for ramps and stairs)

Failing to meet code can result in:

• Failed inspections

• Delays in occupancy permits

• Mandatory rework

• Legal liability if an accident occurs

Tip: Always hire a qualified contractor who’s familiar with Colorado Springs building codes. A reputable commercial railing company near me should be able to design and fabricate systems that pass inspection the first time.

2. Prioritizing Aesthetics Over Safety and Functionality

Yes, sleek railings can boost your curb appeal—but not if they become a hazard.

Some businesses choose overly modern designs (think cable or glass) without understanding their limitations in high-traffic or industrial environments.

For example:

• Cable railings may stretch over time if not tensioned correctly.

• Glass can be difficult to keep clean and may scratch easily in gritty areas.

When selecting steel railing for business in Colorado Springs, prioritize materials and finishes that hold up to your environment:

• Powder-coated steel for durability and weather resistance

• Galvanized options for industrial or outdoor use

• Rounded or capped edges to avoid injuries

Tip: A good railing should be both strong and attractive—not one or the other.

3. Choosing the Wrong Material or Finish

Not all steel is created equal. Businesses often make the mistake of selecting the cheapest option without understanding long-term maintenance or environmental exposure.

Some bad choices include:

• Using raw or untreated steel in outdoor settings (hello, rust).

• Choosing painted railings instead of powder-coated for high-traffic areas.

Using stainless steel in highly corrosive environments where it might pit or tarnish.

In Colorado’s unpredictable climate—where sun, snow, and hail can hit in the same week—you need a product that lasts.

Tip: Powder coating adds longevity and aesthetics. Work with a commercial railing company near me that offers custom powder coating for long-term protection.

4. Poor or Incomplete Site Planning

Before any welding or fabrication begins, you need to think through:

• Anchor points

• Drainage and water flow

• Pedestrian traffic flow

• Clearance for maintenance or deliveries

• Integration with stairs, gates, or fencing

We’ve seen many businesses call us after a DIY or low-bid contractor installed railings that block doors, interfere with snow shoveling, or force people into awkward walking paths.

And then there’s one of the biggest planning errors: measuring once instead of twice.

Inaccurate measurements are the #1 cause of delays in custom fabrication.

Tip: Always have your railing professional conduct a site visit and detailed field measurements before fabrication begins.

5. Hiring Inexperienced or Unlicensed Contractors

Steel railing installation is not a weekend job—and your handyman’s cousin probably isn’t qualified.

Hiring the wrong contractor can lead to:

• Weak welds

• Crooked or unstable posts

• Code violations

• Safety risks for employees or customers

Just because someone owns a welder doesn’t make them a fabricator. You need a licensed, insured, and experienced commercial railing company near me—especially for complex or high-profile projects.

Tip: Ask to see past projects, request references, and verify insurance. A legit company won’t hesitate.

6. Overlooking ADA and Accessibility Standards

If your business includes public-facing facilities—like restaurants, retail shops, or office buildings—you’re legally required to follow ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) guidelines.

This includes:

●       Proper handrail diameter and grip clearance

●       Height and spacing requirements

●       Smooth transitions on ramps and stairs

Violating ADA rules can lead to lawsuits, fines, and exclusion of customers with disabilities.

Tip: Partner with a company that integrates ADA compliance into their design process—not as an afterthought.

7. Neglecting Maintenance Planning

Even the best steel railing systems need upkeep.

A major mistake many businesses make is thinking once the railing is up, the job’s done forever.

Common maintenance mistakes:

• Not reapplying protective coatings

• Letting rust go unchecked

• Ignoring loose fasteners or damaged welds

• Not cleaning in corrosive or dirty environments (especially near roads or industrial zones)

If your steel railings are powder-coated, great—that’s already a step ahead. But even powder coatings need cleaning to prevent buildup of grime or corrosive materials.

Tip: Set a recurring inspection and cleaning schedule. For businesses in Colorado Springs, seasonal changes (especially snow and de-icing salt) can be hard on metal.

Bonus: Not Thinking About Long-Term ROI

Too often, businesses go for the lowest bid without considering:

• Durability over 10+ years

• Cost of repairs or repainting

• Customer perception of quality

• Resale or lease value of the building

A slightly more expensive but well-built railing system will often outlast and outperform a cheaper option—and cost less in the long run.

If you want to future-proof your investment, find a fabricator who builds with longevity in mind.

Tip: Ask about warranties, materials sourcing, and fabrication standards before signing a contract.

Final Thoughts

Steel railings are a foundational part of your business’s infrastructure—both functionally and aesthetically. Whether you're looking to improve safety, boost visual appeal, or ensure compliance, the right decisions upfront will save you money and stress later.

If you’re currently searching for steel railing for business in Colorado Springs, or just Googling a commercial railing company near me, don’t settle for shortcuts. Look for a partner who understands local regulations, works with durable materials, and brings design, fabrication, and installation under one roof.

Ready to Upgrade Your Commercial Railing?

At Denver Railings & Metal Art, we’ve helped businesses across Colorado Springs and the Front Range avoid costly mistakes with expert fabrication and precision installation. Our team handles everything from laser cutting to powder coating—on a 27-acre campus equipped for large and custom jobs.

Get in touch today for a quote or consultation—and get your project done right the first time.