

Keylink Aluminum Rod Rail Collection
Keylink Rod Railing: Complete Buyer’s Guide
Rod railing uses round horizontal rods inside a strong aluminum railing frame for a clean, modern look. It fits decks, porches, balconies, and interior stairs. A durable powder coating keeps color consistent, and no welding is required. This guide blends field experience with clear specs so you can choose fast and buy with confidence.
What Is Rod Railing?
A modern aluminum railing with horizontal rods and clean sightlines.
Rod railing uses round horizontal rods captured between slim rails and square balusters. It delivers straight, even lines that suit contemporary and transitional design. It is an aluminum railing system with a durable powder coating and stainless fasteners where specified.
At a Glance
Quick facts to plan your cart and confirm fit.
- Heights: 36 in and 42 in
- Lengths: 6 ft and 8 ft (eight foot level sections include a section support)
- Stair kits: 32° to 36°
- Series: American and Chesapeake
- Finish: long lasting powder coating on aluminum; no welding required
- Availability: popular items are often in stock and ready to add to cart
System Compatibility
Match your preferred profile and post size without mixing brands.
Rod rail infill is available in Keylink’s American and Chesapeake Series and works with both 2½ in and 3¼ in posts. Components use a durable powder coating and stainless steel fasteners where specified to help resist corrosion. Keep the same look across level and stair runs with matched posts, caps, and trims.
Sizes, Heights, and Stairs
Simple choices that align with common residential and commercial needs.
Choose 6 ft or 8 ft sections to match each span. Pick 36 in for most residential decks. Pick 42 in for many commercial or multi family settings or when you want more height. Stair boxed sections are designed for 32° to 36° runs. The system is engineered to meet or exceed common requirements from the International Code Council, including the IRC. Your local building department makes the final call.
Colors and Finishes
Premium matte options in textured and smooth looks.
Keylink offers a selection of premium matte finishes in both textured and smooth options, including popular bronze toned choices and classic neutrals. The powder coating helps resist wear and color fade and keeps the color consistent across posts, rails, caps, and brackets. A coastal upgrade finish is available for harsh seacoast environments.
Helpful Tools and Kits
Speed install and keep spacing accurate.
- Baluster Locating Tool: fast, consistent internal mount placement
- Rod Rail Cut Kits: clean, square cuts when trimming level or stair sections
- Section Support: included with eight foot level sections for added stability
Posts, Mounting, and Handrail Notes
Pick the right posts and remember stair handrail rules.
Use matched line, end, and corner posts. Select surface or fascia mount based on your deck design. Coordinate post size with your series profile and trim. Set posts plumb and secure before dry fitting sections. On stairs, many codes require a separate graspable handrail in addition to the top rail. Your building department can confirm the specific handrail requirements for your project.
Code and Safety
Built for compliance when installed as directed.
This system is engineered to satisfy common height and infill spacing requirements when installed per the instructions. The 36 in height is often used on single family residential projects that follow the IRC. The 42 in height is common for commercial and multi family settings. Learn more from the International Code Council and confirm with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction before you buy or build.
Installation Highlights
A smooth sequence reduces mistakes and callbacks.
- Set and plumb posts first
- Dry fit sections to confirm length and bracket locations
- Use the locating tool to place internal baluster mounts
- Install the section support on eight foot level runs
- Attach brackets, confirm spacing, and fasten rails
- Add caps and trim for a clean finish
Stair Runs
Modern lines indoors and out, with smart hardware for angles.
Rod railing is a strong choice for interior and exterior stairs. It keeps a modern, coordinated look with your level runs. On interior stairs with shorter spans, it can reduce cost compared with cable while keeping clean lines. Order stair boxed sections rated for 32° to 36°. Add wedges if your angle needs extra adjustment.
Gates and Special Layouts
Match height and finish while handling turns and transitions.
Gate kits are available to match height and finish. For curves or unusual geometry, break the layout at posts to create smooth transitions. Ask about custom solutions if your project needs them.
Cost and How to Buy
Bundle smart and move from plan to cart with confidence.
Most projects bundle sections, posts, brackets, and trim. Mix 6 ft and 8 ft sections to reduce waste. Stair runs add stair boxed sections and any needed wedges. Many popular combinations are in stock. Ready to move forward? Add the right sections to cart or send a quick sketch for a fast, precise materials list.
Rod vs. Cable vs. Balusters
Get the modern look you want with the upkeep you prefer.
Infill | Look and Upkeep | Best Fit |
---|---|---|
Rod railing | Linear, modern; very low upkeep; predictable boxed sections | Contemporary decks, porches, and balconies |
Cable railing | Thinnest lines and widest view; plan for periodic tension checks and stainless hardware care in coastal air | View forward spaces |
Square balusters | Classic profile; simplest ownership | Traditional or transitional designs |
Brand Comparisons
How Keylink fits into the brands you may be researching.
Customers often compare Keylink with Viewrail or Trex Signature rod railing. If you are weighing those options, we can walk through part compatibility, finish quality, and total ownership cost for your layout.
Lighting Compatibility
Guide steps and define edges without clutter.
This system pairs well with post cap lighting or side mount lighting. Add safety and a finished look while keeping the clean lines of horizontal rods.
Coastal Environments and Corrosion
A horizontal look with less routine maintenance at the coast.
In salty air, stainless steel cable systems often need care four times a year to manage tension and corrosion. Rod rail delivers a similar horizontal look with less routine maintenance. For seacoast projects, select Keylink’s coastal upgrade finish for added protection.
Why Trust This Guide
Experience, process, and support you can reach.
- Hands on: 13 years selling Keylink and preparing real materials lists
- Field backed: daily support for homeowners, builders, and inspectors
- Process: we cross check specs against current documents and dry fit in our internal BOM templates
- People: expert help by phone, chat, and email when you need it
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Keylink rod railing code compliant?
Yes. The system is engineered to meet or exceed common residential and commercial standards when installed as directed. Confirm final rules with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Can I use rod railing on stairs?
Yes. It works indoors and outdoors and keeps a modern, coordinated look with your level runs. On shorter interior spans it can reduce cost compared with cable while keeping clean lines. Use stair boxed sections rated for 32° to 36° and add wedges if needed.
What section sizes are available?
Level and stair boxed sections come in 6 ft and 8 ft lengths at 36 in and 42 in heights. Eight foot level sections include a section support.
What about “rod iron” railing?
Many people say rod iron when they mean wrought iron. Wrought iron systems are painted steel and often involve welding and repainting. Keylink rod rail is a pre-engineered aluminum system with a durable powder coating and stainless fasteners for a similar linear look with simpler ownership.
How does rod railing compare to cable in coastal areas?
Stainless cable needs periodic tension checks and care in salty air. Rod rail delivers a similar horizontal look with less routine maintenance. Use the coastal upgrade finish for extra protection.
About the Author: Jonathon Sims leads product education at Inso Supply and has supported hundreds of Keylink projects from design to delivery.