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Keylink Rod Rail Keylink American Series Rod Rail

Keylink Aluminum Rod Rail Collection

17 products
Keylink Aluminum Post Keylink 2-1/2" x 38" Post, Cap & Trim Bundle
Keylink Post Cap Keylink Flat Post Cap
Keylink 2-1/2" x 38" Post, Cap & Trim Bundle
$120.71
Keylink Aluminum Post Keylink 2-1/2" x 38" Post, Cap & Trim Bundle
Keylink Post Cap Keylink Flat Post Cap
Keylink 2-1/2" x 48" Post, Cap & Trim Bundle
$144.98
Keylink Rod Rail Keylink Rod Rail Baluster Alignment Tool
Keylink Rod Rail Baluster Alignment Tool
$5.81
Keylink Aluminum Rod Rail Textured Black / 36" / Level Rod Rail Infill Cut Kit
Keylink Aluminum Rod Rail Textured Black / 36" / Stair Rod Rail Infill Cut Kit
Textured Black Textured Bronze Matte White Matte Black +5
Rod Rail Infill Cut Kit
from $71.52
Keylink American Series Bracket Textured Black / 2 Pack / Level Bracket Keylink American Series Additional Bracket Kit
Keylink American Series Bracket Textured Black / 2 Pack / Stair Bracket (32°-36°) Keylink American Series Additional Bracket Kit
Textured Black Textured Bronze Matte White Matte Black +2
Keylink American Series Additional Bracket Kit
from $28.86
Keylink 4.5 oz Touch Up Paint for Keylink Railing
Textured Black Textured Bronze Matte White Matte Black +5
4.5 oz Touch Up Paint for Keylink Railing
from $23.64
Keylink Post Cap Textured Black / 2-1/2" Keylink Flat Post Cap
Keylink Post Cap Keylink Flat Post Cap
Textured Black Textured Bronze Matte White Matte Black +5
Keylink Flat Post Cap
from $8.29
Keylink Post Trim Textured Black / 2-1/2" Keylink Aluminum One Piece Post Trim
Keylink Post Trim Keylink Aluminum One Piece Post Trim
Textured Black Textured Bronze Matte White Matte Black +5
Keylink Aluminum One Piece Post Trim
from $16.52
Keylink Gate Keylink American Series Rod Rail Adjustible Gate
Textured Black Textured Bronze Textured White Matte Black +5
Keylink American Series Rod Rail Adjustible Gate
from $456.16
Keylink Chesapeake Series Bracket Textured Black / 2 Pack / Level Bracket Keylink Chesapeake Series Additional Bracket Kit
Keylink Chesapeake Series Bracket Textured Black / 2 Pack / Stair Bracket (32°-36°) Keylink Chesapeake Series Additional Bracket Kit
Textured Black Textured Bronze Matte White Matte Black +2
Keylink Chesapeake Series Additional Bracket Kit
from $27.81
Keylink Aluminum Post Keylink Fascia Mount Deck Rail Post
Textured Black Textured Bronze Matte White Matte Black +5
Keylink Fascia Mount Deck Rail Post
from $124.49
Keylink Keylink Fascia Mounted Section Support Assembly for 8' Railing Kits
Textured Black Textured Bronze Matte White Matte Black +2
Keylink Fascia Mounted Section Support Assembly for 8' Railing Kits
$53.68
Keylink Keylink Fascia Mount Post Brackets
Keylink Keylink Fascia Mount Post Brackets
Textured Black Matte White Textured Bronze Matte Black +5
Keylink Fascia Mount Post Brackets
from $110.65

Keylink Rod Railing: Complete Buyer’s Guide

Written by Jonathon Sims. Last updated 2025-08-27.

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.

Disclaimer: Codes can vary. Your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (building department) makes the final call. Always confirm rules before purchase or installation.

Author’s Commentary

Thirteen years of selling Keylink informs this perspective.

I have sold Keylink for more than 13 years. In that time I have seen every trend and more than a few ideas that looked good on paper. Rod rail is different. It might be the most impactful addition to the Keylink lineup in years. The system feels finished and it shows up ready for real jobs.

Keylink’s rod rail is the best thought out rod rail system I have handled. The vertical supports include vinyl inserts that keep rods from rattling and protect the finish during seasonal movement. The baluster installation is fast thanks to the spacing template and spring clip design. Fewer fiddly steps. Fewer callbacks.

I am especially excited for coastal customers who want a horizontal look with less maintenance. Stainless steel cable can be beautiful, but salt, sand, and tension checks add work over time. Rod rail gives a similar modern rhythm with simpler ownership. Keylink was not first to market with rod rail, and that was fine by me. What shipped was worth the wait.

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.

InfillLook and UpkeepBest Fit
Rod railingLinear, modern; very low upkeep; predictable boxed sectionsContemporary decks, porches, and balconies
Cable railingThinnest lines and widest view; plan for periodic tension checks and stainless hardware care in coastal airView forward spaces
Square balustersClassic profile; simplest ownershipTraditional 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

Free Design and Quote

Send a sketch and dimensions for a precise materials list.

Get a Free Quote

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.