Was it expensive to have it powder coated?

Here in Nebraska, we have stuff like that called "feedlot panels." It's 4 gauge wire welded 4" on center and galvanized, so it's weatherproof, but not terribly pretty. I suppose you could paint it if you wanted to dress it up without the expense of powder coating. I used it for the windows on my horse stalls. A 4'x16' section costs $65 at Tractor Supply.

It never occurred to me that these panels would meet the code requirements for a deck railing, but it makes sense. They don't bend easily. We may end up using them on our new screened deck!