Cable railing is a modern, minimalist design that offers durability, safety, and clear views. It's an excellent choice for both interior and exterior spaces.
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Cable Railing Pros & Cons
Modern railing choices can be overwhelming, but cable railing makes the decision easy. Its unmatched benefits make it the top choice for many of our customers.
Pros:
- Cable railing is a modern and stylish alternative to traditional wood railings, offering a sleek design that enhances your home's elegance and charm.
- With a wide range of tension kits, post types, and finishes, cable railing can be easily customized to fit your unique space and design preferences. Installation is straightforward, making it suitable for both DIYers and professionals. You'll receive a comprehensive binder with step-by-step instructions specific to your order, along with helpful installation playlists on YouTube.
- A stunning cable railing system is more than just an upfront cost; it's an investment that enhances the value of your home. Its sleek design and modern style make it an attractive feature for potential buyers.
- The cable comes in spools, offering excellent flexibility for both design and installation. Whether you're working with a large or small space, cable railing can be customized to suit your vision. Built to last, it features durable materials that withstand the elements, making it ideal for both interior and exterior applications.
Cons:
- Installing cable railing is relatively straightforward, but it can be time-consuming and somewhat monotonous due to the repetitive nature of the process.
- In some cities, regulations may prohibit horizontal railing systems, such as cable railing, so it's important to check local building codes before installation.
- Cable railing falls under the 'modern railing' category, which generally comes with a higher initial cost compared to traditional wood or iron rail options. However, the investment often pays off in terms of durability, aesthetics, and added property value.
What types of cable railing systems are there?
One significant advantage of metal posts is their minimal maintenance requirements. They can be smaller than wood posts while still delivering superior strength and test performance, making them an excellent choice for durability and modern design.
Wood Post Systems:
Wood posts are a popular choice for combining the modern look of cable railing with a more traditional or natural aesthetic. They provide a warm, inviting feel and are often featured in contemporary-style homes. While wood systems are generally more cost-effective, they may require annual maintenance, especially when used outdoors. Additionally, wood posts are typically larger, often requiring a 4″x4″ size to meet building code requirements.
What does cable railing usually cost?
Cable railing typically costs between $150 and $285 per linear foot. While it is more affordable than other modern railing systems, such as glass railing, it remains a significant investment due to its high performance and aesthetic appeal.
When selecting posts, metal posts generally cost more than wood posts but offer long-term advantages, including lower maintenance and greater durability. Consider using a Railing Pricing Calculator to determine costs tailored to your project for a more accurate estimate.
Is there a difference in pricing between outdoor & indoor systems?
The price for outdoor and indoor systems varies primarily based on the materials used for posts and handrails. The main options are 304 stainless steel and aluminum with a powder coat, with stainless steel being the more expensive choice due to its superior strength and durability.
Additionally, while standard cable railing uses strands of stainless steel that can rust over time due to moisture, Bellointeriors offers an alternative: Endurance rod infill. Crafted from 2205 stainless steel tubes with a groove-free surface, this option is stronger, more rust-resistant, and provides a longer-lasting solution.
What kind of hardware does cable railing use?
Cable railing systems typically use a few key components, all designed to ensure proper installation. These components include:
- Tensioner for the Cable: This part is used to apply the necessary tension to the cable, ensuring it remains taut and secure.
- Holder for the Cable: The holder keeps the cable in place, securely attaching it to the posts or anchors.
- Hardware to Clean Up the Look: These are design elements that help give the system a polished, finished appearance, such as covers or end caps that hide unsightly fittings.
Different manufacturers may offer various designs for these components, but the essential functionality remains the same: creating a secure, functional, and visually appealing cable railing system.
Where Can I Install Cable Railing?
Cable railing is highly versatile and can be used in various settings, such as deck railings, balconies, and stair railings. It works in any space as long as local code requirements are followed. Bellointeriors offers different post mounting options and configurations, making it adaptable to both simple and complex projects. If you already own cable railing, check out our cable railing installation hub for guidance.
Regarding curves, cable railing can bend, but not in a smooth, semi-circular shape. It will create an angled look from one solid surface to the next, giving the illusion of a curve. To achieve this, more posts are needed to make the turn gradual instead of sharp. Alternatively, our Onyx or Endurance rod infill can be bent into a curve with fewer posts, maintaining a clearer view.
How to Buy Cable Railing:
Customers often express concern about providing accurate measurements for Bellointeriors to manufacture precise cable railing systems. However, it is a straightforward process. Bellointeriors provides easy-to-understand guides on how to gather measurements.
Step 1: Gather the Rise & Run of The Steps or The Level Deck Measurements
Buying cable railing for stairs is pretty straightforward but even simpler for decks. For stairs, all that’s needed are the rise and run measurement and the number of steps. With this information, you can begin purchasing the posts you need, whether wood or metal. If you are working with Bellointeriors to produce custom cable railing posts, this is all you will need
Buying cable deck railing is even simpler. All you need is the total “outside-to-outside” distance, and then you can immediately start calculating how many cable posts you’ll need!
Step 2: Do the Math for your Cable Railing
Stair cable railing is similar to a level cable railing system, but there are a few key points to keep in mind. The first is to keep your post spacing at 4′ or less on the diagonal face-to-face measurement. This ensures your system remains strong and code-compliant.
The second point is to ensure you have enough handrails for your run, and then some. To provide the most accurate measurement, simply measure the complete diagonal length of your stair run and add a foot. Having an extra handrail and cable for a stair run is crucial to ensure the job is done correctly the first time.
Finally, when purchasing a custom cable railing system for your staircase, it’s important to account for your stair’s specific angle. This is easy to do. The two measurements needed are the “rise” and “run” of your steps. To get the rise, measure from the top of one tread straight up to the top of the next tread.
R&R Dims
To determine your run, measure from the back of one tread to the front of the next tread and then subtract any nosing overhang. This will give you the “net run.” These measurements are essential to provide accurate cable Angle Tension Kits and to ensure the cable does not touch your stair nosing.
Step 3: Buy the Cable Railing Posts
Once you have determined your measurements and the general layout of the project, you should have a good idea of the style of cable railing system that interests you.
Things to consider during this stage include the structure of the deck, color choices, and the project’s location. Bellointeriors offers eight different mounting options for your posts, each style with its own pros and cons. It’s important to choose a mounting style that fits both your aesthetic desires and the requirements of your mounting structure.
Surface Mount Posts with Cable Rail
It’s important to consider code when purchasing your cable railing posts. Code requirements for stair handrails typically range between 34” and 38”. Bellointeriors usually manufactures cable railing systems with a height of 36”, but heights can go as high as 42”.
Make sure also to check your local code requirements, as there may be unique regulations to follow.
Step 4: Choose your Cable Railing Style
Once you’ve chosen your post type, the next step is to determine the material and finish needed. Bellointeriors offers Aluminum and 304 stainless steel posts.
For environments with extreme conditions, we recommend switching to our Stainless Steel Rod system, as cable requires more maintenance to preserve its finish.
Both metals can be powder-coated to prevent wear over time and to match the desired design. Standard powder coat systems come with a 1-year warranty for exterior projects and up to 5 years for interior projects, covering fading, adhesion, and corrosion due to finish failure. Superior Performance Powder Coats are backed by a 10-year warranty, ensuring protection against fading, adhesion issues, and corrosion.
Step 5: Buy Your Cable Railing Kits
Understanding the necessary components for your post type is the final step. Bellointeriors offers three cable railing kits and two intermediate hardware kits for our Signature cable rail system:
- Angle Tension Cable Railing Kits (B, D, I Posts)
- Level Tension Cable Railing Kits (A, D, I, C Posts)
- Inside Post Mount Cable Railing Kits (C, and part of G and H Posts)
- Adhesive Sleeve Kits (B-5 Intermediate Posts)
- Steel Insert Sleeve Kits (A-2 Intermediate Posts)
When selecting your cable kits, ensure the correct quantity. For a 36” system, 10 packs are required; for a 39” system, 11 packs; and for a 42” system, 12 packs.
Level cable railing measurements, such as on a deck, are even simpler. Just provide the “outside to outside” measurements of your run, and Bellointeriors will handle the rest. The cable railing system is highly adaptable, and typically, the cable spool and handrail will be slightly oversized to ensure a perfect fit.
Most deck railing codes require a handrail height between 36″, 39″, or 42″. It’s important to check your local regulations, but most level railings are either 39″ or 42″.
How to Maintain Your Cable Railing System
Depending on the location of your project, minimal to no maintenance will be required over the years. However, there are a few standard system needs to help maintain your railing in top condition:
- Yearly Maintenance Check: This may include a touch-up of exterior wood products, using an Allen wrench to retighten any cable or rod runs that may have stretched, or removing dirt or leaf buildup.
- Marine 31 Polish & Sealant: For exterior projects, especially in marine environments, we recommend applying Marine 31 Polish and Sealant to exposed stainless steel, particularly on the cables. The cables have many ridges and surface area, so this adds a protective layer against the elements.
- Cleaning: If you notice buildup on your posts or cables, wipe them down with a rag and a stainless steel cleaner, such as Marine 31 Polish. For more stubborn buildup, surface rust may appear. This is a superficial condition that doesn’t affect the integrity of the post.
- Rust Removal: Surface rust is easy to remove. Use a stainless steel cleaner and a rag, and for tougher spots, a Scotch-Brite pad can help remove stubborn rust.
Other than these minor tasks, there’s very little maintenance required for a metal railing system. Enjoy years of worry-free, beautiful railing that will stand the test of time.
Additional FAQs
Is Cable Railing More Expensive Than Wood Systems?
The cost of cable railing systems compared to wood railing systems can vary based on factors such as materials, design, length, and installation. Generally, cable railing systems have a higher upfront cost due to the price of the cable, fittings, and installation. However, they are more durable and require less maintenance than wood systems, which can offset the higher initial cost over time.
Do Cable Railing Posts Need to Be Closer Than Wood Systems?
Yes, cable railing posts need to be spaced closer together than wood railing systems. This is because the tension from the cables can cause sagging or deflection over longer distances. Closer post spacing helps minimize this effect. The exact spacing requirements depend on factors like cable diameter, cable run length, railing height, and the type of posts and fittings used. Building codes, including the International Building Code (IBC), set minimum post spacing and other parameters to ensure safety and compliance.
How Big is the Cable Railing Wire?
Cable railing wires typically range from 1/8 inch to 3/8 inch in diameter, depending on the application and desired aesthetic. The most common size for residential applications is 1/8 inch. Larger diameters are used in commercial or industrial settings for added strength. The specific cable size needed depends on factors such as post spacing, railing height, and the weight the system must support. For example, Bellointeriors standard cable railing system uses 5/32″ cable wire. It’s best to consult with a professional installer or manufacturer to select the appropriate cable size for your project.
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