Are Cable Deck Railings Expensive?

Since deck rails line the perimeter of your decking, it’s the element of your outdoor deck that often receives the most attention. Because of this, your deck railings really dictate the style of your outdoor space. From traditional wood deck railing to more modern metal deck railings, it’s never been easier for homeowners to incorporate their unique style preferences while complementing their home.

One popular deck railing option for homeowners looking for simple, clean lines and minimal upkeep is cable deck railing. Typically, cable deck railings sport horizontal cables in place of traditional balusters or spindles that attach to either wood, composite, or metal framing posts, giving this type of deck rail its sought-after modern flair.

If you’re considering incorporating cable deck railings into your deck designs, you may be wondering what the pros and cons of this deck railing option are and how much installing cable deck rail will cost you.

Pros & Cons of Cable Deck Railings

Installing cable deck rails to your outdoor decking offers so much more than just it’s well-known contemporary style. These following characteristics are just some of the benefits to incorporating cable deck railings in your deck designs:

• View Enhancing: The cables that give these deck railings their modern aesthetic are incredibly thin, allowing you to take full advantage of the landscape and scenic views surrounding your outdoor space without being distracted by your deck rail.
• Maintenance Free: Because the cables are thin and made from rust-resistant material, they are virtually maintenance free and don’t require the necessary annual upkeep that’s associated with traditional wood deck railing. The only long-term upkeep that you may experience is some loosening in the tension of the cables, which can easily be addressed by tightening the tensioners.
• Long Lasting: These cables are usually made from durable stainless steel, which ensures it can hold up to harsh weather climates for years to come.
• DIY Friendly: With such a simplistic design, cable railings are easy for do-it-yourselfers to install. Homeowners don’t need to have much experience in railing installation to complete this simplistic look.

While there are so many perks to having cable deck railing surrounding your outdoor decking, there may be some potential drawbacks or disadvantages to this stunning style of railing, depending on a homeowner’s particular needs and lifestyle:

• Not Always Kid Friendly: Standard cable railings have horizontal cables that surround the deck. This creates a sort of ladder-like pattern that may be worrisome for families with younger children who may be intrigued to climb. Though this is a concern for many homeowners, it’s possible to achieve the same minimalistic look by changing the direction of the cables to be vertical, mimicking more traditional spindles and eliminating the climbing threat.
• Not Compatible with All Home Styles: Because cable railings are more modern, some traditional architecture may not work as well with such contemporary lines and seem out of place. Depending on your home’s particular architectural style, you may be able to install vertical cable railings as a way to dial back some of the modern flair.
• More Expensive Than Traditional Railings: Cable railings will have a higher initial cost than more traditional deck railing However, it’s important to consider the lifespan maintenance cost when comparing railing to railing. Your standard wood deck railing will initially cost less, but it will require annual, costly upkeep to maintain its integrity and durability (e.g. sanding, staining, sealing, etc.). You may pay more upfront for your cable railings, but the lifespan upkeep costs are minimal to nonexistent.

How Much Do Cable Deck Railings Cost?

Despite their higher upfront cost, cable deck railing systems are worth the initial investment, as homeowners will not need to spend money or time to preserve the structural integrity of the deck rail. But, how much will that initial upfront investment cost? Ultimately, the cost depends on various factors:

• Size of deck
• Complexity of design
• Hired labor
• Material selections (i.e. framework materials)

According to HomeAdvisor.com, a standard 350-square-foot deck using 50 linear feet of basic cable railing has an average cost of $3000, including professional installation, averaging about $60 per linear foot. Some homeowners may wish to install their own railings, and this will certainly cut the cost of the railings. Whether you opt to hire a deck contractor to ensure all building and safety codes are met or you embark on a DIY journey of your own, the long-term benefits of this maintenance-free deck rail far outweigh the initial investment.

Get a Hands-On Feel for Cable Deck Railings

If you’re interested in enhancing your outdoor decking, cable deck railings can truly elevate your outdoor space. At UglyDeck.com, we want your decking projects to be a success and are here to help you weigh the pros and cons of the different deck railing options available to you, helping you select maintenance-free deck railing materials that best suit your needs and goals.

We invite you to visit our Mandan, North Dakota or Sioux Falls, South Dakota showrooms to experience these durable cable deck railings in person and to talk with one of our decking experts about your goals and concerns, or you can browse our photo gallery to see some of the previous deck railing designs we’ve completed for our customers.