Modern homeowners have embraced the streamlined, uncluttered look of minimalistic designs in their homes today. Perhaps the most significant reasons cited for this design choice have to do with its calming effect and how it opens up each space.
Within this design, cable railings stand out as a popular choice for integrating the contemporary minimalistic look in home exteriors. However, because of the level of sophistication it brings to home exteriors, many individuals find themselves asking, “are cable rails expensive?”
In this blog, we answer the biggest questions in home construction and remodeling involving cable railings, including such questions as:
- Is cable railing cheaper than aluminum?
- Is cable railing or steel bar cheaper?
- Are deck railings worth it?
Read on to find out.
Is Cable Railing Cheap?
Today, many homeowners have seen the value that cable railings bring to their homes with their simple yet elegant design. Because of its popularity, many wonder, “is cable railing cheap?” However, the answer to this question is not so simple, since many factors influence its cost. These include:
- Size of Deck. The scale of the project determines the base cost of the entire construction project. The bigger the project, the more expensive it’s going to be, considering the number of materials you’ll need, such as cables, top rails, and posts. But some contractors may offer discounts for large-scale projects.
- Material Considerations. Aside from the size of the project, the type of materials can also influence its overall cost. Based on this consideration, is cable railing or steel bar cheaper? And is cable railing cheaper than aluminum? Cable railings are still more affordable per linear foot than metal bars and glass railings. But you also have to consider the frames since cable railings attached to stainless steel posts will be costlier than aluminum posts.
- Complexity of Design. Variations in the design can add to the base cost of cable railing projects when more complex elements are involved. For instance, stairs can increase the price per linear foot because additional termination posts and hardware are needed.
- Hired Labor. Depending on the contractor or company you hire, costs for labor will vary widely. But if you’re planning to install cable rails DIY-style, then of course, you can disregard the cost of labor.
Benefits of Cable Railings
Considering the abovementioned factors, it’s evident that cable railings may have a high upfront cost. However, they are still worth the initial investment due to the additional benefits they add. Here are some of the benefits of cable railings that may also contribute to lowering their overall cost.
Less Maintenance
Our cable railings are made from type 316 marine-grade stainless steel that is resistant to corrosion. So, these cable railings are virtually maintenance-free, aside from the occasional need to wipe them down to remove dust. Perhaps the only substantial upkeep that you may need to perform once in a while is having to tighten the tensioners, which may or may not happen.
Durable and Long Lasting
Steel cable railings are famed for their durability and ability to resist harsh weather conditions. They can last from up to 30 to 50 years, with additional protection coming from powder coating.
Easy to Install
Cable railings are DIY-friendly. With their simplistic designs, the process needed to install them is fairly simple and straightforward. Simply follow the instructions found inside our cable railing installation kits.
Adds Value to the Home
One of the most significant benefits of cable railings is their visual appeal. Their clean, minimalistic look adds to the aesthetics and appeal of any home. Additionally, the wires are virtually invisible, providing unobstructed views of the surrounding scenery. Ultimately, your home can receive a boost in resale value when you install steel cable railings.
So, is cable railing cheap? Based on these benefits, yes. The initial investment will save you more money on maintenance in the long run.
How Much Do Cable Railings Cost?
We created a table of the average costs per linear foot of our cable railing systems. You can view the table below containing cost estimates on some projects based on the materials used. You can also view the projects by visiting this link.
| Materials Included in Project | Average Cost |
Aluminum PostsAluminum Rectangular or Shaped Top RailCable and Fittings | $60-95 per ft |
Stainless Steel Round PostsStainless Steel Round Top RailCable and Fittings | $115-195 per ft |
Stainless Steel Square PostsStainless Steel Square Top RailCable and Fittings | $115-195 per ft |
Wood PostsWood Top RailCable and Fittings | $75-95 per ft |
Cable and Fittings Only | $14-38 per ft |
Are Cable Deck Railings Worth It?
Taking all of the above into consideration, cable railings are certainly worth the initial investment. Aside from the upfront costs, they are still considered more economical than other modern railing systems such as metal rods and glass railings. Moreover, they add sophistication and visual appeal to your home and can outperform and outlast other traditional and modern railing systems in nearly every metric, making them a wise choice for interior and exterior railings on your property.
Find the Best Stainless Cable Railings at Stainless Cable & Railing
At Stainless Cable & Railing, we offer top-notch railings that stand the test of time. We fabricate high-quality railing materials out of our state-of-the-art facility and sell them directly to you, giving you access to railing systems that serve you for a lifetime at an incredible value. Look through our catalog of comprehensive easy-to-install kits and railing materials for your next construction or remodeling project. Or contact us directly by sending us an email or giving us a call at 888-686-7245.