Looking to add a railing for your deck but unsure of what type to choose? Cable railings should be at the top of your list!
Cable railings are now a staple in contemporary home design. With their clean and modern appearance, they’re the optimal choice for homes looking to add minimalistic elegance to their outdoor spaces.
In this article, we discuss the benefits of cable railings for decks to help you decide whether it’s a good fit for your home. We also break down the different types of cable railings, as well as maintenance tips to keep them looking their best for decades to come.
For those considering a new deck or needing professional assistance, check out our Deck Building Services page to explore how we can help bring your vision to life.
What Is Cable Deck Railing?
Cable deck railings, also known as wire rope railings, are horizontal or vertical infills that use tensioned stainless steel cables instead of the usual wood, metal, or glass. They’re low maintenance and cost-effective, and are often chosen for their minimalistic aesthetics.
Is Cable Deck Railing Safe?
Cable deck railings are among the safest types of railings available. The cable infills are tough and incredibly durable, and would protect anyone from falling off the other side.
Some people argue that cable deck railings aren’t safe because of their ladder-like design. Curious children may climb over horizontal railings to peer over the hand guards, potentially causing a risk hazard. However, these concerns are often unfounded.
According to research conducted by the National Ornamental and Miscellaneous Metals Association (NOMMA) and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the risk of a child injuring themselves because of a cable deck railing—whether due to the ladder effect or otherwise—is extremely minimal.
The space between the railings is too narrow for a child to child or squeeze through. According to the ICC (International Code Council), the spacing in a correctly installed cable deck railing should never exceed three inches apart. As for post spacing, it shouldn’t exceed four feet without a stabilizing (anti-deflection) device installed.
Cable deck railings are also safer for pets like cats and dogs. Dogs, in particular, are notorious for getting their heads and paws stuck in traditional railing. But since cable railings are minimalistic, there’s little chance for them to get their body parts stuck in small holes. They’re also a lot safer than glass railings because they don’t break.
5 Benefits Of Cable Deck Railing
Here are some of the biggest benefits of installing cable railing on your deck:
- Durable and Low-maintenance
Cable railing is known for its high tensile strength.
The tensioned stainless steel cables carry a load of at least 500 pounds, with some exceeding 1,000 pounds. The cable won’t snap under normal—and even abnormal—use, making it an excellent choice for your deck, balcony, and elevated areas inside your home.
Beyond its exceptional strength, cable railings are resistant to harsh weather. Due to their stainless steel nature, they’re impervious to rust, corrosion, and decay. And while far from indestructible, they can easily withstand significant impacts without bending or breaking.
With proper maintenance, cable railings last a lifetime without compromising their structural integrity or appearance. All they need is the occasional wipe-down, dusting, and lubrication to keep them looking their best.
- Adds a Modern Aesthetic to Your Home
One of the biggest reasons homeowners switch to deck cable railings is that they’re a lot more aesthetically pleasing than traditional wood and metal railings. Their minimalistic design makes it so that they fit whatever decor you have on your deck. You can freely switch from theme to theme without worrying about your railing clashing.
The cable railing’s sleek and unobtrusive design of cable railings also contributes to an open and spacious feel, making smaller areas appear larger and allowing natural light to flow throughout your space.
- Easy to Install
Compared to traditional railings, cable railings are incredibly easy to install. Professionals and DIYers alike won’t have any issues with the installation process since it’s fairly straightforward.
Of course, we don’t recommend installing the railings yourself if you have minimal DIY experience for safety purposes.
But generally, all you need to do after installing the posts on your deck is to thread the cable into through-post cable fittings. Run the cable from the end posts, the middle posts, then through the end posts. Tension the cables equally, and you’re done.
- Improves Air Circulation
Improved air circulation is a less-talked-about advantage of installing cable railings.
Unlike solid baluster options, this type of railing allows for an unobstructed flow of air. This makes it pretty convenient for areas with limited or poor ventilation, like decks during the summer.
The streamlined airflow can help reduce humidity levels on decks and balconies, preventing mold and mildew growth.
- Fully Customizable
Cable railings come in various posts, cable materials, and cable thicknesses, making them fully customizable. They can also be integrated with materials like metal or wood to create a unique aesthetic.
Types Of Cable Railing For Decks
Cable railings come in a variety of styles, from the type of cable used to the system and configuration. Let’s explore these options in detail.
Cable Type
When installing a cable railing, you must consider what material to choose for the infill. Some of the most common types of infills include stainless steel, carbon steel wire, and galvanized carbon steel wire.
Stainless steel is the most popular choice because of its durability, resistance to corrosion, and sleek appearance. It’s ideal for coastal and high-humidity environments where rust can quickly develop.
Carbon steel wire is a budget-friendly alternative to stainless steel, but it’s generally less recommended because it’s susceptible to rust and corrosion. It can perform well indoors but not in outdoor environments like decks which are constantly exposed to sunlight and moisture.
High carbon steel boasts comparable or even superior strength to stainless steel, but its lack of corrosion resistance outweighs this advantage for outdoor spaces.
Galvanized carbon steel wire is arguably the best type of cable wire but also the most expensive. It’s stronger than stainless steel and is rust and corrosion-resistant because, unlike regular carbon steel, it underwent a galvanization process.
Fastening Method
Cable railing systems are determined through their fastening method, which is typically either swaged or swageless.
A swaged railing system is an attachment method that uses a special machine to cramp the cable ends into fittings, creating a permanent and secure connection. It’s the most common type of attachment and is often considered the most durable and aesthetically pleasing due to its clean, finished look.
On the other hand, a swageless system uses compression fittings that clamp onto the cable without specialized equipment. The clamps use a locking mechanism that prevents the cables from being pulled out.
Swageless systems are significantly easier to install than swaged railing systems, but they don’t offer the same level of strength and security.
Post Material
Two common types of post materials are metal and wood. Your choice depends on the desired look, as well as the level of maintenance you’re willing to commit to. Wood gives off a more traditional, warmer feel, while metal provides a more industrial, modern vibe.
Wood posts are generally more cost-effective, but require a lot more maintenance when used outside. When exposed to the elements, they’re susceptible to weathering, rot, and insect damage. To preserve their integrity and appearance, you have to reapply high-quality wood preservatives, stains, or paints onto the posts at least once a year.
You won’t have this problem with metal posts, especially if you’re using stainless steel or aluminum.
Metal cable railing posts are tougher and more durable than wooden posts, and won’t rot, rust, wrap, or attract insects. They can withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, and strong winds, and only require the occasional cleaning to maintain their appearance.
Though more expensive than wooden posts, their durability, lower maintenance, and modern aesthetic often make them a worthwhile investment.
Cable Orientation
Cable railings can either be installed vertically or horizontally. The choice between the two depends on your aesthetic preference and the desired visual impact.
Horizontal cable railings are considered the ‘trendier’ option because the wiring nearly fades from view, making it suitable for backyards with gorgeous views of fields, lakes, or mountains.
Small outdoor seating areas also benefit from horizontal cable rails because they make a space appear larger.
On the other hand, vertical cable railings emphasize the height and openness of the railing. Homes with tall, distinct features, backyards with tall trees, and decks where children often play enjoy the wide, open views that vertical cables offer.
The vertical lines draw the eyes upwards, accentuating the spaciousness of the outdoor area.
Households with young children also appreciate vertical railings because it makes it less likely for them to use the cables as a ladder.
Tips For Cable Railing Maintenance
Cleaning and maintaining railings doesn’t take any effort at all. Here are some tips to keep them looking their best and ensure their structural integrity for decades to come:
Clean Regularly
Outdoor railings easily get dirty. Over time, dust, dirt, debris, and animal droppings accumulate on the cables and posts, making your deck appear unsightly.
To keep them looking presentable, wipe the railings with a clean, damp cloth once or twice a month.
If there’s a lot of build-up, scrub the cables and posts with a soft-bristled brush and mild soap. Avoid strong cleaners and chemicals like bleach, chlorine, and acetone, because they can damage the finish of the railing.
Rust Is the Enemy
A common misconception about stainless steel is that it’s immune to rust. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. Though naturally corrosion-resistant, stainless steel can still rust when exposed to saline, moisture, heat, grease, and damaging chemicals for extended periods.
Regular cleaning helps prevent rust, so make sure you keep on top of it. If you do notice rust beginning to develop, use a wire brush to scrub it off. Then, apply a rust inhibitor to prevent it from rusting again.
If the rust is too extensive, it’s best to replace the cable or post entirely as it can pose a hazard.
Lubricate the Cables
The thing with cables is that they become stiff over time, which can cause them to snap. You can avoid this by lubricating the cables with a silicone-based lubricant at least once a year, depending on your environment. If your area experiences humid temperatures for the majority of the year, lube the cable at least twice a year.
After lubrication, remove excess product with a clean cloth to prevent rust and corrosion.
Check for Loose Cables
Regularly inspect the cable tension and tighten it as needed. Loose cables compromise the safety of cable railings as it increases the risk of sagging, which can lead to accidents and injuries.
Check the tension of the cables at least once a year. If they appear or feel loose, tighten them using the turnbuckles using a clockwise motion.