5 Things to Consider Before Buying Cable Railing

Whether you’re remodeling your home or building a brand-new one from the ground up, details matter—and curb appeal is everything. 

If you’re considering cable railing to give your property a more modern, attractive aesthetic, there are a few things to keep in mind before you make a purchase. For an easy way to understand the costs associated with this stylish upgrade, visit our Estimates page to calculate your project’s budget.

To guide your decision on where and when to buy cable railing, consider these five questions:

1 | Is Cable Railing Safe?

The short answer to 'Is cable railings safe?' is 'yes,' and we’re excited to share why!

Cable railing isn’t just for curb appeal; it can also withstand impacts better than wood or glass railings – which means it absorbs significant weight without breaking. Additionally, in contrast to wood, cable railing doesn’t splinter. Whether you’re worried about your kids’ safety or just wanting to avoid splinters in your own hands, cable railing is definitely a safer option.

If you’re using cable railing on your stairway, cable railing is still safe – but there are more details to consider. We recommend choosing cable railing with a safety handrail when designing your stairs because it adds an extra element of stability.

2 | What Is Involved in Cable Railing Maintenance?

You want a home that looks nice without requiring a lot of work. We get that. 

Luckily, cable railing, which is made from stainless steel, is highly durable – and once installed, cable railing requires little maintenance, allowing you to enjoy your space without the hassle. If you need a railing that’s ready for anything, stainless steel is the way to go. 

Whether you live in a snowy climate or a harsh marine environment, cable railing is long-lasting and resistant to corrosion – which reduces your maintenance responsibilities. If you’re using the Cable Bullet System you just need an Allen wrench to tighten the cables and ensure they're properly tensioned.

To keep everything in top shape, we recommend cleaning your railing and checking the tensioning annually. If you live in a coastal area where your home is exposed to more severe elements, we recommend doing general cleaning and maintenance every three to six months.

3 | How Difficult is Cable Railing Installation?

You don’t have to be a handyman (or handywoman) to handle cable railing installation – but you should make sure your supplier offers installation support. 

Every installation is unique, and your needs may vary. That’s why it’s important to find a supplier who has installation guides and/or tutorial videos to ensure ease of installation. 

Luckily, our team at Cable Bullet offers both, and if you can’t find the right solution in our tutorials, our customer support team is available to chat.

4 | How Much Does Cable Railing Cost?

Every deck is unique, and so is every estimate for cable railing. Your cable railing cost will depend on the size of your deck, the complexity of your design, the types of materials you use, and whether or not you choose to hire someone for installation. 

However, while there’s no singular cost for cable railing, we can tell you this: You’ll see the long-term payoff over time because your maintenance and replacement costs will be almost nothing – and that’s important.

If you want a free estimate on cable railing for your deck, click here.

5 | Does the Supplier Have a Return Policy?

No matter how careful you are with measurements and predictions, there’s always a chance something won’t fit quite right – or you may just change your mind. 

That’s why you should always clarify your seller’s return policy before you make a purchase. Don’t get stuck with something you didn’t use or aren’t satisfied with. 

At Cable Bullet, we understand that life happens, which is why we offer:

• Returns for unused products
• No-penalty exchanges
• Refunds for unsatisfactory products

Taking the Leap

After you’ve done your due diligence on cable railing, the next step is to find the railing that’s right for you. 

If you’re ready for low-maintenance, high-quality railing that adds to your home’s curb appeal and makes your life easier – maybe it’s time to take the leap. Find the cable rail system that's right for you today. 

Before starting any project, check your state and local requirements for railings. The Cable Bullet system meets the International Residential Code (IRC), but some states have additional requirements. For more information, review our terms & conditions.