Cable Railing vs. Glass Railing: How to Make the Right Decision

You’ve spent years designing your family’s dream home. From its custom chair-rail molding to the exposed-brick accent walls, you pored over every detail (and receipt) along the way. 

Last up? The finishing touches on your terrace. Instead of picturing family BBQs, however, you only see an almost maxed-out budget. The good news is you’ve narrowed it down to cable railing vs. glass railing. But the last thing you want is to choose a railing system that will derail your budget. 

Forget about compromising your design vision or breaking the bank. Let’s dive into glass railing vs cable railing cost, along with each system’s safety, aesthetics, installation, and maintenance, so you can make your dream home a reality — from the outside in.

Cable Railing vs Glass Railing Cost Comparison

Besides their unique aesthetics and other benefits, the choice between cable and glass railing may boil down to the price tag.    

Cable Railing Costs

Opting for cable railing is the more affordable option and will run you anywhere from $40 to $180 per linear foot. The final cost will depend on the materials you’re working with and whether you plan to install the railing DIY-style. 

At Cable Bullet, we can provide you with a high-quality, all-inclusive supply kit with the materials you need for a DIY installation, saving you from purchasing your supplies separately. 

Unlike glass railing, installing cable railing is easy for most DIYers, keeping the price tag low. You can imagine that running cable railing through the existing wooden posts on your deck (on your own) will cost significantly less than hiring a contractor to install a stainless steel cable railing system from the ground up.

Glass Railing Costs

Glass railings are popular among homeowners after a sleek, modern look for their project. But at what cost? On average, indoor glass railing will run you between $150 and $600 per linear foot, installed. The price can be even higher for outdoor glass railings since the glass needs to be thicker.

Handling heavy, tempered glass railings or balustrades (much less cutting and installing them as a DIYer) is a complicated and expensive process, requiring an experienced team of contractors.

We’re feeling the impacts of climate change more than ever. So, installing a glass railing system can lock in the heat and keep the breeze out of your deck area, upping the temperature in your space even more through a greenhouse-like effect — something to remember, especially if you want your terrace to be a comfortable space.

Finally, when evaluating cable railing vs glass cost, keep in mind the long-term savings on maintenance if you choose the type of railing that is easier and cheaper to maintain.

Maintenance Requirements

Keeping your cable or glass railing in prime condition is important for its durability and lifespan. Each railing system has its unique maintenance requirements. Here’s what to keep in mind, starting with cable railing maintenance.

Cable Railing Maintenance

Cable-railing maintenance is a low-key process, too, compared to glass railing. A twice-a-year cleaning with water, mild soap, and a cloth or soft nylon brush is usually all it takes, saving you time and money in the long run.

Over time, tension adjustments will also be necessary – it’s par for the course. Simply re-tension your cable railings. You’ll want to check the tensioning one month after installation and at least once annually after that.

Here are a few pro tips for keeping your cable railings in peak condition:

• Use a stainless steel cleaner on all stainless steel parts.
• Never use bleach or other abrasive cleaners.
• Look for any sign of patina, rust, or corrosion. If detected, treat it ASAP with Boeshield Rust-Free or a similar product.

Maintaining Glass Railings

It’s no secret that glass is a high-maintenance material, especially with kids and pets around. With glass also comes smudges and fingerprints. And if you’re installing glass railing outdoors, you’ll also deal with rain, spotting, bug and bird spattering, and more. That means regular cleanings, often multiple times weekly, to keep your view clear. 

There’s always a chance that even tempered glass will scratch, chip, crack, break, or shatter altogether. So, any time you have to replace your glass railing, it will cost you. Whereas, replacing a cable run or tensioner on a cable railing system is easy, costing you peanuts (in comparison).

Aesthetic Appeal

As the saying goes, “Looks aren’t everything.” But, the aesthetic appeal of a railing system can steer you toward one over the other. Here’s a breakdown of the visual impact of cable railing vs glass railing.

Visual Impact of Cable Railings

Cable railings are modern and timeless, appealing to the minimalist in each of us. Their clean lines and transparency contribute to their sleek versatility and optimal functionality. The design promotes visual continuity, too, seamlessly blending in with any environment — leaving nothing in the way of enjoying your view!

Visual Impact of Glass Railings

Glass railings are also en vogue, revered for their timeless elegance. Although see-through, the aesthetic quality of glass railing depends on how clean it is at all times. Fingerprints, spots from acid rain or ocean spray, or everyday smudging can interrupt an otherwise stellar view.

Safety Considerations

Keeping our loved ones safe is always a top priority, especially at home. As for the safety of cable railing vs glass railing, here are a few key differences you need to know.

Safety of Cable Railing

With their durable posts and taut, sturdy cables, a cable railing system is as safe as it is easy on the eyes. Not only are cable railings safe for kids, but they can handle the force of a lot of weight without breaking —withstanding an even greater impact than glass railings.

Do you live in an area subject to high winds, hurricanes, or other severe weather systems? Cable railing systems rely on high-tensioning, making them sturdy and resilient no matter what Mother Nature throws their way. 

Safety of Glass Railings

Since glass railings consist of long, single glass panels, they provide a solid barrier. Most modern glass railings consist of durable, tempered glass, so they have a positive reputation for safety. While cracking can occur, shattering is rare but always a possibility.

Installation Process

Cable railing vs glass railing installation is like night and day. The former is extremely DIY-friendly, whereas properly installing glass railings should remain in the hands of well-trained contractors for safety reasons alone. Let’s lift the lid on each installation process.

Installing Cable Railings

As a DIY guru, you know that some projects are easier than others. Installing cable railings on your own (especially with the guidance of a team of experts) fits that bill and couldn’t be more doable.

Materials

Choosing one of Cable Bullet’s cable railing systems will come with most of the materials you’ll need to get the job done. In general, you’ll need the following tools and materials for a successful installation:

Installation Process

Installing cable-railing on your own is easy. The process will vary, however, depending on the material you’re using and if you already have custom handrails and tensioning posts in place or plan to build a system from scratch.

Let’s say you’re keeping your wooden deck posts and handrails and simply want to upgrade your aesthetic with a cable railing system. After securing your Cable Bullet installation kit for wood posts, you’ll want to follow these steps:

• Step 1: Mark the center points for your cables.
• Step 2: If using treated wood, nick the surface of each point to prevent cracking or splintering.
• Step 3: Use a 9/16ths Brad-point drill bit to make a 1.5” hole.
• Step 4: Take your bullet driver, custom-made to fit into your tensioner, and drill it into the hole/post.
• Step 5: Repeat this process on the other side. 
• Step 6: Place a lobed washer onto the first end of your pre-cut cable and make a hexagonal crimp.
• Step 7: Slide that end into the first cable bullet.
• Step 8: Set and advance with a set screw and a 3/32” Allen wrench until the end locks into place.
• Step 9: Repeat the process on the other end and, later, for your remaining cable runs.

Check out Cable Bullet’s video tutorial for a detailed breakdown of this installation process. For help with one of Cable Bullet’s other cable railing systems, bookmark these Installation Guides.

Installing Glass Railings

Installing glass railing isn’t as simple and, of course, comes with its challenges. For one, the treated tempered glass panels are heavy and awkward to handle, requiring more than one person for the job. Plus, working with glass requires expert-level focus and extreme attention to safety protocols. Your customization needs can make things even more complicated, with longer timelines for custom glass panels and a limited offering of customizable glass railing in general. Ultimately, it isn’t a DIY-friendly project, so hiring an experienced contractor is the safe way to go.

Choose the Perfect Railing for Your Home

Ready to nail down the right railing system for your home? You’ll need to weigh several factors — from your budget and DIY skills to your preferences for aesthetics and upkeep.

The cable railing vs glass railing battle has reached the final round. Before choosing between cable and glass railing, revisit your specific needs and design vision. Which railing system is going to bring that vision to life and keep you on budget?

Our project support team at Cable Bullet is ready to help you hit your design target and answer any questions about choosing the best cable railing system for your next project.