Guide to Cable Railing Costs: How Much Does Cable Railing Cost?

You have a decision to make. Are you planning a remodel or starting a fresh project? Whether you’re remodeling your place, taking on an outdoor DIY project, or designing an eye-catching home for a new client, your railing choice has serious implications—and one of the biggest questions you have to consider is how your desired railing fits into your budget. Get a quick estimate of your costs on our Estimates page to see how it fits with your financial plans.

Detailed Breakdown of Cable Railing Cost Per Linear Foot

Several components factor into the cost of cable railing — from project size and materials to the number of tensioning posts and cable runs. On average, cable railing costs between $40 and $180 per linear foot. Here are the key factors impacting the cost:

Type of Cable-Railing System & Materials

The type of cable-railing system and whether you have pre-existing tensioning posts and handrails will directly impact the cost. Generally, installing into an existing structure costs less than starting from scratch. 

Choosing the right materials is essential for balancing cost and durability. Wood is usually the cheapest—but it also wears down more quickly. Aluminum and stainless steel are on the pricier side because they’re long-lasting and largely weatherproof.

When you’re considering what type of railing material will work best for you, you want to choose something that complements the rest of your home or deck—but you should also consider the costs. Opting for less expensive materials can significantly reduce the overall cost of cable railing.

Here’s an estimated cable railing cost range for different materials using one of Cable Bullet’s cable railing systems:

• Wood: $40 to $50/ linear foot, not counting the price of the tensioning posts
• Aluminum: $85 to $90/ linear foot, including posts and handrails
• Stainless steel: $170-$180/ linear foot, using Cable Bullet’s Venture Series, including posts and handrails

Start by measuring the perimeter of your project to determine how many feet of railing you'll need. Image Source

Project Size, Location, & Design Configuration

Your project’s size, location, and complexity will also impact the price tag. Let’s break down each one.

Project Size

The bigger and more complex the design of your project, the more it can cost. Case in point – fitting cable railing for an interior stairwell won’t take the same quantity of materials (or installation time) as a 23’ x 23’ sq. ft. deck. 

Perimeter Measurements

Think about the area where you need cable railing. Before you start estimating costs, it’s important to get an exact measurement of how many feet you have to cover. Accurate measurements are crucial as they determine not just how many feet of cable you’ll need, but also the number of posts required to make your project a success.

Railing Height

The height of your railing plays a critical role in determining the overall cost. Standard height measurements are 36” or 42”—but cable railing is customizable to your needs. Your local code requirements, your railing’s location, and your personal preferences can all influence railing height. Once you’ve determined the best height, you’ll have a better idea of your cost estimate. 

Location & Maintenance

Indoor and outdoor projects vary by price point. Each requires upkeep, some more, and some less.

With outdoor cable railing, the elements can be your friend or foe. For example, installing a cable-railing system on a deck facing the ocean requires durable and long-lasting materials, such as salt and corrosion-resistant stainless steel. 

Design Complexity

Is your heart set on a multi-level entertaining deck? A design that will accommodate an outdoor kitchen and keep your Cypress trees in place? 

The following factors can impact the cost of cable railing, no matter the design:

• Total linear feet and shape of your project
• Handrailing height
• The number and length of cable spans
• Number of corner and end posts.

Comparing Costs: Cable Railing vs. Other Types of Railings

When comparing the upfront costs of cable railing to other railing systems, the cost will vary based on many factors, including the materials and installation costs (if applicable/assuming you don’t DIY). Durability and maintenance costs will also factor (down the road), playing a key role in your overall investment. 

Let’s see how cable railing stacks up cost-wise against the following railing systems:

Wood Railing

The upfront costs for wood railing range from $20 to $60 per linear foot installed. Although tempting for your budget, wood railing has its drawbacks.

Unlike cable railing, wood railing is prone to rotting and replacement, requiring extensive upkeep. Besides, safety-wise, wood can split or cause splinters.

Glass Railing

The upfront costs for glass railing is higher than the cost of cable railing. For indoor projects, glass railing can cost from $150 to $600 per linear foot installed, whereas outdoor glass railing systems can be even more expensive since they use thicker glass.

Although glass railing is popular, installation requires a knowledgeable contractor for technical and safety reasons. As for maintenance? Regular upkeep against everyday smudging, fingerprints, and weather conditions put glass railing into the high-maintenance category. 

Aluminum or stainless railing are great options for strength and durability, though they're typically more expensive than wood posts with cable infill.

DIY vs. Professional Cable Railing Installation: What You Need to Know

DIYing is an exciting adventure! While challenges can arise in any project, the rewards of creating something yourself are unmatched and cost-effective. 

But if you’re on the fence about DIYing your cable railing system or contracting it out, it’s best to return to the basics, starting with your DIY capabilities. So, on a scale of one to ten, how would you rate your DIY skills? A solid six? Eight? The number doesn’t matter. What does matter is your drive. 

Installing Cable Bullet’s cable railing systems is easy for all DIYers. Plus, you’ll have a customer support team behind you from the beginning.

Cable Bullet was designed with DIYers in mind, so you can save time and money with an easy-to-install system.

DIY Installation: A Brief Step-by-Step Guide

Every DIY cable railing project is different. Here are the basic steps and considerations:

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

The materials and tools you’ll need depend on the type of cable system you’re installing. In general, most cable railing installations require:

• Existing or new tensioning posts and handrails
• Tensioners
• A spool of cable or pre-cut cable
• Spacing bars
• Crimping tool
• Drill
• Wrench

Step 2: Installation

Roll up your sleeves and get ready to install your cable railing system. The time and labor it takes to install your cable railing system will depend on the material you’re working with, such as pre-existing tensioning posts that you’ll need to drill for tensioner and cable placement.

Step 3: Lean on Professional Support Along the Way

Every DIYer will face a hiccup (or several) during any project. That’s part of the hands-on charm. Unlike most DIY projects, though, when you install a Cable Bullet cable railing system, you don’t have to face it alone. 

With detailed installation guides at your fingertips and a team of cable-railing experts ready to help, your DIY will turn into a Do it Together (DIT) project.

Professional Installation

You only have so many hours in a day. Even the most committed DIYer will outsource a project occasionally. Plus, when it comes to confidence in your DIY skills — when in doubt — safety must prevail.

If you’re in a time crunch to complete your project, hiring a professional can get you the result you’re after even faster.  Sometimes, outsourcing can give you the comfort level that a professional performed the work according to Code and other safety standards.

Real Costs Unveiled: Cable Railing Project Breakdowns

Ready to lift the curtain? Let’s dive into a few bare-bones project scenarios to give you an idea of what different DIY cable railing projects could cost.

1. AxA Indoor Staircase (10 ft Stair with Handrail) 

Specs & Client Preferences:

Recommended Solution and Estimated Cable Railing Cost: 

Signature Series: 10 linear feet - about $900

2. 8' x 10' Residential Deck

Specs & Client Preferences:

Recommended Solution and Estimated Cable Railing Cost: 

Tensioner Kit for Wood Posts: 26 linear feet - about $1,300 

3. 23’ x 23’ Oceanside Outdoor Terrace

Specs & Client Preferences:

Recommended Solution and Estimated Cable Railing Cost: 

Venture Series: 69 linear feet - About $12,420

The best way to discover the right cable railing system for your project is to work out the details. A custom cable-railing cost estimate is what you need to start your DIY cable-railing journey.

Can You Afford Cable Railing?

The cost of cable railing can range from $40 to $180 per linear foot, depending on various factors discussed above.

While the initial price might seem high, consider the long-term savings: cable railing requires minimal maintenance, which can save you thousands of dollars over its lifespan. We recommend annual maintenance, or biannual in harsher climates, which means for about 364 days of the year, you won’t have to worry about your railing's upkeep. Sounds appealing, right? Investing in cable railing is not just about enhancing aesthetics—it's about making a smart financial decision for the future.

Get a free estimate for the cost of your railing today. Discover how Cable Bullet can help you enhance your space with durable, low-maintenance cable railing that lasts for years.

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.