Pros and Cons of Cable Railing: A Comprehensive Guide

If cable railing is sparking your interest, you're probably ready to investigate the pros and cons before you finalize your decision. Wise move! 

These days, homeowners are installing cable railing in a wide variety of applications because of the many practical and aesthetic benefits. With its clean look, durability, safety, and view-enhancing benefits, cable railing adapts to just about every type of architectural style. 

Whether your home is classic and traditional, ultra-modern, or a modest bungalow, cable railing blends in and elevates a home's aesthetic. Much more than a popular trend, cable railing is recognized as a standard of excellence in the architecture and building industries.

You may be asking – if cable railing is so fantastic, what are the downsides? You'll find everything you need to know about the pros and cons of cable railing in this article. We cover important deciding factors such as cost, installation, upkeep, safety, and durability to help you decide if cable railing is the right railing for your project.

Pros of Cable Railing

Once you decide to build or renovate a railing on your property, you’re faced with a multitude of different railing styles, materials, and designs. Each choice has its own benefits, but here we will focus on cable railing and what makes it a good choice for both homeowners and professional installers. 

Modern Aesthetic Appeal

There is no other type of railing system that creates the sleek, clean, contemporary look that cable railing provides. From the moment it's installed, cable railing improves your home's aesthetic, enhances curb appeal, and can even boost your home's value. From a classic Craftsman to an urban loft, cable railing blends with any number of architectural styles. Stainless steel cables tend to visually disappear while allowing views and the home's features to take center stage.

Unobstructed Views

Maintaining open views is probably one of the most alluring aspects of cable railing. If your home overlooks water, mountains, forest, a golf course, or a captivating cityscape, why would you want to obstruct your gorgeous view? Cable railing's minimalist look blends in with its surroundings, allowing you to capture your view and maintain a sense of openness from inside or outside your home.

Durability and Low Maintenance

Safety is most often the main reason for installing a railing. The durability and upkeep of any railing's materials ensure safety. Cable railing is strong, durable, weather-resistant, provides optimum safety, and is easy to maintain.

It's well known that wood railing requires continual maintenance to remain good-looking, durable, and safe. The marine-grade stainless steel used in cable railing is one of the most durable and lowest maintenance railing materials available. Whether your home is subject to the demands of four-season weather or exposed to coastal salt air, stainless steel requires the least amount of maintenance to look great and provide the durability and safety features you want.

Seasonal cleaning, using a clean damp rag with a little dish soap, and occasional re-tensioning are all that's required to maintain cable railing. When you consider the regular stripping, sanding, and repainting or staining required for wood railing, there's just no comparison when it comes to the durability and low maintenance of cable railing.

Versatility in Design

Cable railing can enhance Colonials, Cottages, or Craftsman-style homes just as much as it can elevate modern and contemporary architecture. The versatility of cable railing is underscored by its clean simple design, weather-resistant materials, and finish choices. 

With Cable Bullet products, customers can enjoy the many styles, materials, and finishes of cable railing that can be adapted to any layout, location, or surrounding. Cable Bullet’s metal or wooden post kits and hidden tensioning systems allow for maximum design versatility. 

Cons of Cable Railing

Before you assess the best railing for your project, you'll want to know if there are any drawbacks to cable railing systems. While the benefits are unquestionable, there are a few drawbacks you need to be aware of before you make your final decision.

Initial Cost

The up-front cost of cable railing can be higher than some of the other options such as wood or vinyl railing. Stainless steel materials cost more than wood or vinyl. But as an informed consumer, it's important to understand that the initial investment is most often justified by the long-term benefits. 

Over the long haul, you'll enjoy reliable durability and safety  – and much lower long-term maintenance labor costs. Consider the long-term benefits when looking at the initial investment cost.

Precise Installation Requirements

Although cable railing is one of the cleanest and most adaptable of all railing types, precise installation is necessary to ensure safety and code compliance. Some cable railing systems are complex and can only be installed by a licensed contractor. However, Cable Bullet was designed specifically for DIY-friendly installation while not compromising aesthetics or quality. 

At Cable Bullet, we've developed a streamlined, straightforward application that makes precise installation DIY-friendly. Our patented hidden tensioning system eliminates the need for bulky, clunky, unattractive turnbuckles and provides one of the cleanest looks in the cable railing market.

The pride and excitement of being able to install cable railing on your own is undeniable. However, our expert Cable Bullet support team is always available to help DIYers with any installation challenges that may pop up. From questions about measurements to cable tensioning, our pro team is ready to give you the support and help you may need.

If time or skill isn't on your side and you prefer professional installation, this guide helps you choose the right contractor for your project.

Re-Tensioning Requirements

Properly tensioning the railing cables is key in ensuring the safety and code compliance of your cable railing. From improper installation to the shifting of your home, sagging cables compromise cable railing safety. 

Regular inspections can nip sagging cable problems in the bud. Typically, Cable Bullet recommends re-tensioning 1 – 2 times—once after the first season and again after one year. This video shows how easy it is to re-tension cables after installation or sagging. While these requirements present a responsibility for the homeowner, it’s worth noting that inspections and maintenance are required for all railing types. Other types of railing, such as wood railing, require even more upkeep, making cable railing one of the easier railing types to maintain over time.

Advantages and Disadvantages in Real-Life Examples 

Drawing from the experiences of others can be a good way to gather information on any matter, including cable railing pros and cons. To help you make an informed decision, two Cable Bullet customers shared their insights on the advantages and disadvantages of DIY installation of cable railing.

Example 1: A Three-Deck Cable Railing DIY Project

Mary G. wanted to be able to enjoy the extraordinary wildlife and nature surrounding her Massachusetts home. Her old wood railing obscured the views. At age 69, Mary installed Cable Bullet railing on three exterior decks entirely on her own! 

• Mary said the main advantages of her DIY cable railing installation were:
• The friendly and professional help she received from the Cable Bullet support team. Mary was unsure about which materials to order so she submitted her project drawings and the team promptly assembled and delivered the components to her home.
• Whenever installation questions popped up, she received supportive, skilled, and knowledgeable customer support.
• Mary and her husband are now able to enjoy unobstructed views of the abundant nature and wildlife around their home.
• The cable tensioning was much easier than she anticipated.
• The main disadvantages were:
• She was surprised at the amount of hand and upper body strength required to crimp the cables. 
• Her anxiety around precise post drilling.
• The stairway railings were somewhat challenging.
• Mary's overall opinion after installing Cable Bullet:  "Go for it!"

Example 2: Small Deck Cable Railing

Jon S. wanted to build a railing on his 12' x 16' deck that would provide a sense of openness to the natural surroundings. Although he was convinced cable railing would be the best choice for his small deck, he had some serious reservations regarding DIY installation.

• Jon realized the advantages were:
• Cable Bullet tensioning system offers almost unlimited flexibility.
• All materials are first quality and top-notch, including the machining of the parts.
• Because of the quality materials, the railing will stand up to the test of time. 
• "We're going to live with this railing for 30 to 50 years."
• The only disadvantage Jon could see was that: 
• At first, the installation seemed intimidating but the range of Cable Bullet installation videos gave him the confidence that he could successfully manage the installation by himself.
• Jon's overall opinion after installing Cable Bullet: "I absolutely recommend Cable Bullet for anyone looking for a quality railing system that they can install on their own." 

Is Cable Railing Worth It in the End?

After assessing the pros and cons of cable railing, it's easy to see that the advantages significantly outweigh the disadvantages. There is no other railing that offers the outstanding aesthetic appeal, unobstructed view enhancement, safety, and durability of cable railing.

For most folks, the only disadvantage of cable railing is the upfront cost. However given the exceptional lifespan and the minimal maintenance requirements, over the long haul cable railing will cost less than other railing types. And if you choose high-quality DIY-friendly Cable Bullet products, you can save even more!

Choose Cable Bullet for the sleekest, highest-quality DIY cable railing system available. Our range of styles and designs offers flexibility and customization for every homeowner. Contact us today for more information. Estimates are quick and easy!