A Complete Guide to Choosing Vertical vs Horizontal Cable Railing

You know that cable railing is a solid choice but may still be undecided on which orientation to go with – vertical or horizontal. Whether you're planning an interior or exterior installation, you'll want to know how the orientation of the cables can impact the safety, functionality, and aesthetics of your space.

This article provides homeowners and professionals with key information to make the right cable railing orientation choice. We cover the benefits, downsides, differences, and considerations when comparing vertical cable railing vs horizontal. Keep reading to find out how to make an informed, confident choice and select the right cable railing orientation for your project!

Vertical or Horizontal Cable Railing: What's the Difference?

From safety to aesthetics, here is an overview of key characteristics and differences between the two orientations to help you weigh the pros and cons of vertical vs horizontal cable railing:

Vertical Cable Railing

Vertical cable railing blends sleek modern design with traditional vertical railing orientation. To get a good idea of the look, you can explore Cable Bullet's Summit vertical railing series collection. 

Enhanced safety is a major benefit of vertical railing because it prevents children and pets from climbing on the cables. Vertical railing can enhance homes that look out into tall trees allowing the eye to continue from the railing cables up into the tree canopy. Vertical cable railing also accents tall, narrow homes, giving them a seamless vertical quality.

Horizontal Cable Railing

Horizontal cable railing provides the ultimate sleek, clean, modern look that many homeowners seek. There's no other type of railing that allows for unobstructed views like horizontal cable railing does. 

The versatility in the design makes horizontal railing compatible with several architectural styles, from contemporary to vintage and from a cozy cottage to a rambling estate. Cable Bullet's Signature series is a great example of horizontal cable railing beauty, quality, and design. 

Benefits of Vertical Cable Railing

From enhanced safety to added stability, explore the benefits of vertical cable railing:

Enhanced Safety

If you have children and pets, vertical cable railing prevents them from stepping or standing on the cables, helping eliminate climbing hazards. While both vertical and horizontal cable railing are proven to be safe, if you have small children, vertical cable can provide added peace of mind.

Debating between horizontal vs vertical stair railing? If you have small children, for the reasons outlined above, vertical railing will be a safer option. 

Visual Appeal

If you're looking to create a sense of height in a particular space, the vertical cables will do just that – give the impression of added height. For example, vertical cable railing is a great choice for stairways that rise toward a low ceiling because the vertical cables will prevent the ceiling from appearing low and enveloping. 

Also, vertical cable railing blends seamlessly with traditional and modern designs. Installing cable railing on a deck that looks out into a forest? Vertical cables enhance the view of the trees, drawing one's eyes up into the tree canopy. 

Added Stability

When properly installed, vertical cable railing is less prone to sagging than its horizontal counterpart. Cable maintenance will be easier and the risk that comes with cable sagging will be reduced if you opt for the vertical orientation.

Benefits of Horizontal Cable Railing

From unobstructed views to ease of installation, explore the benefits of horizontal cable railing:

Modern Aesthetic

There is no other type of railing that can offer the dramatic contemporary and minimalist look that horizontal cable railing provides. Both indoor and outdoor architectural elements are enhanced when cables run horizontally.

Unobstructed Views

Because horizontal cable railing parallels the horizon, it creates an open and airy feeling. Spaces don't feel closed in or cramped. If you have a scenic view that you don't want to restrict, horizontal railing is the ideal choice. Sightlines are maintained and the cables seem to disappear into the view.

Ease of Installation

While both horizontal and vertical cable railings are easy to install, horizontal cable systems often offer an easier installation process, particularly when transitioning on stair treads. To achieve a professional outcome with horizontal cables make sure posts are drilled precisely and cables are properly tensioned. Cable Bullet offers pre-drilled posts that make it easy to achieve a professional finish.  

Factors to Consider When Choosing Cable Railing Orientation

When deciding between vertical vs horizontal cable railing, there are several factors worth considering:

Aesthetics

Whether your aim is to complement or to accent, the choice of orientation can enhance various architectural styles. For example, if your home enjoys a scenic view, the horizontal railing will tend to disappear and allow for extended sightlines. However, vertical railing tends to blend well with a traditional aesthetic and surrounding vertical features, such as tall trees or buildings.

Safety and Functionality

Both vertical and horizontal cables are safe when properly installed. Therefore, it's important to ensure the cables are tensioned according to the manufacturer's specifications. With Cable Bullet this will come easy since Cable Bullet’s products are known for easy cable tensioning. 

Some homeowners with small children prefer vertical cable railing. Horizontal cable railing involves some risk of the so-called 'ladder effect', allowing children to step or stand on the cables. Even though horizontal cable railing is very safe, vertical railing might be a better choice for families with young children.

Whether you choose a vertical or horizontal orientation, cable railing is one of the most durable and easiest railing types to clean and maintain. A yearly inspection for cable tension and wiping down the cables and posts with a light solution of soap and water is usually all that's required. If cable railing is exposed to salt air, checking and treating for rust with a product like Boeshield T-9 Rust and Corrosion Protector will maintain the system's durability. 

Cost and Installation

There is little difference in cost between horizontal or vertical cable railing. Pricing for cable railing in general ranges from $60 - $300 per linear foot without labor, depending on materials and the complexity of the job.

Cable Bullet's cable railing systems are mid-range in cost. Both the horizontal Signature Series and vertical Summit Series run from $85 - $90 per linear foot. With marine-grade T-316 stainless steel posts, handrails, cables, and spacer bars, the fully stainless, top-grade horizontal Venture Series runs $170-180 per linear foot.

Depending on the brand, cable railing installation can range from complex to easy. Some cable railings require professional installation while others are created for DIY installation. Cable Bullet is specifically designed for DIY ease and success, saving on pro-labor costs. 

Whether you're using wood, vinyl, composite, masonry, or metal posts, tensioning is taking place within the post. Whether you choose to install vertical or horizontal cable design, Cable Bullet installation is intuitive, elegant, and simple. We provide all the guides, videos, and support you need for a lifetime of cable railing safety and beauty. 

Building Codes and Regulations

Safety, durability, and sustainability are the main reasons local jurisdictions implement building codes. Your railing project must meet local regulations for post height and strength; handrail height, clearance, and continuity; load and force of cables; and cable configuration.

Cable Bullet's horizontal and vertical series products are designed to meet stricter safety standards of the 2021 International Residential Code. However, requirements vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction so be sure to check your local building code regulations to make sure you are choosing the right orientation of cable railing for your project – and if you need a permit.

Which Cable Railing Option is Best for You?

Now that you're savvy about horizontal and vertical cable orientation, which configuration is best for you? In general, go with vertical cable railing if you have small children or prefer a more traditional aesthetic. And you can't go wrong with horizontal cable railing if you want to maximize your view with a sleek, modern vibe.

If you're looking for cable railing that will give you a lifetime of beauty and safety, Cable Bullet is the high-quality choice – whichever cable orientation you choose. Questions? Our professionals are standing by to provide the answers you need. From selecting the right cable orientation to guiding you through installation, we're here to support you. Get in touch today!