Introduction

According to Handy, good-quality cable railings not only add a layer of safety to your home but also improve the aesthetics compared to traditional railings. However, there are a few things you need to learn about cable railings to decide whether they are a good fit for your home.

The Details

Here are a few important facts that you need to learn about cable railings to decide how to use them properly in your household:

1. Advantages of cable railings – A great advantage of cable railing systems is that they don’t obstruct the view from the balcony. And, although it requires maintenance, the adjustments are fairly inexpensive. Another benefit that helps to cut down the cost is that you can install new cable railings in an existing railing system. Plus, you can DIY cable railing installation if you are good at DIY tasks.

Perhaps the most appealing benefit of installing a cable railing is the appealing look it offers along with safety.

2. Disadvantages of wire railings – Cable railings are not suitable for every house design and can cost a lot of time and money on planning and fitting. The tensioners need occasional adjustment, failing to do which in time can result in increased safety risk. And, since cable railings are made of metals, it may cause harm to children who are not careful.

3. Types of cable systems – There are a variety of commercially available cable systems but not all of them are suitable for residential purposes. It’s better to weigh the pros and cons based on the cost of installation, the space available, and the time required for installation and maintenance.

A few common cable railing systems include:

• The Seattle bar system
• Press and latch system
• The glass adapter System
• The Chicago square system
• The stainless-steel spigot glass railing
• The Virginia round system

4. Installation, safety, cost, and maintenance – The foundation of a cable railing system are the fittings on the end of the cable (A.K.A. the ‘tensioners’). Thus, although it’s possible to DIY install cable railings, it is recommended that you hire the help of a professional to prevent any mishaps. 

Proper maintenance is crucial for the proper functioning of the railing systems. You can use fresh water to clean the railing free of dirt and contaminants. For thorough cleaning, you may also use stainless steel cleaners, penetrating cleaners, and pressure washers.

The cost of installing wire railings depends on a lot of factors such as the measurements and the material of the frame. The most popular frames include wooden frames, stainless-steel frames, composite frames, iron rod railings, and glass frames.

Conclusion

Handy suggests you opt for a wooden frame for cable railing instead of steel or stainless-steel counterparts since wooden railings are more cost-effective and add to the unique decor look that most people want to achieve. Plus, the wooden frame can be customized to fit an aesthetic profile that suits your needs.