Many of our potential customers are doing research about different railing types and witnessing a wide variation in costs associated with these systems. Cable and glass railing cost can vary based on a number of factors; this article provides some guidelines to help you understand some of the reasons for varying cost, and pricing guidelines for your project.
The short answer to the cost comparison question “cable vs. glass” leans towards glass railings being more expensive than cable railings. Although this is not always the case, it is more common. Both glass railing cost factors and cable railing estimates can vary based on some of the following considerations: :
-Interior vs. Exterior Applications
-Frameless vs. framed glass or post/clamp
-Stairways and Ramps vs. Level rail scenarios
-Custom fabrication vs. modular railing systems
-DIY and professional installations
Readers should take note that many factors contribute to cost and that the information provided is based on cost averages of a variety of different railing jobs.
Interior vs. Exterior Railing Cost Comparisons
Interior railings will usually present a higher price point than exterior railings. The main reason for this is that as the lineal footage grows, the material cost per foot comes down. Interior jobs are smaller in scale but usually make up for it in complexity. Larger fences or deck rails will present a lower actual cost per foot despite a higher overall cost because of the sheer amount of lineal footage. Interior railings are often tricky; and the interior of a home presents more liability than something like an exterior fence job. Turnkey cost estimates for interior glass railings can range from $250 – $600 per lineal foot for labor and materials. Interior cable railing systems will often range from $180- $300 per foot for labor and materials. Almost all interior stair projects will require custom fabrication of some type due to angles and mounting challenges associated with stairs. Custom fabrication is on average more expensive than a modular “kit” railing system.
Railings for exterior decks and fences are more cost effective to construct than interiors from a lineal footage standpoint. These installations often make better candidates for DIY projects than interiors. The average cost for exterior glass fences and railings can range from $200-$450 per lineal foot for labor and materials. Exterior cable railing systems will range from $150-$250 per lineal foot for labor and materials. Base shoe glass railing systems will often require thicker or laminated glass panels thus raising the costs associated.
Pre fabricated railing systems will generally fall in to the lower end of the above mentioned price points, while custom fabrication will represent the higher end of the price points. Additional factors could include the use of stainless steel vs. mild steel or galvanized; engineered products vs. off the shelf or big box products. Jobs with complex angles or curves will often result in higher price points as well as the possibility for more design or engineering work associated.
DIY Cable Railing and Glass Railing Systems
DIY installation can present excellent cost saving opportunities for the consumer as labor costs often represent approximately 1/3 to 1/2 of total installed railing costs. Level rail scenarios like fences or straight rails are good opportunities too DIY. From a system standpoint we believe that cable railing kits are a far more commonly encountered way to pursue DIY railing projects than installing glass. However there are many tools and tutorials to assist DIY installers with cable or glass railing projects.
San Diego Cable Railings is a company dedicated to providing high quality cable and glass railing systems. We offer nationwide shipping and preferred installation of these systems in California. If you would like pricing or information about stainless cable railings or glass railing cost; visit the quote request page or give us a call at 844-277-7327.
