



The Best Views Transforming your outdoor living space begins with choosing a railing that balances safety with aesthetic appeal. At San Diego Cable Railings, we believe that your view should always remain the focal point of your deck. Stainless steel cable railings offer a sleek, industrial-meets-modern look that complements various architectural styles while providing long-term durability. Embrace Modern Minimalism with Slim Posts Transforming your outdoor living space begins with choosing a railing that balances safety with aesthetic appeal. At San Diego Cable Railings, we believe that your view should always remain the focal point of your deck. Stainless steel cable railings offer a sleek, industrial-meets-modern look that complements various architectural styles while providing long-term durability. Integrate Natural Wood for Warmth Combining the cool, industrial feel of metal with the organic warmth of wood is one of our favorite design strategies. By pairing stainless steel cable railings with hardwood top rails, we create a striking visual contrast. This hybrid look softens the modern edges of the cables, making your deck feel cozy yet contemporary. Optimized Views with Low Profile Hardware We often recommend hidden internal anchor systems to keep the overall aesthetic clean and professional. By concealing the tensioning hardware inside the posts, we ensure that nothing distracts from the clean lines of the cables. This streamlined finish highlights the precision of the installation and provides a high-end, custom look that elevates any residential or commercial property. Curved Railing Systems for Unique Architecture Not every deck follows a straight line, and our cable solutions are flexible enough to follow the unique contours of your home. Implementing curved cable railing systems allows us to maintain a consistent safety barrier around rounded balconies or custom-shaped decks. This fluid design language adds a custom architectural element that feels intentional and helps your home stand out. Choosing the right railing is an investment in your home’s value and your daily enjoyment of the outdoors. From minimalist metal frames to warm wood accents, these ideas showcase the versatility of modern cable systems. At San Diego Cable Railings, we provide high-quality materials and expertise to help you achieve these looks. Contact us today to discuss your project! Cable Railing Systems CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A QUOTE FROM OUR SALES TEAM! Glass Railing Codes, Modern Deck Railings, Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum Trend Shifts and Modern Stairway Designs – Copy Cole RouseFebruary 24, 2026 Cable Railing News 4 Cable Deck Railing Ideas You Will Love Cole RouseFebruary 2, 2026 Glass Railing Codes, Modern Deck Railings, Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum Trend Shifts and Modern Stairway Designs AdministratorJanuary 23, 2026 modular railing systems 2026 Railing Trends- Custom Modular Railings vs. Off The Shelf Brands AdministratorJanuary 5, 2026 california handrail code Is California’s Handrail Code Different Than Other States? AdministratorDecember 23, 2025 Browse More Posts Add Your Heading Text Here
High ROI Stairway Renovations Modern staircases are quickly becoming one of the most popular and high ROI home improvements performed in 2026. Newly updated stairs and railings have evolved from purely functional elements into architectural focal points that can dramatically transform a home’s interior. In 2026, staircase design emphasizes minimalism, openness, and seamless integration of materials like wood, metal, glass, and new tech. Whether you’re planning a full renovation or just updating an existing stairway, here are some product ideas inspire you. As always SDCR focus is on contemporary/modern styles, practical renovation tips, and especially awesome modern railings. Do Your Stairs Need and Upgrade? Staircases are often the first visible feature upon entering a residential home or office building. A focal point of reference and a first impression. Older home with newer modern stairs looks more like a newer home. If your current stairs feel dated (thick balusters, carpeted treads, or enclosed walls), a renovation can refresh them without a complete rebuild. Here are practical, high-impact ideas: Open up the space — Remove walls or solid balustrades to create an open riser or see-through design. This brightens hallways and makes homes feel larger. Update treads and risers — Replace old carpet with hardwood, stained concrete, or painted risers (bold colors or patterns like geometric wallpaper for a fun twist). Painted risers in contrasting shades add personality. Refinish or replace railings — Swap outdated wood spindles for modern alternatives (more below). A simple paint job in matte black can modernize iron or wood quickly. Incorporate lighting — Install LED strips under each tread or along stringers for safety and ambiance—super trendy for evening wow factor. Stairway Code Notes – Stairways must be at least 36 inches (914 mm) wide above the handrail and 31½ inches (787 mm) at or below one handrail, or 27 inches (698 mm) with handrails on both side Railing Types for Sleeker Stairs You might be wondering what railing types fit the bill for true modern stairs. The most popular choices right now have been holding ground for quite a while : Glass Panel Railings- Crystal-clear panels create an unobstructed, luxurious look that maximizes light and views. Perfect for minimalist or open-concept homes. Cable Stair Railings- Thin stainless steel cables stretched horizontally offer an industrial edge while keeping the view open. Great for contemporary or loft-style spaces. Mixed Wood and Metal Hybrids- Warm hardwood handrails with black metal spindles or frames. This combo feels current, blending organic warmth with sleek modernity—very popular for average-home renovations. Our product offerings and preferred installation specialists can design and install any of these systems in as little as 4-6 weeks. Custom modular, full custom, and DIY options available. What about grab rails? Grab rails are often required even on the most modern of staircases. Sometimes we can scale down top rail to satisfy code requirements. Other applications require a matching sleek graspable railing on an opposing wall or attached to railing posts. Additional Modern Stairway Renovations Our team of professionals at SDCR assists our customers with modern stair railing designs and code compliant products for safe stairs. Here are some recommendations from our sales and installation pros: -Visual Contrast- Using contrasting colors or products on stair nosings and railing components can improve visibility. For example a dark colored steel railing post with light wood-tone handrail for a safe modern aesthetic. –Lighting- Strip lights on risers or overhead light fixtures, post lights, and accent lighting can enhance aesthetics and safety on stairs. Stair lights add a “cool factor” to any staircase. -Child Safety- Installing gates at top and bottom of stairs in homes with young children is a great safety measure. Our modern cable gates preserve the look. construction is a must. Stairway Professionals Build Better Stairs Some projects are great candidates for our DIY products and services. However, in many cases, stairways can be complex and also require a professional contractor to achieve the best results. Mono-stringers, floating stairs with glass panels, angles, and curves can be tricky! For custom stairs, or out of the box applications- Our preferred partners at San Diego Cable Railings have installed hundreds of stainless steel cable and glass railing systems on stairways all over California. Visit the QUOTE REQUEST form for a free estimate on our popular stainless cable railing and glass railing systems. CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A QUOTE FROM OUR SALES TEAM! Glass Railing Codes, Modern Deck Railings, Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum Most Popular Modern Stairways and Railings MavenJanuary 23, 2026 modular railing systems 2026 Railing Trends- Custom Modular Railings vs. Off The Shelf Brands MavenJanuary 5, 2026 california handrail code Is California’s Handrail Code Different Than Other States? MavenDecember 23, 2025 Glass Railing Codes, Modern Deck Railings Why Choose San Diego Cable Railings Over Amazon Kits MavenDecember 3, 2025 Glass Railing Codes, Modern Deck Railings Sleek Stairway Railings That Meet Code Requirements MavenNovember 25, 2025 Browse More Posts Add Your Heading Text Here
No Nonsense Online Cable Railings When you live five miles from the Pacific Ocean, your deck railing isn’t just a safety feature. Prime coastal deck railings mean the difference between a million-dollar view and staring at a picket fence.That’s exactly why thousands of California homeowners (and a growing number across the country) keep landing on our name: San Diego Cable Railings. Here’s why our systems have been consistently chosen over box store products and online knock offs: 1. SDCR Railings are Built for Salt Air San Diego Cable Railings uses 316 marine-grade stainless steel on every single cable run—period. Coastal jobs require it. Not “stainless-look” aluminum that could pit in a season on the coast. T316 is the same type the Navy uses offshore.If you’re inside the coastal zone (basically anywhere you can smell the ocean), anything less is inferior. 2.San Diego Cable Railings are Actually Custom Modular Systems: (Not “Pick From These 3 Options” Custom)Whether you want SS posts with hardwood top rails and hidden fasteners, interior stain grade or paint grade finishes? Done. If you want a hybrid system that transitions from cable on the deck to glass on the stairs? Done. SDCR designs it like the railing is going on their own house. Fastest Lead Times for Real Products and Installation Faster than industry standard lead times for quotes and product sales/installation. SDCR utilizes in-house fabrication in El Cajon. Typical turnaround times for:• Quote → 48 hours• Fabrication → 2–4 weeks• Shipping nationwide → 1-2 Weeks- Very difficult task to do from the East Coast suppliers or the “custom” shops that outsource to China. SDCR’s founder in 2009 was a veteran deck builder and cable railing pioneer in San Diego and So Cal. He was a contributor to California railing code updates and municipal designs. He also performed expert witness work on contractor related railing claims in San Diego County. SDCR systems pass inspection the first time based on this type of expertise and attention to detail. DIY Cable Railing That Doesn’t Look It DIY railing products that don’t look or feel Like DIY: SDCR kits ship with:• Pre-cut cables• Machine-swaged ends or field swaged options. (crimp them on-site with a handy tool)• Detailed CAD drawings• A direct phone line to pro’s who’ve installed hundreds of railings. Homeowners in Colorado and contractors in Texas both rave that it’s the first cable kit that didn’t leave them hanging. A team of veteran preferred installers if you don’t want to touch it! The Reviews: 5× “Best of Houzz” for service• Zero BBB complaints in 15 years• Yelp/Houzz average: 5.0 across hundreds of reviews• Most common quote: “Worth every penny for the view.” Reclaim Your Sunset With New Cable Railings High quality T316 stainless steel on the coast will help you reclaim your view or accent your interior stairs. Endless options stylistically and glass infill options are also available. For high end homes and top notch contractors Amazon and big box stores can’t compete with the SDCR system and services. Railing Pro’s for Professional Results Some projects are great candidates for SDCR do it yourself products and services. However, in many cases, stairways can be complex installations and also require a professional contractor. To achieve the best results, consider our preferred installers. For custom stairs, curves, or out of the box applications- Our preferred contractors at San Diego Cable Railings have installed hundreds of stainless steel cable and glass railing systems on stairways all over California. Visit the QUOTE REQUEST form for a free estimate on our popular stainless cable railing and glass railing systems. CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A QUOTE FROM OUR SALES TEAM! Glass Railing Codes, Modern Deck Railings Why Choose San Diego Cable Railings Over Amazon Kits MavenDecember 3, 2025 Glass Railing Codes, Modern Deck Railings Sleek Stairway Railings That Meet Code Requirements MavenNovember 25, 2025 Deck Safety, railing safety Railing Inspection Checklist MavenNovember 13, 2025 kids and cable railings Railing Safety for Kids MavenOctober 28, 2025 wall mounted railing systems Awesome ADA Handrails MavenOctober 20, 2025 Browse More Posts Add Your Heading Text Here
Uniformity for Safer Stairways Modern homes love clean lines, open sight lines, and minimalist detailing. However, stairways still need to be safe, especially if you have kids, elderly family members, or just want peace of mind. Our customers don’t have to choose between gorgeous design and real protection. Here’s everything you need to know about sleek, contemporary railings that pass building codes and also look stunning: Ensuring uniformity on rise and run measurements is one of the easiest ways to prevent falls. Safe stairways should be consistent across rise and run measurements from top to bottom; have graspable railings; and legal rise and run dimensions. Framing squares are helpful tools that can be used to cut stringers with consistency and precision. Kids and Elders rely on muscle memory when navigating stairs so uniformity is key when constructing the safest stairways. KEY SAFETY RULES FOR CODE COMPLIANT STAIRS (EVEN SLEEK ONES) Minimum handrail height: 34–38 inches (measured from the front edge of each tread) Graspable handrail: 1¼–2 inches in diameter (or equivalent perimeter for non-circular shapes) Maximum baluster spacing: 4 inches (the “4-inch sphere rule” – a 4″ ball must not pass through) Guardrail minimum height: 42 inches for guards (the part that prevents falls from the side) Load strength: Must withstand 200 lbs of concentrated force in any direction Code Reference – Stairways must be at least 36 inches (914 mm) wide above the handrail and 31½ inches (787 mm) at or below one handrail, or 27 inches (698 mm) with handrails on both side Top Sleek Railing Styles That are Compliant Horizontal Cable Railings (Still the King of Minimalism) Ultra-thin stainless-steel cables (⅛” or 3/16″) spaced 3″ or less on center Virtually disappear visually, perfect for open-riser stairs and lofts Pro tip: Use SDCR T316 marine-grade cables with proper end fittings—cheap Amazon kits sag and fail inspection Brands that consistently pass code: San Diego Cable Railings, Feeney Slim Metal Rod Infill (Vertical or Horizontal) ½”–¾” solid stainless or blackened steel rods Vertical rods are almost always code-compliant; horizontal rods must be spaced ≤3″ and often require a secondary top rail or tensioning trick Gives a slightly industrial, boutique-hotel vibe Frameless or Ultra-Thin Glass Railings ½”–¾” tempered/laminated glass with minimal hardware (base-shoe or standoff pins) Zero visual obstruction—perfect for coastal or contemporary homes Use laminated glass on stairs (if it breaks, it stays in place) Guardrails prevent falls from stairways and landings.. Both cable and glass railings systems can be utilized for safe stairways. The strength and durability of these systems makes them some of the safest guardrail options for stairs. Sleek and Safe Design Tricks- Continuous handrail: Run one smooth handrail along the entire flight—no breaks or chunky newel posts. Wall-mounted handrail: On one side, skip the guardrail entirely and mount a slim handrail directly to the wall (still needs a 42″ guard on the open side). LED-integrated handrails: Hide low-voltage lighting inside the top rail for drama and night safety. Matte black finish: These hide fingerprints better than polished stainless and feel more current in 2025. Safety First Notes: Any time a landing or stairway is higher than 30″ from finished grade a guardrail is required. The minimum height for a guardrail is 36″. Constructing a safe landing with a guardrail is a good idea on longer and multi transitional stairways. Guardrails ARE required for open sides of stairways or landings more than 30 inches ( <30 mm) above the floor or finished grade. Sleek Materials That Age Gracefully T316 Stainless steel is still our favorite choice for sleek and durable railing systems. For interior projects, powder coated steel with hybrid top rails like oak, mahogany, or walnut, look amazing with lasting lifespan. Polished or black stainless cables and tempered glass panels will offer decades of beauty and safety. We also furnish aluminum railing systems with cable, glass, and picket designs in a variety of colors and design styles. Railing Pro’s for Professional Results Some projects are great candidates for SDCR do it yourself products and services. However, in many cases, stairways can be complex installations and also require a professional contractor. To achieve the best results, consider our preferred installers. For custom stairs, curves, or out of the box applications- Our preferred contractors at San Diego Cable Railings have installed hundreds of stainless steel cable and glass railing systems on stairways all over California. Visit the QUOTE REQUEST form for a free estimate on our popular stainless cable railing and glass railing systems. CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A QUOTE FROM OUR SALES TEAM! Glass Railing Codes, Modern Deck Railings Sleek Stairway Railings That Meet Code Requirements MavenNovember 25, 2025 Deck Safety, railing safety Railing Inspection Checklist MavenNovember 13, 2025 kids and cable railings Railing Safety for Kids MavenOctober 28, 2025 wall mounted railing systems Awesome ADA Handrails MavenOctober 20, 2025 wall mounted railing systems Best Wall Mounted Railing Systems MavenOctober 3, 2025 Browse More Posts Add Your Heading Text Here
Uniformity for Safer Stairways Ensuring uniformity on rise and run measurements is one of the easiest ways to prevent trips and falls. Safe stairways are very consistent across rise and run measurements from top to bottom. Framing squares and stair gauges are helpful tools that can be used to cut stringers with precision. Users rely on muscle memory when navigating stairs so consistency is key when constructing safe stairs. DIMENSIONAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR CODE COMPLIANT STAIRS Having adequate width on a stairway is a crucial safety element and one of the first design considerations. Proper stairway width allows for safe passage while carrying items like laundry or navigating stairs in the dark. Clear width should be no less than 36″ wide above the handrail. Dimensional considerations must also account for finish width when there are railings on both sides of the stairs and can be challenging in small lofts, condos, or apartments where space is at a premium. Code Reference – Stairways must be at least 36 inches (914 mm) wide above the handrail and 31½ inches (787 mm) at or below one handrail, or 27 inches (698 mm) with handrails on both side Guardrail Considerations for Safer Stairs Guardrails prevent falls from stairways and landings. Baluster style guardrails are the time tested and economical choice however modern designs like cable railings and glass panels are much more popular; especially in high end homes. Both cable and glass railings systems can be utilized for safe stairways. The strength and durability of these systems makes them some of the safest guardrail options for stairs. When are guardrails required on stairs? Any time a landing or stairway is higher than 30″ from finished grade a guardrail is required. The minimum height for a guardrail is 36″. Constructing a safe landing with a guardrail is a good idea on longer and multi transitional stairways. Landings with guardrails propose resting point that is level and should also mirror the width of the stairs at minimum. CODE REFERENCE FOR GUARDRAILS: Guardrails ARE required for open sides of stairways or landings more than 30 inches ( <30 mm) above the floor or grade below Additional Stair Safety Renovations Our team of professionals at SDCR assists our customers with stair railing designs and code compliant products for safe stairs. Here are some recommendations from our sales and installation pros: -Visual Contrast- Using contrasting colors or products on stair nosings and railing components can improve visibility. For example a dark colored steel railing post with light wood-tone handrail. –Lighting- Strip lights on risers or overhead light fixtures, post lights, and accent lighting can enhance convenience and safety on stairs. Stair lights add a cool factor to any build. -Child Safety- Installing gates at top and bottom of stairs in homes with young children is a great safety measure. Tight spacing on barriers and sturdy construction is a must. Using Pro’s for Professional Results Some projects are great candidates for our DIY products and services. However, in many cases, stairways can be complex and also require a professional contractor to achieve the best results. For custom stairs, or out of the box applications- Our preferred contractors at San Diego Cable Railings have installed hundreds of stainless steel cable and glass railing systems on stairways all over California. Visit the QUOTE REQUEST form for a free estimate on our popular stainless cable railing and glass railing systems. CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A QUOTE FROM OUR SALES TEAM! Glass Railing Codes, Modern Deck Railings, Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum Building Safer Stairs MavenMay 19, 2025 Glass Railing Codes, Modern Deck Railings, Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum Glass Spigots and Stanchions Code Compliance MavenApril 29, 2025 Laminated glass panel railing codes Laminated Glass Panel Railing Code Requirements MavenApril 9, 2025 curved railings Radius Railings MavenMarch 22, 2025 california handrail code California Handrail Code MavenMarch 5, 2025 Browse More Posts Add Your Heading Text Here
Are Glass Spigots Code Compliant? Glass spigot style posts are widely used in frameless glass railing applications. They can be made code compliant as long as they meet load and deflection requirements. Spigots and stanchions alike need to be anchored to a rigid substrate with ample embedment and at times will require the supplement of a top rail or additional glass clamps to add stability. Whether you are replacing your deck or retrofitting an old railing system, there are decisions to be made and possibly retrofitting of an old substrate prior to installing a new frameless glass railing. GLASS PANELS, BASE SHOE FRAMELESS GLASS, AND STANCHION MOUNTS- The minimum thickness for framed glass railing panels is 1/4″. Thicker glass is required for frameless glass and spigot or clamp style mounts. 3/8″, 1/2″ tempered and in certain situations laminated glass panels are necessary. Stanchions are compliant for semi-frameless glass systems if the achieve the support of required loads- 200 pound concentrated load. They can be custom, but must be well connected and made from durable materials. In commercial applications they may need to resist prying forces. Common applications for these systems include: decks balconies stairways wind screens Spigot Material Choices for Corrosion Resistance Marine grade stainless steel railing posts, spigots, clips, and stanchions are our recommended products for maximum corrosion resistance. Coastal railing applications almost exclusively utilize T316 marine grade stainless steel and powder coated stainless steel products. SDCR railing posts and stanchions are made from domestic stainless steel. Domestic stainless steel is a high quality low maintenance option for all modern railing systems. Cost Comparison- Glass Spigots vs. Cable Railings: A Glass Spigot Railing package will run a higher price point in most cases than a cable railing system. Interior glass railings are often a custom endeavor to accommodate angles, acquire proper mounting, and also preserve a modern aesthetic. Cable railing systems can be constructed less expensively than glass spigot railings and comparably cost out with any welded railing system or package on the market of similar quality. Consumers should consider if wind break is necessary and whether or not they have the support structure or the ability to add support for a successful spigot mounted railing prior to purchasing any products. California Coastal Railings Our frameless glass deck railing systems can be found up and down the California coast; performing in some of the toughest environmental conditions. We offer fast turn around times for stainless steel railing posts, glass railing posts, and frameless/semi-frameless glass railings. Customers in California can utilize our preferred railing installers for a one stop sales/installation service. If you would like to learn more about the best material choices for glass spigot posts or framed glass railings, contact one of our sales team members. DIY Glass Railings vs. Contractor Installation Some projects are great candidates for DIY products and services. For more custom or out of the box applications- Our preferred contractors at San Diego Cable Railings have installed hundreds of stainless steel cable and glass railing systems all over California. Visit the QUOTE REQUEST form for a free estimate on our popular stainless cable railing and glass railing systems. CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A QUOTE FROM OUR SALES TEAM! Glass Railing Codes, Modern Deck Railings, Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum Glass Spigots and Stanchions Code Compliance MavenApril 29, 2025 Laminated glass panel railing codes Laminated Glass Panel Railing Code Requirements MavenApril 9, 2025 curved railings Radius Railings MavenMarch 22, 2025 california handrail code California Handrail Code MavenMarch 5, 2025 Cable Railing News Modern Gate Designs MavenFebruary 4, 2025 Browse More Posts Add Your Heading Text Here
Modern Railings vs. Traditional Style Whether you are replacing your deck or retrofitting an old railing system, there are considerations to be made about style and material choices for new railings. Traditional deck railings and the commonly used “wood spindle” and “picket” designs can be replaced with modern choices like horzontal railing systems and panel designs. Modern material choices like aluminum, stainless steel, and composites are rapidly replacing traditional wood railings. Hybrid railings and pre fabricated kit systems are fast installing and easy to source in most places. A multitude of options does however come with the caveat of difficulty when choosing your new railing system. For this we offer our favorite choices when installing a new modern deck railing system. SAN DIEGO CABLE RAILINGS MOST POPULAR MODERN DECK RAILING SYSTEMS: GLASS PANELS, BASE SHOE, AND POST CLIP- Glass panel railings make for an attractive and durable exterior railing system that is perfect for coastal decks. These systems can be installed in a number of fashions from traditional wood post frames, to steel post and clip installations. For high end installations and customers that want ultimate transparency; a base shoe cleat can suspend the panels without need for a top railing. STAINLESS STEEL CABLE – Cable railings are well known for strength and durability, as well as superior transparency when compared to traditional deck railing systems. They are easy to install, attractive and modern railing systems. Style options and color choices for cable railing systems are endless and hybrid steel, wood, and composite options can be easily incorporated to sturdily frame for stainless cable infill. Modern Deck Railing Corrosion Resistance Both cable and glass railing systems offer extreme corrosion resistance when compared to traditional picket railing systems. Maintenance is minimal in both cases; minor annual cleaning and inspection is required to keep these railings in tip top condition. If we must rate one or the other; in most cases the cable railings system will require less maintenance than glass solely because of the need for cleaning the glass panels. When combining either infill (glass, cable) with a sturdy stainless steel frame, the railing system will function for decades and maintain the beautiful aesthetic with minimal change. Our preferred material choice for corrosion resistance is domestic stainless steel which outperforms aluminum in coastal applications. Cost Comparisons for SDCR Deck Railing Choices: Cable railing systems can be constructed comparably to just about any railing system or package on the market of similar quality. Consumers should consider the longevity and ease of maintenance when comparing cheaper options that may fade, crack, or lose structural integrity. When compared to glass panel railings, the cable railing systems for modern decks will almost always be less expensive. Once again, we would still recommend exploration of durability and ease of maintenance when making these type of comparisons. A lower up front cost base does not always result in a lower overall cost, and definitely does not factor possible call backs, or early replacement of inferior railing types. California Coastal Railing Systems Our modern deck railing systems can be found up and down the California coast; performing in some of the toughest environmental conditions. If you want to learn more about the best material choices for coastal railings, contact one of our sales team members. DIY Deck Railings vs. Contractor Installation Our preferred contractors at San Diego Cable Railings have installed hundreds of stainless steel cable and glass railing systems all over California. We also offer a multitude of options for DIY installers from hand crimp cable hardware to swageless cable rail products. If you have questions about aluminum and stainless steel railing systems feel free to give us a call or visit the QUOTE REQUEST form for a free estimate on our popular stainless cable railing and glass railing systems. CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A QUOTE FROM OUR SALES TEAM! Modern Deck Railings, Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum Modern Deck Railing Ideas MavenOctober 21, 2024 100% American made Steel, Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel Railing Comparison MavenSeptember 30, 2024 Cable Railing News Stair Railing Ideas MavenSeptember 6, 2024 Safe Deck Railings Pony Wall Railing Renovations MavenAugust 20, 2024 kids and cable railings, Safe Deck Railings Safer Deck Railings MavenJuly 31, 2024 Browse More Posts Add Your Heading Text Here
If your outdoor living space is looking a bit drab, it may be time for a facelift. A structurally sound deck may only require some regular maintenance or material upgrades for a new and updated look. Today’s modern materials and building techniques can remove years from your decks appearance without the cost of a complete overhaul. Here are 3 easy ways to modernize your deck without breaking the bank: Exploring Finish Options and Construction Techniques for a Modern Deck Remodel #1-Deck Refinishing- In many cases an older deck just needs a facelift. Wooden decks tend to lose their luster over time becoming weathered and thus looking older. The least expensive and probably quickest update is to clean and refinish your deck. In addition to a clean space looking better; it will actually extend the life of your investment. Leaving environmental contaminants on flat surfaces greatly expedites the amount of wear. UV rays bake on dirt, so try to keep your deck clean with periodic maintenance or hire a pro. A professional refinisher may charge a flat rate for a smaller deck or in the neighborhood of $2.00-$4.00 per square foot for a wooden deck refinish. #2 Replacing the Decking- If the structural bones of the deck are good then replacing just the deck boards may be an option to achieve a more updated finish. Exotic hardwood species like Ipe‘ and Cumaru are very popular and durable alternatives to older wooden decks. Composite decking also offers a more modern twist on deck boards by offering a ton of color options, faux hardwoods and hidden fastening systems. Both hardwoods and composites can last upwards of 30 years so the cost of these materials is justified by the quality. Hardwood and Composite boards can run anywhere from $2.50 – $6.00 per lineal foot of 6″ material which we need to multiply by 2 in order to get an estimated square foot cost of $5-$12 per square. In addition we need to factor the cost of screws or a hidden fastener system which can add about $1.00-$2.00 dollars per square foot. #3 Installing New Deck Railings- Adding a cable railing system or glass railing to an older deck will remove decades from its appearance. If the deck has street exposure it will likely take decades off of the appearance of the house as well. Cable railings are modern and sleek; in line with the most utilized style of many newer buildings and developments. Glass railings provide transparency and windbreak with the look of modern finishes like brushed stainless or aluminum. Both railing options provide the ability to add extras like LED lighting for a finishing touch. One smart pro tip for any deck railing replacement project is to try and perform any refinishing, or deck board replacement prior to installing the new railings. By following this order you can avoid any possible damage to the new railings and also make each individual facet more streamlined. A typical order of operations for a more extensive deck remodel would call for any removal and repairs first, followed by a new deck surface and new railings. San Diego Cable Railings provides sales and installation services for cable railings and glass railings up and down the coast of California. We also offer our cable railing products to DIY customers across the country. If you have questions about ways to modernize your deck our pros can help. Give us a call at 844-277-7327 or visit the quote request page today.