Building Safer Stairs
May 19, 2025
Whether you’re building a new deck or performing an interior remodel, the chances are there will be railings involved! We get a lot of inquiries from customers about the difference between railing kits and custom fabrication. Each job is so unique and some applications are better for each perspective railing type. In this blog we hope to help our readers understand the differences between cable railing kits and custom railing systems. Cable Railing Kits are Cost Effective One of the benefits of using a railing kit is the cost factor. Pre-made products that are pre-packaged cost less to produce than custom components. In many cases cable railing kits will offer the fastest lead times, meaning the parts are readily available to ship. Stock colors and DIY cable railing hardware make choosing and installing your railings a breeze. Other benefits to choosing a cable railing kit: No special tools required for cable fittings Pre-engineered products with standardized specifications Great for level deck railings and patio projects Great for level fencing In many cases cable railing kits do not require professional installation Custom Railing Systems for Stairways The most common situation for utilizing a custom railing system is when constructing stairs. Almost every stairway we encounter is different, resulting in rise/run differential and varying angles. Multiple turns, level changes and custom mounting situations are also common calls for custom railing fabrication. Interior stairways often call for complex design aesthetics, custom colors and material selections. In many cases a custom railing will be best handled or even require a trained professional. Complex angles and finish solutions can be difficult for novice installers; in addition any mistakes can be costly. Often a designer or architect will call for a scaled down “minimalist” aesthetic that may require engineering or custom calculations in order to satisfy current building codes. Some other custom railing considerations may include: Custom coating solutions, polishing, brushing Curves On site welding requirements Multiple starts and stops Sloped or irregular surfaces, masonry and wall mounting scenarios Turnkey Cable and Glass Railing Solutions San Diego Cable Railings is a full service fabricator and distributor of cable and glass railing systems. We offer DIY cable railing kits and custom railing solutions as previously discussed in this blog. Additionally, we offer installation estimates and work with licensed professionals that specialize in railing construction. If you are interested in custom railings, cable railing kits, posts, parts or hardware; give us a call at 844-277-7327 or visit our quote request page today.