A popular railing choice for an outdoor home improvement project, cable railing can bring a sought-after combination of style and performance to any deck, patio or balcony. With its sleek and modern look, this barely-there railing option creates a sense of “openness,” allowing homeowners and their guests to feel connected to the outdoors while still bringing code-required safety to the perimeter of the open-air living space.

Incredibly versatile, we are fans of cable railing because it can help bring out a particular look or design aesthetic on a project (here are some creative design ideas). And flexible in application, cable railing can typically be oriented horizontally or vertically to highlight a home’s best features without fighting for attention. For example, vertically installed cables will draw the eye upwards, adding length to doors and windows or visually extending the air space between the surface boards and the ceiling on the outdoor covered patio. Whereas horizontal cable railings can practically disappear from view, offering uninterrupted sightlines beyond the edge of a deck.

But, like we said, cable infill is more than just a pretty face… today’s modern cable railing systems pair their stylish aesthetic with proven performance and durability. This makes them an ideal railing choice on any project.  

Cable railing systems serve up enhanced weatherability  

If you’re having trouble getting over the time-honored appeal of a traditional wood deck railing… we get it. But here’s the thing. Like all wood products in outdoor applications, wood railing will eventually deteriorate after long-term exposure to the elements. The result is a short-lived deck railing that is neither structurally safe nor attractive to look at. But a modern cable railing system will deliver tested strength and durability around the edge of a deck, patio or balcony. Fortress Building Products uses enduring 316 marine grade stainless steel cables that are finished with a multi-layer powder coating for enhanced protection against the effects of weathering. As a result, our Fe²⁶ V-Series and Fe²⁶ H-Series steel cable railings, and our Al¹³ HOME™ V-Series aluminum cable railing, are designed to last in nearly any type of environment. 

Modern cable infill is easy to install and virtually maintenance-free

Unlike difficult-to-install competitor railings, where you have to assemble every…single… piece… cable railing systems from Fortress® are panelized. Our panelized cable railing systems feature posts with pre-attached brackets and “drop-in” style panels that make installation quick and easy. Whereas with other brands you need to thread each individual cable and tighten them. The nature of a panelized option also maximizes system strength and lowers the risk of missing parts, contributing to an overall safer deck, patio or balcony.

Track down our industry-leading cable railing systems (or any of our Fortress® railings) for your next outdoor home improvement project using our Where to Buy locator.