Deck Railing Costs Archives

Composite / PVC Deck Railing Cost & Price Guide

Composite PVC deck railing is durable, low-maintenance, available in many styles and colors, and is very customizable. It’s also easy to run wiring for lighting with composite deck railing, and most manufacturers provide excellent warranties.

But composite deck railing can be one of the more expensive choices at $60 to $150 per linear foot with professional deck installation.

New Composite / PVC Deck Railing Installed Cost
Deck Size / Design	Average Cost (Installed)	Deck Budget Level
10 x 10 Square Deck (30 ft)	$1,800 – $4,500	Low
20 x 25 Rectangle Deck (65 ft)	$3,900 – $9,750	Medium
Two-tier / Multi-Level Deck (125 ft)	$7,500 – $18,750	High-Premium

The above deck railing cost table and our other Deck Railing prices in this guide will give you a idea on the costs with other leading deck railing styles.

What is Composite or PVC Deck Railing?

PVC is easy to define. It is polyvinyl chloride, a very common type of plastic commonly known as vinyl. It is a very hard, durable plastic that is easily colored and textured to create a wide range of appearances.

Composite deck railing is made of a blend of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), a type of plastic, and fibers, most often, recycled wood fibers. Pigment is added, and the material is heated/melted and then extruded into planks of various widths and lengths. They are textured to create an appearance that closely mimics genuine wood – but without the warping, cracking and rot wood is susceptible to.

Composite is a strong, stable, and resilient material. It is tough but attractive, low-maintenance, available in many styles and colors, and is very customizable. It’s also easy to run wiring for lighting with composite deck railing and most manufacturers provide excellent warranties.

The Cost of Composite Deck Railing

The below overview Deck Railing Price Table below shows costs and what you get for the money when buying your home composite deck railing.

Composite deck railing cost factors are listed to the left. These costs are approximate but they give you an idea of what’s included in Low/ Average/ High cost tiers.

New Composite / PVC Deck Railing Costs
	Low Cost	Average Cost	High Cost
Costs Per foot	$60 – $85	$90 – $110	$120 – $150
Quality	Average	Average to Good	Good to Best
Deck Shape	Simple	Simple or Complex	Average or Complex
Using Existing Post	Yes or No	No	No
New Posts & Rails	Composite	Composite	Composite or Mix & Match
Post Caps	None or Basic	Basic or Better	Best
Deck Railing Installation	DIY or Pro	Pro Installer	Pro Installer
Stair Rail	No	Yes or No	Yes or No
Rail Height	36″	36″ or 42″	42″
Panel Length	8′	6′ , 8′, or 10′	6′ , 8′, or 10′
Railing Color	Standard	Standard or Premium	Standard or Premium
LED Lights	No	No	Yes or No
Gate	No	Yes or No	Yes or No
Rail Kits /Individual
Components	Kits	Kits or Components	Components

Composite PVC Deck Railing Brands, Types & Styles

Composite / PVC Deck Railing Styles & Designs

The largest manufacturers of composite deck railing are Trex, TimberTech by AZEK, Deckorators, and Fiberon.

Trex Transcend Composite Deck Railing

Trex Transcend railing is a high-end railing and is made from high-quality composite that won’t rot, warp, peel, or splinter. Trex Transcend gives you the freedom to mix and match materials and colors to create a custom deck railing. You can choose composite decking handrails with balusters of composite or aluminum.

You can purchase all components separately or kits that include rails, balusters, and hardware.

Rails are available in 6’ and 8’ lengths and 36” or 42” heights. Choose from 6 colors and a variety of post caps, including caps with LED lighting.

Trex Select Composite Deck Railing

Trex Select is Trex’s most affordable deck railing line and offers easy installation with their one-box kit option. Trex Select railing combines composite rails with aluminum balusters

AZEK Composite Deck Railing

AZEK – TimberTech deck railing, in composite, gives you a lot of options in three profiles with each profile offering different prices.

AZEK Premier features a Victorian look and Evolution offers a contemporary appearance with round or square aluminum balusters and without post caps for a clean look.

AZEK RadianceRail provides a traditional feel, and Radiance Rail Express, their most affordable line, gives you the ability to purchase the deck rail in complete kits.

TimberTech AZEK railings are available in 6’, 8’, and 10’ lengths and 36” and 42” heights. You’ll also find a variety of post caps and deck lighting. Colors include white, black, and Kona.

Deckorators Composite Deck Railing

Deckorators composite railing is specially designed for the DIY market and is available in two profiles, Classic Composite and Contemporary Composite. Classic includes composite rails, balusters, and posts and Contemporary features composite rails and posts with aluminum deck balusters.

Both profiles are part of Lowes deck railing product line and sold in kits. The Classic kit includes top and bottom rails, brackets, 2 – 4” x 4” post sleeves (posts sold separately) to create an 8’ on-center rail section between the posts at 36” tall. It is available in White.

Contemporary is also sold in kits and colors include black, brown, and gray.

Fiberon Composite Railing

Fiberon composite deck railing is available in HavenView CountrySide and sold in kits, which include rails, balusters, and brackets at 6’ and 8’ lengths. 36” and 42” heights are produced in white, black and brown. Post sleeves and caps are sold separately.

Brio Rhythm is Fiberon’s contemporary style composite railing and is fully customizable. Choose balusters in composite or metal, mix and match colors, 6’ or 8’ lengths, and 36” or 42” height.

ArmorGuard is Fiberon’s most affordable line of composite railing and is carried in the Home Depot deck railing department. The components are sold individually or in kits under either the AmorGuard or Veranda names.

Composite Deck Railing Costs & Prices

Composite deck railing is available as either individual components or in kits.

Composite Deck Kits usually include decking handrails, bottom rails, balusters, brackets, and mounting hardware. Purchasing kits will cost less in labor and make for quicker installation but purchasing individual components will allow you to customize the appearance of the deck railing.

Below is a Composite Deck Railing Price List for panels, rails, components, deck stair railing, gates, and installation accessories.

It is followed by sample composite deck railing costs for popularly sized decks.

Deck Railing Items & Accessories	Average Retail Cost
Panels or Kit with Top Rail, Bottom Rail, & Balusters – 6′ or 8′	$75 – $450
Stair Panels with Balusters – 6′ or 8′	$100 – $500
Gate Hardware Kits	$100 – $250
Individual Bottom or Top Rails – 6′, 8′, or 10′	$45 – $220
Post Sleeves	$45 – $125
Post Mounts – for use without wood	$100 – $150
Composite Baluster Kits – 16 count – 36″ or 42″	$100 – $220
Aluminum Baluster Kits – 20 count – 36″ or 42″	$100 – $225
Infill Kits – Spacers, Foot block, Gaskets, Screw Covers	$45 – $100
Post Caps – No Lights	$15 – $75
Post Caps – With Lights	$40 – $150
Mounting & Connecting Brackets & Hardware	$45-$120
Accessory Lights	$30-$100

Example Composite Railing Costs for Common Home Deck Dimensions

The list above shows retail costs for Composite deck railing panels and components.

Homeowners want to know what the deck installed costs will be for their specific deck size and type (e.g, Composite, PVC, Aluminum). Most of these are attached decks with rails on three sides.

Use the Railing Cost Guide at the top of the page to find your situation and choose Low, Average, or High cost based on how those factors best fit your deck.

Deck Sizes / Layout	Linear Feet	Average Cost
10 x 10 Square Deck	30	$1,800 – $4,500
15 x 20 Rectangle Deck Shape	50	$3,000 $7,500
20 x 25 Rectangle Deck	65	$3,900 – $9,750
L-shaped Deck	90	$5,400 – $13,500
Two-tier / Multi-Level Deck	125	$7,500 – $18,750
Deck Stairs – Any Deck Size	16	$1,055 – $ 2,600

Composite / PVC Deck Railing Installation & Labor

Most Professional deck installers charge between $25 and $45 per linear foot to install composite deck railing.

The deck job includes:

Removing old railings
Installing, leveling, securing posts, post skirts, post covers, and foot blocks
Measure top and bottom rails, cut if necessary, place baluster spacers and insert balusters
Attach complete panels to posts with brackets, level and secure rails
Install gates and deck stair railing
Add wiring, if lighting will be included, add post caps and accessory lighting

Deck Labor costs to install composite deck railing depend these factors:

Size of Deck: Larger decks will require more labor, but the cost per linear foot will commonly decrease as the deck size increases.
Complexity of the Deck: Square or rectangular decks have fewer corners and require less time to complete where L-shaped, curved, or multi-sided, and multi-leveled decks will take longer to complete and cost more.
What you are Installing: Pre-made panels with rails and balusters already attached will take less time than installing individual components. The amount of deck stair railing and number of gates included will also increase labor costs.
Who you Hire: If you DIY, your costs will include any tools needed to do the job – usually around $500. When hiring a deck pro, look for a capable handyman as those services are generally less than contractors. Just make sure the installer has experience with the brand and style of deck railing you purchase.
Where you Live: Cost of living affects all prices including deck railing installation.
Permit Cost: Most decks that require a railing will also require an inspection to ensure the railing is securely installed and safe. Permits vary by city/county and are often priced by the size of the deck. The larger the deck, the more railing included, the longer the inspection will take.

Deck Sizes / Layout	Linear Feet	Average Cost
10 x 10 Square Deck	30	$750 – $1,350
15 x 20 Rectangle Deck Shape	50	$1,250 – $2,250
20 x 25 Rectangle Deck	65	$1,625 – $2,900
L-shaped Deck	90	$2,250 – $4,000
Two-tier / Multi-Level Deck	125	$3,100 – $5,500
Deck Stairs – Any Deck Size	16	$400 – $750

DIY vs Deck Railing Installer

Most homeowners don’t have the tools, like a compound miter saw and saw horses, readily available to install composite deck railing. It can be difficult to cut rails, place and attach posts, and make the railing level and secure. If this isn’t accomplished, the railing might not pass inspection.

Also, composite railing will expand and contract with temperature changes and must be installed with allowance for this.

A homeowner with good experience can complete the job with professional-looking results, but hiring an experienced contractor might make the most sense for composite deck railing.

Composite Deck Railing FAQs

Below are commonly asked questions about Composite / PVC deck railing and their deck railing installation.

Q. Is composite deck railing strong?

A. Yes, it is strong and safe. It can easily support the weight of adults leaning against it.

Q. Should I purchase individual rail components or pre-fab panels or kits?

A. Purchasing pre-fab panels or kits will save you money, both in materials and installation, making them a good choice, especially if you’re on a budget. Pre-assembled panels or kits are easier to install and installation goes quicker, so if you can find a style and color that you like, go this route.

Q. Can I put my grill next to the deck railing?

A. No, because composite or PVC is a type of plastic, it can be damaged by very high heat. An outdoor grill should be kept at least 5 feet from the deck railing.

Further Decking Cost Comparisons Guides by Brand

How Much Does It Cost To Stain A Deck Guide

Aluminum Deck Railing Cost & Price Guide

Aluminum deck railing, professionally installed, will cost you between $50 and $120 per linear foot and slightly more if you are installing it on a concrete patio or have the old railing removed. An average cost is about $85 per linear foot of railing.

Here is an Quick overview of Aluminum Deck Railing installed prices.

New Aluminum Deck Railing Installed Cost
Deck Size / Design	Average Cost (Installed)	Deck Budget Level
10 x 10 Square Deck (30 ft)	$1,500 – $3,600	Low
20 x 25 Rectangle Deck (65 ft)	$3,250 – $7,800	Medium
Two-tier / Multi-Level Deck (125 ft)	$6,250 – $15,000	High-Premium

The above deck railing cost table and our other Deck Railing prices in this guide will give you a idea on the costs with other leading deck railing styles.

What is Aluminum Deck Railing?

Aluminum railing systems are most often constructed with aluminum posts, but posts made from wood, composite or vinyl materials can be used too. What is true of all aluminum railings, however, is that they contain aluminum top and bottom rails and aluminum balusters.

Aluminum deck railing is strong, durable, lightweight, available in a variety of styles and colors, and affordable. Aluminum will not rust or burn and is made from high-grade aluminum with baked on powder-coat finish. Aluminum is a good choice when you’re looking for an attractive deck railing to provide strength, low maintenance, and an open view.

Aluminum Deck Railing Cost

The below overview Price Table below shows costs and what you get for the money when buying your home deck railing.

Aluminum deck railing cost factors are listed to the left. These are not hard-and-fast rules for costs, but they give you an idea of what’s included in Low/Average/High cost ranges.

New Aluminum Deck Railing Costs
	Low Cost	Average Cost	High Cost
Costs Per foot	$45 – $60	$55 – $80	$75 – $120
Quality	Average	Average to Good	Good to Best
Deck Shape	Simple	Simple or Complex	Average or Complex
Using Existing Post	Yes or No	No	No
New Posts & Rails	Aluminum	Aluminum	Aluminum
Post Caps	None or Basic	Basic or Better	Best
Deck Railing Installation	DIY or Pro	Pro Installer	Pro Installer
Stair Rail	No	Yes or No	Yes or No
Rail Height	36″	36″ or 42″	42″
Panel Length	8′	5′ or 8′	5′ or 8′
Railing Color	Standard	Standard or Premium	Standard or Premium
LED Lights	No	No	Yes or No
Gate	No	Yes or No	Yes or No
Pre-Fab Panels/Individual
Components	Pre-Fab	Pre-Fab	Individual

Aluminum Deck Railing Brands & Types / Styles

Aluminum Railing Brands, Styles & Designs — Aluminum Deck Railing Styles & Designs

The largest manufacturers of aluminum deck railing are Deckorators, Trex, Westbury, Aria, Fiberon, and Fortress.

Deckorators ALX Aluminum Railing

This is in the mid-price range and made from heavy-gauge aluminum with a thick powder-coat finish designed to withstand the elements. The ALX series offers two styles, the ALX Classic provides a traditional style and the ALX Pro provides a sturdy 2×4 look. Standard colors include white, black, weathered brown, and bronze.

Lowes deck railing includes a full line of Dekorators railing in 6’ or 8’ long and 36” or 42” tall pre-assembled deck railing.

Trex Signature Aluminum Deck Railing

Trex is a high-end brand. One of the benefits of Trex deck railing is that it is completely customizable allowing you to create a deck railing that fits your style. You’ll find plenty of options and design choices on their website including round or square balusters, thin balusters made to mimic cable railing, 6’ and 8’ rails, brackets, and mounting hardware.

Trex Signature railing components provide the strength of top-quality aluminum, are quite simple to assemble, and available in Charcoal Black, Bronze, and White.

Westbury Aluminum Railing

Westbury leads the industry in aluminum deck railing products offering 4 profiles in outdoor railings. Tuscany features a classic 2-rail design with square or round balusters, Montego features curved balusters, and the Riviera Series features a 3-rail design. The VertiCable Series uses a combination of aluminum rails, posts and balusters alternating with steel cables to provide a virtually unobstructed view. Westbury railing profiles are available in 12 standard powder-coated colors and special order custom colors.

Deck Railings are manufactured in 4’, 5’, 6’, 7’, and 8’ lengths, deck balusters are produced in 36” and 42” heights, and posts come in 2”, 2.5”, 3”, 4” and 6” widths. Installation is fairly easy with balusters sliding into pre-slotted spaces.

Aria Aluminum Deck Railing

This brand manufactures high-quality powder-coated aluminum deck railing. Aria railing, an affordable brand, is one of the Home Depot deck railing brands. Panels come in 6’ and 8’ lengths at a height of 36”. You can buy the railing in solid black, white, or bronze, or purchase black rails with white balusters or vice versa.

Fiberon features aluminum railing under their HavenView CitySide profile. The Fiberon railing system provides a sleek, contemporary design with durable, long-lasting construction. Pre-punched bottom rails enable fast baluster installation.

Panels are available in 6’ and 8’ lengths and 36” or 42” heights in matte black only.

Fortress Aluminum Deck Rail

Fortress prides themselves in being affordable without sacrificing design flexibility and custom capabilities. Their newest aluminum deck railing system, Al 13 PLUS, is fully pre-welded, attractive, and easy to install with a simple bracket system. The system is made with quality welding and is powder-coated, making it maintenance-free.

Welded panels are available in 6’ and 8’ lengths at 34” and 40” heights. Colors include gloss black, textured black, and white.

Aluminum Deck Railing Costs & Prices

Homeowners most often choose aluminum deck railing made in panel kits with balusters and hardware. Decking Professionals also prefer installing these over installing individual components including balusters and deck handrails because the job goes quicker and smoother.

However, purchasing individual components allows you to choose which features suit your style and provide a custom look.

Below is an Aluminum Deck Railing Price List with panels, components, and installation accessories.

It is followed by sample aluminum deck railing costs for popular deck sizes.

Deck Railing Items & Accessories	Average Retail Cost
Prefab Panels 6′ to 8′	$150 – $750
Stair Panels with Balusters	$150 – $750
Deck Gates	$250 – $800
Deck Gate Connectors & Hardware Kits	$55 – $215
Posts – End, Middle, Corner	$35 – $175
Post & Stair Connectors	$30 – $125
Post Caps – No Lights	$20 – $50
Post Caps – With Lights	$35 – $150
Mounting & Connecting Brackets & Hardware	$45 – $120
Top Rails and Kits 6′ to 8′	$90 – $300
Accessory Lights	$30 – $100

Example Aluminum Railing Costs for Common Home Deck Dimensions

The list above shows retail aluminum deck railing costs for panels and components.

Most homeowners want to know what the installed deck costs will be for their specific deck size and type (e.g, Composite, PVC, Aluminum) . Most of these are attached decks with rails on 3 sides.

Using the below Deck Railing Price Table at the top of the page to fit your specific situation and narrow down what you’ll be expecting your railing costs to be based on those factors.

Deck Sizes / Layout	Linear Feet	Average Cost
10 x 10 Square Deck	30	$1,500 – $3,600
15 x 20 Rectangle Deck Shape	50	$2,500 – $6,000
20 x 25 Rectangle Deck	65	$3,250 – $7,800
L-shaped Deck	90	$4,500 – $10,800
Two-tier / Multi-Level Deck	125	$6,250 – $15,000
Deck Stairs – Any Deck Size	16	$800 – $1,920

Aluminum Deck Railing Installation & Labor

Professional deck installation costs about $20 to $35 per linear foot for aluminum or metal deck railing.

The deck job includes:

Removing old outdoor railing materials
Placing, leveling, and securing posts, adding screws and post bottom post covers
Measure panels and rails, cut if necessary, level rails, attach to posts with brackets and screws
Install deck balusters and decking handrail
Install gate and deck stair railing, if using
Add post caps and accessory lighting

Deck Labor costs to install aluminum deck railing depends on these factors:

Size of the Deck: Larger decks require more labor, but it is common for the price per linear foot to decrease as the size of the deck increases.
Complexity of the Deck: Square and rectangular decks have fewer corners and are easier to install than L-shaped or multi-sided decks. Two-tier decks add complexity and cost.
Who you Hire: If you DIY, then your costs will include any tools required to do the job – usually under $500. When hiring a pro, handyman services are usually less than deck contractors. But be sure that the installer is experienced with the brand and style of deck railing you purchase.
Where you Live: Cost of living affects all prices including deck railing installation.
Permit Cost: Most decks that require a railing also require an inspection to make sure that the rail is securely installed for safety. Permits vary by city/county and are often priced by the size of the deck. The larger the deck, the more railing is included and the longer the inspection takes.

Deck Sizes / Layout	Linear Feet	Labor Cost Only
10 x 10 Square Deck	30	$750 – $1,050
15 x 20 Rectangle Deck Shape	50	$1,125 – $1,625
20 x 25 Rectangle Deck	65	$1,400 – $2,000
L-shaped Deck	90	$1,800 – $2,700
Two-tier / Multi-Level Deck	125	$2,500 – $3,500
Deck Stairs – Any Deck Size	16	$350 – $450

DIY vs Deck Railing Installer

Most homeowners don’t have the tools like a miter saw and non-ferrous aluminum cutting blades to cut and install aluminum deck railing. It can be difficult to cut the rails, secure the posts, and make everything level and secure. With prices for materials so high, mis-cutting a part sets you back quite a bit and delays the job.

If you own or purchase the tools, an experienced DIY homeowner can complete the deck railing job with professional-looking results, but hiring a pro will ensure you get an attractive deck railing that’s also safe.

Aluminum Railing FAQ

Below are commonly asked questions about Aluminum deck railing and their deck railing installation.

Q. Should I choose 6-foot or 8-foot panels and rail lengths?

A. Longer lengths will cost slightly less per linear foot so if your deck can accommodate them, choose the longer lengths.

Q. What are the pros and cons of aluminum deck railing?

A. The Cons and Pros of aluminum railing are below:

The Pros

It won’t rust or corrode, even in a coastal, salt-air climate
It is very strong yet lightweight so won’t add unnecessary weight to the deck
It can last for decades
There are plenty of styles, colors, and options available in aluminum railing to compliment any home style
Aluminum is very easy to maintain.

The Cons

Aluminum can be slightly more expensive than other options like vinyl or wood
It can be easily scratched but it’s also easy to touch-up with paint
Standard color choices can be limited, some brands offer custom colors

Q. Does aluminum deck railing get hot to the touch in warm, sunny weather?

A. Aluminum dissipates heat well, so while it might get slightly warm, it will not get uncomfortably hot.

Q. Does aluminum deck railing cost more than wood railing? More than composite?

A. Aluminum is about twice the cost of wood railings and slightly higher in price than most composite railing.

Further Decking Cost Comparisons Guides by Brand

Cable Deck Railing Cost & Price Guide

Cable deck railing checks all of the boxes. It keeps everyone safe, maximizes the view and can be quite stylish too. But at $65 to $150 per linear foot for pro installation, it is one of the most expensive deck railing types along with glass deck railing.

Here is an Quick overview of Cable Deck Railing installed prices.

New Cable Deck Railing Installed Cost
Deck Size / Design	Average Cost (Installed)	Deck Budget Level
10 x 10 Square Deck (30 ft)	$1,950 – $4,500	Low
20 x 25 Rectangle Deck (65 ft)	$4,225 – $9,750	Medium
Two-tier / Multi-Level Deck (125 ft)	$8,125 – $18,750	High-Premium

The above deck cost table and other Deck Railing prices in this guide give you a chance to compare costs with other leading deck railing styles.

What is Cable Railing?

Also called cable deck railing and cable wire railing, it is an interesting alternative to standard decks railing made completely from wood, aluminum and composite.

Cable railing systems include posts and top rails made from your other material options. It is the guard rails that are made from high-strength cable, also called braided wire. The cables are usually installed horizontally, but vertical cabling is a slightly more costly option.

Your best long-term option is stainless steel railing, but galvanized cable is available too. Appearance is another factor, as stainless stays brighter longer. Galvanized darkens, and some homeowners prefer it’s more subdued appearance.

Cable Deck Railing Costs & Prices Breakdown

The below deck railing costs table shows you the breakdown of the costs and what you get for the money.

Cable deck railing cost factors are listed to the left. These are not hard-and-fast rules for cost, but they give you an idea of what’s included in Low / Average / High cost tiers.

New Cable Deck Railing Costs
	Low Cost	Average Cost	High Cost
Costs Per foot	$40 – $100	$95 – $125	$120 – $150
Quality	Average	Average to Good	Good to Best
Deck Shape	Simple	Simple or Complex	Simple or Complex
Using Existing Post	Yes or No	No	No
New Posts & Rails	Steel or Wood	Composite, Stainless or Aluminum	Aluminum or Stainless
Post Caps	None or Basic	Basic or Better	Best
Deck Railing Installation	DIY or Pro	Pro Installer	Pro Installer
Stair Rail	No	Yes or No	Yes or No
Rail Height	36″ or 42″	36″ or 42″	42″
Panel Length	8′	6′ or 8′	6′ or 8′
Railing Color	Standard	Standard or Premium	Standard or Premium
Cable Material	Galvanized	Galvanized or Stainless	Stainless
LED Lights	No	No	Yes or No
Gate	No	No	Yes or No

Cable Deck Railing Brands & Types / Styles

The major manufacturers of cable deck railing are Feeney, SkyLine, KeyLink and TimberTech RadianceRail with Feeney cable.

Feeney Deck Railing

Feeney sells aluminum posts in starter, intermediate (middle), corner and end post options. They are powder coated in several colors. Stair rail sections are available at a slightly higher cost than deck panels.

Feeney has all the accessories to complete the project including options for cabling, post caps, base plates and touchup paint. Feeney’s cable tension gauge is a very handy tool to have for pros and DIY homeowners regardless of what brand you select.

Fortress Cable Railing

Fortress Cable Rail is a high-end brand with stainless steel cabling and powder-coated posts and rails in a variety of colors and several attractive series.

Both horizontal and vertical cable panels are offered along with stair panels and prefab steel gates. As with most brands, 36” and 42” heights plus 6’ and 8’ panels are manufactured. All installation supplies and accessories are available from Fortress Rail.

KeyLink Cable Railings

KeyLink sells cable railing components including posts, top rails, stainless steel cable and installation accessories.
While the components needed to create panels cost less than pre-fab panels, installation costs might be more if you hire a professional installer because it will take more time to build your cable deck railing system.

Westbury VertiCable

Westbury VertiCable Railing specializes, as you might guess, in pre-assembled and pre-tensioned panels with vertical cable. Powder-coated colors include 3 stock and 9 special order tones. Panels are all 36” high, and widths include 4’, 5’, 6’, 7’ and 8’. Gates and stair panels are produced too along with all post types needed. This is a mid-priced option.

TimberTech Decking & Railing

TimberTech is a leading manufacturer of composite decking and railing. The company also offers cable railing with composite framing and Feeney stainless steel cabling.

A nice assortment of LED lights is available for posts, risers, stairs and caps at a cost of $40 to $100 each.

Atlantis RailEasy

Another components brand is Atlantis RailEasy. It manufacturers top tubular steel rails with a chrome finish, stainless steel cable and installation accessories.

RailEasy systems can be used with posts of any material including wood, composite and steel. If you have deck rails that need an update or replacement, Atlantis RailEasy is worth considering.

Cable Deck Railing Costs & Prices

Most homeowners choose cable deck railing manufactured in pre-fab panels. Deck Professionals encourage their use over building railing from components too, because the job goes quicker and more smoothly.

However, components allow you to pick and choose which features you prefer and customize the appearance of your deck railings.

With that in mind, here is a Cable Deck Railing Price List of panels, components and installation accessories.

It is followed by sample cable deck railing costs for popularly sized decks.

Deck Railing Items & Accessories	Average Retail Cost
Prefab Panels 6′ to 8′	$490 – $850
Prefab Stair Panels	$700 – $965
Deck Gates	$525 – $800
Posts – End, Middle, Corner	$90 – $175
Post Caps – No Lights	$10 – $40
Post Caps – With Lights	$75 – $125
Rolls of Cable – 100′	$65 – $80
Mounting Hardware per Post	$60 – $200
Top Rails and Kits 6′ to 8′	$110 – $400
Accessory Lights	$40 – $100
Tension Gauge	$130 – $175
Cable Cutter	$45 – $60
Tensioning Tool	$80 – $125

Example Cable Railing Costs for common Deck Dimensions

The list above shows retail cable deck railing costs for panels and components.

But many homeowners want to know what the installed costs are for their specific deck size and type. Most of these are attached decks with rails on three sides.

Use the Overview Cable Deck Railing Price Table at the top of the page to narrow what you can expect your costs will be based on cost factors.

Deck Size / Layout	Linear Feet	Average Cost
10 x 10 Square Deck	30	$1,950 – $4,500
15 x 20 Rectangle Deck Shape	50	$3,250 – $7,500
20 x 25 Rectangle Deck	65	$4,225 – $9,750
L-shaped Deck	90	$5,850 – $13,500
Two-tier / Multi-Level Deck	125	$8,125 – $18,750
Deck Stairs – Any Deck Size	16	$1,275 – $2,800

Cable Deck Railing Installation & Labor

Most deck installers charge $15 to $30 per linear foot to install cable deck railing.

The deck railing installation entails:

Installing and securing starter, line/middle, corner and end posts (or removing old rails such as wood or composite)
If using existing wood posts, drilling holes for the cable
Running cable through holes in the posts – and installing ballast posts along the line where required
Installing cable seats in end posts
Tensioning the cable
Installing top rails, caps and accessory lights

The cost of labor to install cable deck railing depends on these factors:

Size of the Deck: Larger decks take more labor, of course, but it is common for the price per linear foot to go down as the size of the deck increases.
Complexity of the Deck: Square and other rectangular decks have fewer corners and offer easier installation than L-shaped, six-sided and other shaped decks.
Who you Hire: If you DIY, then your deck costs will include any tools required to get the job done – usually around $500. When hiring a pro, handyman services usually charge less than deck contractors. But be sure that the installer is experienced with the brand and style of cable deck railing you purchase.
Where you Live: Cost of living affects all prices including deck railing installation.
Permit Cost: Most decks that require a deck railing also require an inspection to ensure the rail is securely installed for safety. Permits vary by city/county and often are priced by the size of the deck. The bigger the deck, the more railing is needed and the longer it takes to inspect it.

Deck Size / Design	Linear Feet	Average Cost
10 x 10 Square Deck	30	$550 – $675
15 x 20 Rectangle Deck Design	50	$800 – $1,000
20 x 25 Rectangle Deck Design	65	$975 – $1,300
L-shaped Deck	90	$1,800 – $2,700
Two-tier / Multi-Level Deck	125	$2,500 – $3,100
Deck Stairs – Any Deck Size	16	$320 – $450

DIY vs Deck Railing Installer

Most homeowners don’t have the tools like cable tighteners and tension gauges that it takes to successfully complete a cable deck railing installation. If you don’t get the cables tight, they’ll droop, which affects the appearance. And they likely won’t pass inspection.

While the tools are available and experienced homeowners can complete the job with professional-looking results, hiring an experienced pro makes the best sense for this deck railing project.

Cable Deck Railing FAQ

Below are commonly asked questions about cable deck railing and their deck railing installation.

Q. What difference does panel length make?

A. Prefab panels cost less per linear foot the longer they are. A product that costs $550 for a 6-foot panel, or about $92 per linear foot, might cost $680 for an 8-foot panel, or about $85 per linear foot.

Q. What’s better, galvanized steel or stainless steel cable?

A. It depends on your budget and the look you want. Galvanized is darker to begin with, and within 10-15 years might show signs of corrosion.

That’s why most cable is stainless steel. It costs close to double, but it won’t corrode and will keep its shiny good looks indefinitely.

Q. Are cable deck railings safe for children and pets?

A. Yes. When properly installed and as tight as they should be, cable provides a very safe railing for anyone.

Q. What are the top brands of cable deck railing?

A. Skyline, Feeney, KeyLink, TimberTech, Atlantis RailEasy, AGS Stainless and Fortress are among the highest rated cable deck railing manufacturers.