When it comes to home design and safety, few features are as important as railings. Whether indoors or outdoors, railings serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. Not only do they prevent falls and add architectural detail, they also help define spaces. For homeowners in Austin looking to install new railings or replace existing ones, cable railings offer a sleek and modern option. In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore popular cable railing installation choices—including wood and glass infill—to help you choose the best system for your home.
Benefits of Cable Railing Systems
Cable railings provide a lightweight and transparent alternative to bulky wood and metal railings. Stainless steel cables run horizontally between metal or wood posts, with vertical pickets or glass infill panels adding shape and opacity. Compared with traditional railings, cable systems offer:
- More open views—Cables don’t block sightlines like solid railings. You can better see and appreciate surrounding landscapes.
- Minimal visual impact—Thin cables and glass blend into backgrounds, maintaining views without dominating them.
- Increased safety—Taut cable construction eliminates wide gaps that could allow a child to slip through.
- Low maintenance—Cable doesn’t warp or decay like wood, and never needs scraping, sanding or repainting. At most, an occasional cleaning keeps cables looking like new.
- Contemporary style—The transparency and fine lines of cables complement modern architecture and design themes.
Wood and Glass Infill Options
While the horizontal cables provide structure and support, the vertical infill defines shape and style. Wood and glass are two of the most popular infill choices for Austin cable railing projects. Here’s an overview of each material:
Wood Infill Railings
Wood infill offers a classic look and feel—perfect for Traditional, Craftsman and Ranch style homes. Vertical wood balusters mimic the form of classic porch and deck railings while eliminating some of the visual bulk. Popular wood choices include:
- Cedar: Affordable, weather-resistant softwood that stains well
- Redwood: Naturally decay- and insect-resistant softwood with dimensional stability
- Ipe: Tropical hardwood known for strength, durability and rich color
Pros:
- Timeless, classic aesthetic
- Variety of wood types and finishes
- Provides more opacity than glass
Cons:
- Requires regular maintenance (staining, sealing)
- Not as transparent as glass infill
Glass Infill Railings
Incorporating glass infill in today’s new Austin Homes architecture is elegant contemporary and allows for expansive views of the exterior environment. Flat and thick tempered safety glass is used frequently with exposures to cables and other infrastructural elements, sometimes with small frames in between. Through its design, the level of security it offers allows for free movement with a view, and its form is able to meet safety standards set by building codes regarding accidents such as falls. Popular options include:
- Clear glass: Provides complete visibility
- Frosted or etched glass: Obscures views while allowing light through
- Tinted glass: Adds color and UV protection
Pros:
- Maximizes visibility and light
- Durable and low-maintenance
- Contemporary aesthetic
Cons:
- Lacks privacy
- Glass panels prone to fingerprints
- Not suited for all architectural styles
Railing Installation in Austin
Once you’ve weighed the pros and cons and decided on a cable railing design for your Austin home, it’s time to hire an experienced installation company. Proper cable railing installation requires precision and expertise—especially when working on elevated decks and balconies. Be sure to choose a licensed and insured railing company that:
- Provides customized project consultations
- Employs certified railing installers
- Specializes in cable railing systems
- Carries all required permits and licenses
- Includes post-project cleanup and disposal services
For additional peace of mind, look for a company that offers long-term warranties on materials and labor. Reputable glass railing installers stand behind their work. Before committing, compare multiple bids and verify examples of previous work. With the right partner, you can look forward to years of safety and enjoyment from your new cable railing system.
Choose the Best for Your Next Project
When it’s time to install a new railing system in your Austin, Texas area home, SMAK Stairs and Railings stands ready to make your vision a reality. For over 15 years, we have specialized in stunning cable railings paired with wood and glass infill options to match any architectural style.
Our experienced team brings an artistic eye, technical skills and customer service passion to every job. You’ll enjoy working with our railing design experts whether creating a stunning glass balcony system or keeping a traditional wood porch safer for your growing family. We offer custom consultations, innovative solutions and transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
All SMAK cable railing projects include:
- Licensed and insured installers
- Code-compliant materials meeting the highest safety standards
- Streamlined permitting and inspections
- Post-installation cleanup services
- Long-term warranties on labor and materials
When you choose SMAK Stairs and Railings for your next deck, patio or balcony railing installation, you support a local Austin small business. And you gain peace of mind knowing your safety and satisfaction drive every decision we make. Contact us today to get inspired with stunning photos of previous work, or to schedule a free in-home estimate. Beautiful, durable cable railings are just a call away!