Cable Railing for Decks

Deckorators Cable Railing:

ALX Contemporary Cable Rail: Features clean, minimalist lines and a powder-coated finish that resists scratches and corrosion. Available in Textured Black, Textured White, and Bronze, with several size options (6' or 8' lengths, 36" or 42" heights).
SLX Cable Railing: Uses stainless steel posts and cables for a modern, unobtrusive look. Includes pre-drilled intermediate posts and a graspable handrail, available in 36" and 42" heights.

Comparison:

Installation: RDI’s Elevation® Rail is notable for its fast, simple installation and innovative tensioning system.
Design: Both brands offer modern aesthetics, but RDI’s Avalon system provides more customization options.
Material/Finish:

Deckorators offers more finish choices, while RDI focuses on matte finishes.
Maintenance: RDI’s OneTen™ system reduces the need for seasonal cable adjustments.

In summary, RDI emphasizes easy installation and customization, while Deckorators focuses on sleek design and finish variety. Both are strong choices for modern cable railing systems.

When thinking about cable railing systems, people often think of their deck or home exterior to maximize the outdoor view.  Cable rail also makes a stylish and impressionable statement inside your home. 

Both RDI (part of Barrette Outdoor Living) and Deckorators are well-known brands in the outdoor living and railing industry, and both offer cable rail systems designed to provide durability, safety, and a clean, modern aesthetic — especially for decks, patios, and outdoor stair applications.

Cable deck railing provides an excellent segue between your space and the surrounding environment. Whether you’re overlooking a scenic backyard, a waterfront property, or a rooftop patio, cable railing for decks provides unobstructed views while maintaining safety and style. Their sleek, minimalist design complements both modern and traditional aesthetics, making them a versatile choice for any home.

Here’s an overview of each type of cable deck railing:

Rail FX CABLE RAILING

Rail FX Cable Railing components are architecturally designed from the ground up for a clean look. They’re not just modified marine hardware. Our Invisiware fittings even hide inside your end posts. Easy to install (or have installed), Rail FX Cable Railing Infill is practically invisible and will preserve spaciousness for your interior application or ensure the view from your exterior deck. See the view, not the hardware.

RailFX cable railing kits come with stainless steel cable railing hardware fittings for both ends of your cable run, all washers and fasteners necessary, choice of 1/8″ or 3/16″ diameter 1×19 Type 316 stainless steel cable, and installation instructions.

Cable railing kits come in cable length increments of 5′ to 70′ lengths. You will cut the cables to their proper lengths on site. Each kit contains one cable and all associated hardware.

Accessories, such as mounting tabs, cable cutters, and other installation aids and equipment are ordered separately. For coastal applications in a salt water environment, it is strongly recommended E-Z Clean is purchased along with any kits. While Type 316 stainless steel, the most corrosion and rust-resistant stainless steel available, is used almost exclusively in our hardware, it is stain-less steel, not stain-proof. If you’re near the ocean, some maintenance will be required.

DECKORATORS

For tastes that lean toward the contemporary, Deckorators new twist on railing infill options will thrill the modern sensibility. The minimalist look of sleek horizontal Cable Rail in place of traditional vertical balusters-is like a breath of fresh air for your deck.

Key Features:

Design: Streamlined look — great for maximizing views with a minimalist feel.
Material: Heavy-duty aluminum framing with 316-grade stainless-steel cable for long-term outdoor exposure.
Pre-Drilled Posts: Posts come pre-drilled for uniform spacing and faster installation.
System Types:
ALX Cable Railing (the most popular): an all-aluminum system with sleek, modern lines.
Available in several finishes (e.g., Satin Black, Textured White, Weathered Brown, Bronze).
Top Rail Options: Can pair with a deck board top rail for a custom look.
Durability & Maintenance: Corrosion-resistant, low maintenance, backed by limited lifetime and powder-coat warranties.
Common Applications: Luxury residential decks, rooftop patios, modern architectural designs, and waterfront properties.

RDI

AVALON ~ Rust-resistant Avalon Aluminum Railing cable system combines form, function and versatility — providing style, safety and security. Avalon Aluminum Railing offers the ultimate in customization with three top rail options. Posts are all pre-drilled, cable packs are sold in different lengths for easy installation.

Key Features:

Material Options: Aluminum posts with stainless-steel cable infill. Some systems integrate vinyl or composite sleeves.
Clean Aesthetic: Minimal obstruction to views — ideal for scenic spaces.
Pre-Assembled or Custom Options: Offered in both pre-assembled panels (such as the RDI Avalon Cable Railing) and customizable systems.
Ease of Installation: Many RDI systems use pre-drilled posts and hidden fastening hardware to simplify setup.
Compatibility: Often works with RDI’s other railing styles — such as Avalon Aluminum, Transform Composite, or 
Durability: Powder-coated aluminum and marine-grade stainless cable resist rust and corrosion.
Common Applications: Deck perimeters, lake houses, coastal environments, and contemporary homes.

TRANSFORM 

Composite railing by RDI offers a full cable rail system that works with the Transform railing system.

Elevations

Available in pre-assembled kits that can install 38% faster than the leading competition* — and easy to shop with fewer SKUs to order —RDI Elevation Rail requires no special tools or fasteners and is unlike any other cable railing system on the market. With pre-strung continuous stainless-steel cables and adjustable panels that span up to 6’ wide, RDI Elevation Rail features the patent pending OneTen™ built-in centralized system that eliminates the need to tension each cable individually and decreases the need for seasonal adjustments. Offering a modern, industrial design and a continuous top rail for both level and stair applications, this horizontal cable railing offers unobstructed views and can be used indoors or outdoors.

SLX

Open your outdoor space and add a touch of modern beauty with SLX Cable railing. SLX Cable railing is a combination of stainless steel posts, spacers and cable creating pristine views in your outdoor living space. 

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