Custom Railings in Austin, TX | 3 Cords Stairs & Railings
Discover our Custom Railings
Building codes require railings, but design-forward homeowners and architects demand railings that go beyond compliance and become part of the story the home tells. At 3 Cords Stairs & Railings, we custom-fabricate and install railings for staircases, balconies, mezzanines, lofts, decks, and exterior applications throughout the Austin, TX area. Every system we build is engineered for structural integrity and crafted for visual impact.
We work in five primary materials, including wood, glass, fabricated steel, cable, and wrought iron, and we frequently combine them to achieve results that no catalog product could replicate. Whether you’re finishing a new custom home or refreshing the look of an existing staircase, our team will help you select the right system for your space, your style, and your budget.
Railing Materials and Styles
Wood Railings
Wood railings bring organic warmth and natural texture to any interior space. We work in a full range of domestic hardwoods, such as white oak, red oak, walnut, maple, ash, and others, and can match existing millwork, flooring, or cabinetry finishes. Wood handrails pair beautifully with painted balusters, wrought iron pickets, or cable infill for a layered, custom effect. Our craftsmen hand-shape and finish every component in our Austin-area shop before installation.
Best for: Traditional, transitional, farmhouse, and rustic-modern interiors. Stairs, balconies, and interior loft guardrails.
Glass Railings
Glass railings are among the most requested systems we install, and for good reason: they preserve sightlines, flood spaces with light, and signal a commitment to modern design that’s difficult to achieve with any other material. We offer both framed and frameless glass systems, using tempered or laminated safety glass panels that meet all applicable load requirements.
Frameless systems use standoff hardware or channel-mounted bases for a near-invisible profile. Framed systems pair glass panels with steel or aluminum posts for a slightly more structured look. Both options are available in a range of post finishes, such as brushed stainless, matte black, bronze, and custom powder-coat colors.
Best for: Open-concept interiors, modern and contemporary homes, high-end commercial spaces, and any application where preserving a view is a priority.
Fabricated Steel Railings
Our fabricated steel railings are designed and welded in-house, which means we’re not limited by the profiles and configurations available through catalog systems. We can produce flat bar pickets, round bar, hollow section, and custom geometric patterns. Steel railings are available in painted finishes (any color), powder coat, or raw with a clear protective coating for an industrial aesthetic.
Stainless steel is also available for applications requiring elevated corrosion resistance, which is particularly useful for exterior installations in humid environments or near pool areas.
Best for: Modern, industrial, and transitional interiors. Commercial projects. Exterior and semi-covered applications.
Cable Railings
Cable railing systems offer a clean, horizontal line profile that opens up views while maintaining the structural function of a guardrail. Stainless steel cables, typically 1/8″ diameter, run between posts in a tensioned system that meets IBC and IRC requirements when properly engineered. We install cable systems for interior staircases, balconies, exterior decks, and pool surrounds throughout the Austin metro.
Cable railings pair naturally with wood or steel top rails and posts. They’re particularly popular on exterior decks and second-story balconies where maintaining a view of the yard or landscape is a priority.
Best for: Contemporary and coastal-inspired interiors. Exterior decks, balconies, and pool areas. Clients who want an open feel without the weight of glass.
Wrought Iron Railings
Wrought iron railings are the definition of timeless craftsmanship. Hand-forged and finished with meticulous attention to detail, iron railings can range from simple, elegant profiles to intricate custom patterns. We design and fabricate every iron piece to your specifications, including custom scrollwork, panel designs, and post caps.
Iron railings are available in painted finishes and are especially well-suited to traditional, French country, Mediterranean, and Old World-inspired homes. They’re also a popular choice for exterior gates and fences, offering security alongside architectural character.
Best for: Traditional and classical interiors. Grand entry staircases. Exterior gates and fences. Historic renovations.
Where We Install Railings
We fabricate and install custom railing systems for every application:
- Interior staircases (both handrails and baluster/picket guardrail systems)
- Open stair treads (floating staircase railings)
- Interior balconies, mezzanines, and loft guardrails
- Exterior decks and balconies
- Pool surrounds and outdoor living areas
- Commercial stairways and balconies
- Gates and fences (ironwork)
Code Compliance and Safety
All railing systems we install are designed to comply with applicable residential and commercial building codes. For residential projects, this means meeting IRC requirements for guardrail height, baluster spacing, and structural load capacity. Commercial projects follow IBC standards. We handle this so you don’t have to, and we provide documentation as needed for inspections.
Let’s Build Something
Beautiful Together
Your vision deserves craftsmanship that lasts. Whether you’re planning a bold staircase, custom railings, or an entire project, our team is ready to bring it to life. Connect with us today and let’s start building something beautiful together.