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›› Home › Blog › Discover Top Vertical Railing Ideas for a Modern Look

Discover Top Vertical Railing Ideas for a Modern Look

February 11, 2025 by Carole Curcie

When remodeling or building a home, keep in mind that you’re making an investment and design decision that will last a lifetime. A railing system is a feature that deeply impacts how the residents emotionally connect with the property. It’s easy to underestimate the value and longevity of the design choices we make today and how that pays dividends in the future, emotionally and financially.

Balcony vertical cable rail with waterfront view. AGS manufactures vertical bar railing, vertical rod rail and vertical cable rail.
Some construction projects demand the best possible solution. This luxury balcony railing design by AGS features top-mount stainless posts with a vertical cable infill. The design celebrates the space and delivers a suitably impressive aesthetic fitting for a high-end location.

One of the many benefits of an AGS custom-designed railing system is that you can change the look and functional aspects of the design to suit your preferences and needs. AGS manufactures stainless steel railing systems with various infill materials, including vertical cable and vertical rod railing. When designing your railing system, you can personalize its appearance by selecting from a wide range of upgrades and options that make the space feel even more special.

Metal spindle ideas, vertical cable rail.

Rainier | Vertical Cable Railing

Metal baluster ideas. Vertical rod railing

Olympus | Vertical Rod Railing

    Vertical Railing Systems

  • Rainier | Vertical Cable Railing
    Specifications and Drawings
  • Olympus | Vertical Rod Railing
    Specifications and Drawings

    Horizontal Railing Systems

  • Rainier | Horizontal Cable Railing
    Specifications and Drawings
  • Olympus | Horizontal Rod Railing
    Specifications and Drawings

Visit our homepage to discover the wide range of railing solutions AGS offers.

AGS Vertical Infill and Prefabricated Railing Systems

If you have chosen a vertical infill for your railing design, you’ll want to know about the advantages of prefabrication. An offsite fabricated railing system by AGS improves efficiency, delivers optimal solutions, and provides an enduring beauty that will set your project apart for decades to come.

AGS customers who select prefabricated vertical cable railing receive precut cables with both fittings attached, significantly shortening the installation time. There’s no need to measure, cut, and crimp the cables. All you have to do is assemble the infill. Alternative products can be much more labor-intensive to install and do not provide the same potential to differentiate your railing design with custom upgrades.

With a prefabricated rod railing system, AGS cuts each tube to the correct length, eliminating much of the work a local metal fabricator would otherwise do and delivering an exceptionally high-quality product. Due to AGS’ use of high-tech machinery, you can be confident you’ll get a flawless luxury look — often at a more favorable price compared to a local railing provider.

AGS manufactures vertical cable rail systems in a factory using high tech machinery.
“The laser fiber cutting machine improves our efficiency and gives us a higher quality product for our clients.” Kevin Harris, Director of Sales and Marketing at AGS Stainless.

AGS works directly with homeowners and contractors to design and prefabricate custom railing systems for residential and commercial applications. The custom railing design does not need a specialized installer because the system is simple to install, and any building professional can complete the task.

The laser fiber cutting machine ensures precision when manufacturing vertical cable railing systems and vertical steel rod railing designs.
Watch: Kevin Harris explains how AGS manufactures custom-designed railing systems.

Quality | Our team completes all the highly skilled design work in a factory using state-of-the-art machinery, guaranteeing quality, consistency, and precision.

Efficiency | The components are manufactured offsite to your specifications and installed by you or your contractor using simple tools. Prefabrication means there’s no need for onsite modification or specialized labor, saving you money and time on the job site.

Timely | Your shipment includes every component you need for your installation, helping your project stay on track and meet your deadline.

Solutions | AGS manufactures custom components, such as gates and one-off posts, providing elegant solutions and a seamless look rather than awkward workarounds.

Video – Learn More

Free Design Consultation

Specification and Drawings

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Installing AGS Vertical Railing Infill

Vertical Cable Infill

For the homeowner or contractor, installing vertical cable infill is much quicker than you might imagine because AGS cuts each line to the correct length and attaches the appropriate fittings on both ends. Once the railing frame is installed, the cables are connected using an easy-fit fitting at the top and a standard fitting at the bottom. The simple and clever design is a satisfying solution to what could otherwise be a time-consuming and frustrating task.

AGS Stainless vertical cable railing systems for decks infill installation drawing.
AGS easy-fit fitting for vertical cable railing.
Metal spindles for deck design or vertical cable rail is a top look for a modern home.
AGS standard fitting for vertical cable railing.

AGS’ vertical cable infill is secured to the bottom panel runner with a Nyloc nut and an acorn nut. Our railing systems arrive with an installation guide and parts numbered to correspond with your plans.

Cable Cutters and Crimpers for Vertical Railing

You or your contractor will not need cable cutters or crimpers for an AGS vertical cable railing because our team prepares the cable fittings before shipping each custom-designed railing system to the job site. Also, you don’t need to worry about the vertical baluster spacing because AGS takes care of all the important details.

Browse specification drawings to learn more about installing AGS prefabricated railing systems, or call us at 888-842-9492 to speak to an expert.

Vertical Rod Infill

The benefits of prefabrication and ease of installation could not be more applicable than on the stair railing section (pictured below). The contractor installed the AGS custom-designed railing using components manufactured for this unique layout. It’s a great example of a complex job made more doable because the homeowner opted for offsite fabrication. The prefabricated stainless top rail adds extra appeal, delivering an impressively upscale aesthetic that hits the spot — just right for a coastal custom home.

Stainless steel vertical deck railing British Columbia, Canada.
The homeowner selected a side-mount vertical rod deck railing with a flat stainless steel top rail as part of a deck remodel and upgrade to the property.
AGS ships vertical metal rod stair railing and vertical cable rail all over the US and beyond.
The railing design’s silvery metallic tones blend beautifully with the shingle, white surf, and muted ocean colors.

AGS supplied the customer with Olympus vertical railing as part of an extensive remodeling project for a luxury residential home. Most of the railing is side-mounted, but the stair posts are top-mounted. The elegant handrail transitions deliver a subtle but powerful impact and visual interest to the stunning deck design.

To see AGS specification drawings for this project:

  • Olympus, residential, vertical rod rail, side mount 36″, flat top rail
  • Olympus, residential, vertical rod rail, top mount 36″, flat top rail

AGS ships modern balusters for stairs and decks all over the US.

Where Does AGS Ship Vertical Railing System?

AGS ships vertical railing systems nationwide and internationally to anywhere that UPS or another carrier can deliver. Please email us at info@agsstainless.com, call 888-842-9492 to ask questions, or submit your measurements for a FREE Design Consultation.

AGS ships vertical rod railing system and vertical cable rails all over the US and beyond.

Check out what our customers say about us! | With any investment, you want to be confident that you’ll get the outcome you expect. AGS has been in business for over thirty years and has earned exceptional online reviews. Read for yourself what it’s like to work with our team and how we can help with any aspect of your project, from specialized hardware to complete railing systems.

Stainless Vertical Railing vs Aluminum

With regard to appearance, the distinction between an AGS stainless steel railing and an aluminum railing system by a competitor is easy to spot because the difference in post width is very noticeable. Only a stainless railing system can offer the strikingly modern look and elegant 1.5-inch-wide posts. Aluminum posts are much broader, and home builders typically use them for more everyday projects.

In terms of performance, AGS manufactures vertical railing systems using marine-grade 316 stainless steel, which surpasses aluminum for corrosion resistance. In addition, high-quality steel is stronger than aluminum, making it less likely to ding or scratch.

Image contrasts wooden deck pickets with stainless metal deck spindles on balcony and deck.
This property (above) features two types of railing design. The AGS Stainless vertical cable railing has an undeniable wow factor compared to traditional wood pickets.

When it comes to the experience of utilizing the railing system, consider the tactile sensation of stainless steel; it denotes quality and creates a lasting impression far superior to aluminum and many other railing materials. Visiting trade shows or comparing railing samples is a great way to differentiate the quality between different railing products.

If you compare the cost of stainless railing systems to aluminum, be careful not to compare apples to oranges. There’s a vast difference between AGS stainless steel one-piece posts and posts assembled from multiple parts. Always examine the quality of the welds and ask if the product is TIG or MIG welded.

A high-end railing system will transform a property and elevate it to a class of its own. The right railing design performs as a safety feature and adds sculptural elegance to the Home’s exterior.

Vertical Railing for Decks

When looking for balusters and spindle ideas for a residential deck railing, most people picture a wood railing system with 4×4 posts, but if you want to get creative, there are many deck railing ideas and styles to choose from. AGS specializes in railing systems, including custom-designed railing, off-the-shelf railing, and railing hardware. Many of our customers are homeowners who want to build a DIY vertical railing system; others are professionals looking for complete railing solutions.

We’re here to help. If you want inspiration, browse AGS railing photos or visit the railing hardware store. Alternatively, if you have a clear idea about what you want and are ready to get a free estimate, please ask for a design consultation to learn more about AGS vertical deck railing options.

Vertical deck balusters made from stainless steel are a beautiful addition to a custom home.
AGS prefabricated this top-mount vertical deck railing system and shipped it to the homeowner in parts that are ready to install.

Over time, stainless balusters will require less maintenance than wood, which is something to consider when planning your budget — also, factor in the ease of installation and the time it takes to build the railing system. Cheaper products often require more time on the job site because your contractor needs to assemble many components. It’s better to invest in a high-quality product and pay less for labor than to choose a cheaper railing design and give the savings to a contractor.

When purchasing hardware for an outdoor railing system, always ensure that all the components are stainless steel marine-grade 316. Inferior products may result in rust streaking.

Got questions? Browse our specification drawings, ask for a Design Consultation, or talk to a railing expert 888-842-9492

Vertical Railing for Stairs

Vertical baluster designs with cable or rod infill offer a contemporary, sophisticated look that complements traditional and modern architecture. Consider how the railing material affects the space when researching stair railing options. One of the many benefits of an AGS cable or rod infill is that it reflects light, making it a good choice for stairways that frequently lack daylight. In addition, metal spindles made from cable and rod occupy less surface area, creating an open, airy feeling, especially when compared to wood.

Stainless steel vertical stair railing system (pictured). Consider cable or rod balusters or metal spindles for stairs if you want to create a modern home design.
AGS custom-designed vertical cable railing for stairs delivers a sculptural appeal and a stunning modern look. The handrail details take the design to the next level, elevating the space into an attractive and functional feature of the home.

To see AGS specification drawings for this project:

  • Rainier, residential, vertical cable railing, top mount 36″, flat top rail

Vertical Railing System Design Ideas

AGS manufactures custom parts when necessary or desired, allowing customers to make innovative design choices and find unique railing solutions when appropriate. Customers can choose from many design options, including powder coat colors, handrail styles, and post-mount options. If your project demands a one-off look, AGS can help you differentiate your railing design in multiple ways. Ask for a free design consultation to learn more.

AGS helps customers realize their modern stainless baluster ideas.
This side mount matte black railing system pairs well with the stone pavers. AGS manufactured custom parts to accommodate the patio’s shape, including a curved vertical railing section.

See AGS specifications and drawings to learn more.

Vertical Handrail Options

When you choose an AGS prefabricated railing system, you can decide what type of top rail you’d like. Some customers choose a stainless handrail, while others opt for wood. Check out AGS’ StarLights or hardwired LED handrail lighting if you like the idea of an illuminated top rail for your vertical railing system.

Metal railing spindles create a beautiful vertical railing.
AGS offers many options and upgrades for vertical railing handrails, including solar-powered LED railing lights and hardwired handrail lighting. Please ask one of our consultants for more information.

One of the many benefits of a custom-designed railing system is the ability to choose exactly what you want, including your wood top rail, which allows you to create a look that perfectly matches your home. Many customers choose their handrail from their local lumber yard and stain or paint it to match the home’s exterior features.

Baluster railing with metal spindles.
What could be more luxurious than the surface mount railing with vertical infill and baseplate covers? It looks beautiful.

What Is a Custom Railing System?

This vertical infill railing sample (below) was designed for a trade show to demonstrate AGS’ capabilities to produce elegant, innovative railing designs that are classic and eye-catching. AGS endeavors to accommodate client requests, whether a powder coat color, a purpose-built gate, or a one-off vertical infill design.

Railing balusters made from stainless steel create a modern look. Vertical bar railing, and vertical cable rail are manufactured using high tech machinery
This modern vertical railing design demonstrates how AGS’ laser cutting machine allows the company to deliver customer requests and high-quality railing solutions. A prefabricated railing system arrives in parts rather than panels or sections.

Vertical Railing for Commercial Applications

Whether vertical or horizontal, stainless cable railing delivers a modern, open, and spacious look. When architects specify a railing design, they often want the orientation of the infill material to mirror the overall environment. For example, a landscape with many trees or a cityscape with very tall buildings often suits a vertical railing installation.

Modern railing balusters create a beautiful asthetic.
This AGS commercial vertical railing installation blends with and is sympathetic to the local architecture. Many vertical design elements blend to form a cohesive look.

Glass, concrete, and stainless steel combine to form the trifecta for minimalist design. For a commercial vertical railing installation, there are many reasons to choose stainless steel, including its looks, durability, and ease of maintenance. AGS prefabricated vertical railing systems are the top choice for many building professionals because they minimize wasted time and materials and optimize efficiency.

Specify AGS vertical railing systems with Arcat’s SpecWizard

Vertical metal balusters on a balcony for commercial railing installation on an office building.
The owner has partially renovated the balcony railing on this building. Compare the difference between wood spindles and stainless vertical railing. Residents can enjoy the benefits of this beautiful AGS railing design from multiple vantage points: behind the railing, while using the balcony, and from the pavement admiring the front of the building.

To see the specification drawings for the project above:

  • Rainier, commercial, vertical cable rail, top mount 42″, flat top rail

To see specification drawings for all AGS commercial vertical railing systems:

  • Rainier commercial vertical cable rail
  • Olympus commercial vertical rod rail

If you have any questions about AGS vertical cable or vertical rod railing, please don’t hesitate to call 888-842-9492 or ask for a design consultation to get a free estimate.

Filed Under: Blog

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