# Customize Your Express Cable Railing

Express is Viewrail's in-stock, direct-ship cable railing line. It uses a standard option set, so you can move from planning to order faster.

{% hint style="info" %}
This page covers the full **Express** planning path.

If your project needs more flexibility, switch back to [Choose Your Cable System](/guides/planning/how-can-i-customize-my-cable-railing/choose-your-cable-system.md) and continue with **Signature**.
{% endhint %}

### What you can customize on Express

Use this page to confirm:

* Finish color
* Mounting style and post types
* Handrail style and cable quantity

If those standard options fit your layout, Express is likely the right path.

#### Finish Colors

Express is available in three powder coat colors:

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![Express black powder coat sample](/files/26dEWGQevA0NihTT8qix)

**Black**

Clean contrast.

Works well with wood, concrete, and darker facades.
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![Express silver powder coat sample](/files/LihkwDJJzzqflGNzSTb7)

**Silver**

Light, modern finish.

Blends well with stainless details and cooler palettes.
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![Express white powder coat sample](/files/mp04183aHJImjKRXR3ml)

**White**

Bright architectural finish.

Pairs well with light trim and painted exteriors.
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All three finishes use Viewrail's Standard powder coat on the aluminum posts, handrail, and fittings. For non-coastal exterior applications, the finish carries a 1-year exterior warranty and up to a 5-year interior warranty.

Express is **not recommended within 5 miles of saltwater**. If your project is coastal, move to Signature.

#### Mounting Styles

Express is available in two mounting configurations:

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![](/files/Z7aYY3ecYLh5KzoFjPO2)

**Surface Mount**

Posts mount to the top surface of the structure.

Best when top mounting is simple and direct.
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![](/files/n9a2Wz18v0oAROtonW01)

**Side Mount**

Posts mount to the fascia to keep the top surface clear.

Best when you want to preserve deck space and sightlines.
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{% endcolumns %}

Both mounting styles are available in all three colors. Both work for level and angled runs.

#### Post Types

Express posts come pre-drilled and pre-loaded with all the hardware you need, no need to buy fittings separately. There are five post types across level and angled configurations:

**Level Run Posts**

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![Placeholder image for Level End Post](/files/07PFzkxNm5L7mkLipg14)

**Level End Post**

Used at the start or end of a level run.
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![Placeholder image for Level Line Post](/files/SDMPBNpab3kUnzXxn7rH)

**Level Line Post**

Placed between end posts to maintain spacing and strength.
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![Placeholder image for Level Corner Post](/files/8k1FoZFVaqXZgE3Kc3kw)

**Level Corner Post**

Turns a 90° corner with a single post.
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Posts should be no more than 4 feet apart, center to center.

**Angled (Stair) Run Posts**

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![Placeholder image for Angle End Post](/files/XD5ScstuK9QBh4YHNKsE)

**Angle End Post**

Used at the start or end of a stair run.
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![Placeholder image for Angle Line Post](/files/AB6BPUvn9w1EuRyfqWgN)

**Angle Line Post**

Placed between the end posts on a stair run.
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Each post type is available in surface mount and side mount versions, in black, silver, and white.

#### Express limits to confirm early

Check these before you commit:

* Express handles angled-to-level transitions, but the angle and level posts will be different heights. If your project requires same-height posts at a stair-to-landing transition, that's a Signature+ feature.
* Corners on Express are 90° only. For non-right-angle corners, you'll need a Signature system.

#### Handrail Options

Express offers three handrail styles, all in black, silver, and white:

{% columns %}
{% column %}
![Standard Quick Slide handrail](/files/8CoWPzkIxOtTW9iFhzjS)

**Standard Handrail**

Traditional aluminum top rail profile.

Available in 8.5-foot lengths for field cutting.
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{% column %}
![Beverage Quick Slide handrail](/files/DwY9KxlAGQwhVSxaynqC)

**Beverage Handrail**

Wider 1" × 4" flat-top profile.

Acts as a drink ledge on decks and balconies.
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![Wall-Mounted Handrail Kit](/files/6HMv0cVUNii45m6d32Vz)

**Wall-Mounted Handrail**

Graspable rail mounted directly to the wall.

Useful when a post-supported top rail is not needed.
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

Available lengths:

* **Standard Handrail** — 8.5-foot lengths
* **Beverage Handrail** — 4-foot, 8-foot 6-inch, 12-foot 6-inch, and 16-foot 6-inch lengths
* **Wall-Mounted Handrail** — sized to fit the run layout

Each handrail style comes with end plugs for a clean, finished look. Handrail is purchased separately from posts. Buy enough linear footage to cover your level runs and stair runs, then add end plugs for each open termination point.

Express does **not** offer wood or stainless steel handrail options. Those are available through the Signature system.

#### Cable Infill

Express uses stainless steel cable as its only infill option. The cable is 316 marine-grade stainless steel in a 1×19 strand construction — 19 individual wires wound into a single cable.

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![Close up of cable infill](/files/7GawBwluI7qYqGB3Hwca)
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**Stainless steel cable**

Express uses one infill only.

That keeps the planning path simple and fast.

Choose Express when standard cable is the look you want.
{% endcolumn %}
{% endcolumns %}

Cable comes in 100-foot and 400-foot spools. To estimate how much you need:

1. Multiply your total linear footage by the number of holes per post
2. Multiply that result by 1.1 to account for cutting waste

*Example: 30 linear feet × 10 cable holes × 1.1 = 330 feet of cable needed*

Express does **not** support rod infill (Endurance or Onyx). Rod infill is only available through Signature.

#### Installation Hardware

Every Express post ships with all the fittings and mounting hardware it needs — swaged, hidden fittings that keep the look clean and minimal. You don't need to figure out which hardware pairs with which post or buy components separately.

You will need an **Express Installation Kit**, sold separately. It contains the specialized tools required for tensioning and finishing your cable, including items most people don't already own. Viewrail recommends adding it to your cart when you order your railing components.

#### What's Not Available on Express

To help set expectations clearly, here's what Express does **not** offer:

* Custom colors or finishes beyond black, silver, and white
* Stainless steel posts
* Wood or stainless steel handrail
* Rod infill (Endurance or Onyx)
* LED handrail
* Coastal-rated materials
* Same-height posts at angled-to-level transitions
* Non-90° corner posts

If any of these are important to your project, Viewrail's Signature or Signature+ systems are where you'll find them.

#### When to Upgrade to Signature

Express is the right fit when speed and simplicity matter most. Upgrade to Signature when the project needs more flexibility.

Choose Signature if you need:

* Coastal-ready materials
* Custom colors, stainless posts, or wood handrails
* Rod infill, non-90° corners, or more complex geometry

### What to do next

* Ready to buy faster? Use the Express builder with the options you confirmed here.
* Need more design freedom? Go back to [Choose Your Cable System](/guides/planning/how-can-i-customize-my-cable-railing/choose-your-cable-system.md) and continue with Signature.
* Still comparing? Read [Express vs. Signature Cable Railing: Which One Is Right for Your Project?](/guides/about-stairs-and-railing/railing-system-deep-dives/express-vs.-signature-cable-railing-which-one-is-right-for-your-project.md).

### Related topics

* [Choose Your Cable System](/guides/planning/how-can-i-customize-my-cable-railing/choose-your-cable-system.md) — Confirm whether Express or Signature is the right starting point.
* [Express vs. Signature Cable Railing: Which One Is Right for Your Project?](/guides/about-stairs-and-railing/railing-system-deep-dives/express-vs.-signature-cable-railing-which-one-is-right-for-your-project.md) — Compare speed, flexibility, and coastal use.
* [How much does Viewrail Cable Railing Cost?](/guides/pricing/how-much-does-viewrail-cable-railing-cost.md) — See how Express compares on price.
* [Can I Install Cable Railing Myself?](broken://spaces/YiIQ32eyDEEMOXuUTd8u/pages/hfzS4NElJ6PyabWq4Kxt) — Decide whether Express fits your install path.


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