Thinking about upgrading your stairway, balcony, or deck with metal railings?

Wondering what the best material is—or if you need to worry about code compliance?

Yeah, I get these questions all the time from homeowners and builders in Bellevue. Especially now that aluminum and cable railings are popping up in modern projects everywhere.

Let’s break down how custom metal railing services actually work—and what really matters when choosing a provider.

Why Custom Railings Are More Than Just Decorative Add-Ons

Custom metal railing services are about more than aesthetics.

They tie into safety, local codes, and frankly, your property value. If installed well, they can last decades with almost no upkeep—and still look sharp in year 20.

Here’s what sets custom apart from cookie-cutter railings:

• You get exact sizing for your stairs, deck, ramp, or balcony
• Design can match your home’s architecture (yes, even mid-century modern or Northwest craftsman)
• Everything is built to meet—or exceed—Bellevue and IRC code

Most of the work I’ve done pairs both form and function. No one wants industrial-looking pipe rail on a million-dollar home. But at the same time, it’s no good if it looks great and fails inspection.

Material Options You’ll Actually Encounter

In Bellevue, the most requested materials fall into a few categories:

• Aluminum: Sleek, low-maintenance, and ideal for wet weather—most bang for buck
• Stainless Steel: Polished look and very strong, but pricier
• Cable Railings: Great for views and modern homes, but more expensive due to tensioning hardware
• Wrought Iron / Ornamental Metal: Traditional and handcrafted, often used in central staircases

Each one has its place. The right one depends on your layout, budget, and whether you’re dealing with salt air or snow loads.

Where These Railings Get Installed Most Often

I’ve seen—and installed—custom railings in places ranging from high-rise apartment balconies to tiny backyard decks. The most common?

• Exterior deck railings for second-story patios
• Stair railings (both interior and exterior)
• Balcony guardrails
• Ramp handrails, especially for ADA upgrades
• Perimeter fence accents

In terms of property types, we get just as many commercial calls as we do residential, especially with developments in downtown Bellevue pushing for code-compliant walkways.

End of the day: If there’s an edge, step, or drop, a railing makes it safer—and can make it beautiful.

How Custom Railing Projects Actually Happen

Here’s the real breakdown of the process, step-by-step:

1. Site Visit & Evaluation
   We walk the site, take measurements, and figure out the structure we’re working with. This might include checking framing, wall types, or slope—especially important on ramps.
2. Design & Material Selection
   You’ll choose from styles, colors, finishes, and profile types. I often show photos of past projects to help clients see what cable vs. bar looks like, or what powder-coated aluminum can do for a color-match.
3. Fabrication & Finishing
   This is where the magic happens. Metal gets cut, welded, prepped, and either painted or powder-coated depending on the material and finish type. Most shops (like ours) do all this in-house in King County.
4. Installation
   We arrive, core-drill or surface-mount the system, anchor it according to specs, and finish out with safety inspections. Even if it’s “just a deck,” we treat every install like a structural component—and it’s why our railing systems pass code every time.

Quick Tip:
Make sure the installer understands IRC R311.7.8 and ADA requirements if it’s a public or multifamily install. Not everything the big box store sells is compliant.

Why Clients Choose Custom over DIY or Pre-Made Kits

A lot of homeowners in Bellevue ask if they can save money with pre-fab railing kits.

They definitely can. But here’s what they often don’t realize:

• Kits don’t always meet code—especially when it comes to graspability or height
• Your deck might not be plumb or level (very common), and kits aren’t built to adjust
• You may still need a welder or expert to anchor things properly

Custom service ensures the railing fits not just the space but the use—especially important when kids, elderly guests, or clients need safe access every day.

Key Takeaway:
Custom metal railings aren’t just about looks. They’re made to fit, made to last, and designed to keep people safe. Cookie-cutter systems don’t offer that level of security or flexibility.

ADA Compliant Handrail Installation: When Style Meets Legal Safety

Here’s where things get real: ADA compliance isn’t a choice for commercial or multifamily spaces—it’s legally required.

But even on private property, ADA-compliant metal handrails can raise safety, usability, and liability protection.

What “ADA Compliant Handrail” Actually Means (and Why It’s Confusing)

ADA says rails must:

• Sit at a specific height (34 to 38 inches above surface)
• Be graspable (usually 1.25–2 inches in diameter)
• Offer continuity (no sharp edges or breaks)
• Be mounted with proper returns and spacing

These rules sound simple… but they’re easy to get wrong without experience.

I once got called into a storefront remodel in Bellevue where the GC had already ordered rails online—but none of them passed ADA. We had to scramble to retrofit the ramp and still missed the final inspection deadline. It’s not fun explaining to a business owner why they can’t reopen until it’s fixed.

Bottom line? It’s easier and cheaper to install it correctly the first time.

What ADA-Compliant Rails Are Made From (And Why This Matters)

Most ADA handrail systems today use aluminum or stainless steel.

Why?

• Aluminum is affordable, won’t rust, and takes powder coating like a dream (hello, black matte finish)
• Stainless steel steps up the look for high-traffic areas—think corporate HQs or hospitality use

We often install wall-mounted brackets or post-mounted systems with continuous return ends so they meet all accessibility standards, especially on public ramps.

Features Clients Love?

• Smooth, rounded corners to avoid clothes catching or injuries
• Continuous lines that guide mobility
• Power-coated finishes that don’t chip in Pacific Northwest weather

One of my favorite installs was for a tech office near Factoria. The ramp blended with the architecture, but had full ADA handrails tucked alongside the cedar siding. Sleek, modern, compliant.

It’s functional beauty.

Who Needs ADA Compliant Railings?

If you’re working on any of these, the answer is “you do”:

• Apartment communities or HOA upgrades
• Retail stores
• Offices (especially post-COVID, with upgraded entrances)
• Public city properties and sidewalks

Twice in the last year, I’ve had to replace non-compliant railings because a building was cited during a state inspection. You don’t want to be that call.

Quick Tip:
If your railing is part of an egress path or public access space, it has to meet IRC and ADA regs. That’s where professionals—especially those local to Bellevue like Local Metalwork—really come in handy.

Real Benefits, Not Just Red Tape

ADA handrails offer more than box checking:

• Safer for elderly visitors, clients, and children
• Peace of mind that you’re code-compliant now and four years from now
• Long-term savings from avoiding citations, injury liability, or need for reinstallation

What’s holding most people back? Cost and complexity.

But here’s the kicker: Powder-coated aluminum handrail systems are far cheaper in the long haul than wood railings that rot, splinter, or fail inspection.

Yep, ADA compliance can still look incredible—and last longer than anything else on the project.

Key Takeaway:
ADA handrails aren’t optional if people rely on your railings for safe access. When installed well, they add longevity, compliance, and a polished look to your space.

Coming up: real numbers behind custom metal railing installs in Bellevue, and the insider tips that can save you hundreds—even thousands—on project costs without cutting safety or style.

What Custom Railings Actually Cost — And Where You Can Save Big

Let's be honest—custom metal railings aren't cheap.

But they also aren't as expensive as people think when you factor in lifespan, safety, and code compliance.

I get a lot of homeowners who are comparing pre-made kits from home improvement stores with quotes I provide through my metalwork company.

So, let me break it down.

Real Talk: What A Custom Railing in Bellevue Will Cost You

Here in Bellevue, prices range based on several core factors:

• Material (aluminum will always be the most cost-effective, stainless steel the priciest)
• Complexity of the design
• Site conditions (flat deck vs. multi-stair slope or ramp)
• Code compliance (ADA, height) and features

General price ballpark?

• $50–$150 per linear foot installed
• On average, a basic residential install comes out around $3,000–$5,000
• Full ADA-compliant, public-access projects may range from $5,000–$12,000+

And don’t forget:

If your project needs:

• Demolition of an old railing
• Permits from the City of Bellevue
• Premium finishes like specialty powder coats

Those add on, too.

Pro Tip: Always