Why We Don't Install Coax Cable in New Construction Homes

When planning a new home build, every wire installed behind the walls should serve a purpose both today and in the future. At Display Your Way, we specialize in low-voltage rough-ins and structured cabling for new construction homes throughout the Niagara Region. One question we are often asked by homeowners and builders is:

"Do we still need coax cable in new homes?"

In all cases, our answer is no.

How We Wire New Construction Homes

Rather than installing traditional coaxial cable throughout a home, we focus on structured cabling designed for modern technology.

Our standard approach includes:

• CAT6 cabling to television locations, home offices, gaming areas, and other locations that may require a high-speed wired network connection.
• CAT5e cabling to potential telephone locations such as kitchens, dens, living rooms, and other common areas.
• All wiring ran back to the electrical panel, where most ISP's land. This keeps things easy for the homeowner.

While CAT5e is commonly used for telephone wiring, it can also be repurposed for Ethernet networking in the future. This gives homeowners additional flexibility without requiring new cables to be installed later.

Why We No Longer Install Coax Cable

Historically, coaxial cable was installed throughout homes to support cable television services.

Today's communication providers have largely moved away from this model.

Television services from Bell, Rogers, Telus etc... are now delivered through internet based set-top boxes. These systems typically operate using Wi-Fi or a hardwired Ethernet connection rather than traditional coaxial infrastructure.

As a result, many new homes are being built with coax cable that may never actually be used.

Data Cabling Is More Versatile

When deciding where to invest a wiring budget, we believe data cabling provides significantly more value than coax.

A single Ethernet cable can support:

• Smart TVs
• Streaming devices
• IPTV services
• Wireless access points
• Security cameras
• Smart home systems
• Gaming consoles
• Home office equipment

Coax cable, on the other hand, has become increasingly limited in its practical applications within residential construction.

By installing CAT6 and structured cabling infrastructure during the rough-in stage, homeowners are better prepared for future technologies and changing communication standards.

Saving Builders and Homeowners Money

Every cable installed during construction adds material and labour costs.

If a cable is unlikely to ever be used, that investment provides little value to the homeowner.

Our philosophy is simple: install infrastructure that supports today's technology while remaining adaptable for tomorrow's needs.

For most new construction homes, that means prioritizing data cabling over coaxial cable.

New Construction Low-Voltage Rough-Ins in Niagara Region

Display Your Way provides professional low-voltage and structured cabling rough-ins for builders, developers, and homeowners throughout the Niagara Region.

We work with new construction projects in St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Thorold, Welland, Grimsby, and surrounding communities, providing:

• CAT6 network cabling
• Telephone and communication wiring
• Security camera rough-ins
• Wi-Fi access point cabling
• Structured media panel installations
• Data cabling rough in wiring

If you're planning a new build and want a wiring infrastructure designed for modern technology, our team can help create a scalable and future-ready solution.