An All-out Guide to Cable Railing Systems

An All-out Guide to Cable Railing Systems

Cable railing systems have become the trend of the modern world and it is no surprise that homeowners from all parts of the globe have been adding railing systems of different kinds to add aesthetics and value to their homes.
Some of the best cable railing hardware is used to create the picture-perfect setup. But how is it done and what are the elements that are in play there? Let us get right into it.


Standard height of the cable railing posts


The minimum height required for railing is 36″ in most of the state codes. While some states require a bare minimum of 42″ when it comes to the installation of residential railings.


It needs to keep in mind the factor of the handrail, the area/location along with the city, local, and international codes. However, it should be installed in compliance with the standards when it comes to cable spacing and the height of the post.


Cable strength


According to international regulations, every top-notch rail requires the capability of bearing a concentrated load of up to 200 lbs vertically or horizontally at any given point of the railing components.


The intriguing factor in a guardrail system comes from the addition of cables. It is no secret that the force exerted by the steel cables is pretty high, which calls for the posts to meet the same standards.


Maximum distance between the posts


The recommended distance of 4ft should be there between the railing posts if one has to keep up with the requirements of 36 and 42″ so as to tend to the cable deflection. Keep in mind that the maximum distance for every opening should be 4 inches. Consistency is the key when it comes to the spacing between the posts while keeping tabs on the cable assembly to ensure that the aesthetics remain maintained. The code of building states that the space between the posts should not exceed an amount that may lead to an increase in cable deflection.


Best cable for cable railing systems


In terms of construction, 1×19 strand stainless steel is by far the best option, not to mention it comes with properties that include low flex and stretch. Taking all this into account makes it the perfect solution for all types of railing applications.


Distance between cables


The minimum spacing between cables should be less than 3 1/4” while keeping in mind the factors of cable deflection in relevance to the spacing of the post. In accordance with the international standards, everything is good enough if a 4″ sphere cannot pass through the gaps.


Minimum cables required


On the other hand, cable railing systems with posts that are up to 42″ high should have a bare minimum of 12 horizontal cable runs. According to the building code, the opening should be no more than 4″.


Hole-drilling for cable railing


Posts in the middle between are on be bored to help the links through. Openings 2mm greater than the width of the link are to be bored to guarantee that there is unreasonable link redirection.


Cable railing: Is it safe?


Yes indeed. The system is safe and sound and can meet the expectations of the homeowners if done right. The structure of the cable railing system generally depends upon the cable infills’ tightness. Also, corner posts and end posts need to be strong enough to maintain the force that pulls the cables.


Various kinds of top rails


For the railing frame of your cable railing project, having the top rail is a must. For rugged or remote locations, marine-grade stainless steel is the go-to option, be it for a place on an outdoor beachfront, dock properties, rooftops, etc. On top of that, these types of steel top rails are also perfect for indoor spaces as well including offices, commercial sites, and public buildings.


In some cases, the nature of the project may require the use of wooden top rails for cable railing system hardware. Mounting a steel bar just under the wood top rail as additional support can be a great choice to maintain structural integrity in the long run. Doing this can further ensure that the component of wood used remains intact and fully functional in the form of safety barriers, ramps, and stairs.


Cable railing tension: How to do it?


Simply apply a tension meter tool to the cable, and once you have done the same, twist the tensioner just enough to get the reading that you are looking for on the tension meter. One will need to repeat the process for all of the remaining cables to ensure that the tension reading is the same for all wires.


Installation of cable railing


For the installation of the best cable railing systems, the posts or the balusters should be a maximum of 4′ away from each other. After that, you will need to run the cables from the end posts right through the middle posts and back to the end posts. Make sure to tension the cables equally. Making use of cable cutters can be a good way to get rid of extra wire.