Top 10 Cable Railing Secrets

A plastic or composite post and cable railing system would be low-maintenance because plastic doesn't corrode or rot. Plastic cable railing posts also come in many different colors. When subjected to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun the plastic can dull and the color fade. Plastics can also start soften on summer days and might eventually become brittle enough to crack in the winter. When it comes to railing post materials, you get what you pay for, and plastic will always feel cheap.

A stainless steel cable railing with wood posts gets the job done. Wood posts with stainless steel hardware provide a reasonably priced cable rail system. Since wood is a renewable resource and stainless steel cables are 100% recyclable, a wood and cable railing system is better for the environment. Cable railing wood posts are often recommended for interior applications because moisture can cause rot when used on the exterior. Exterior wood and cable stair railing system posts require a chemical preservative to resist rot.

Aluminum posts for cable railing systems may seem like a way to cut costs. However, an aluminum cable railing system is a terrible long-term investment. Take metal deck posts for cable railing systems as an example. Painted aluminum cable railing systems for decks initially look almost as sleek as stainless steel systems. Aluminum is a softer metal that acquires scratches and dents over time. Scratches and dents on aluminum metal posts for cable railing systems cause paint to chip. Parts of aluminum metal cable railing systems without paint can become corroded. As a long term investment stainless steel is a better choice.

Stainless steel cable railing systems are stunning. AGS stainless steel cable railing kits and systems are composed of components. A stainless steel cable railing kit or system with a component-based design simplifies on-site installation with no on-site cutting or welding required.

One-piece stainless steel posts for cable railing systems are unique to AGS Stainless. These stainless steel cable railing posts have welded base plate and handrail attachment points. The posts are predrilled for mounting hardware or threading cable.

Stainless cable railing systems made with marine grade 316 stainless steel offer superior corrsion resistance. The marine grade 316 stainless steel cable railing cost per foot is higher than 304 stainless steel, but you are paying more for quality.

This corrosion resistance allows stainless steel cable rail systems to have additional finish options like brushed or powder coat. Non-powder coated stainless cable rail systems require periodic passivation with an AGS - Stainless Steel Cleaning & Maintenance Kit.

In the end, there is no perfect solution, but a stainless cable railing system checks most of the boxes for what you would want in a material.

A flat handrail combined with cable infill produces clean lines that would be compatible with modern interior designs.

A straight gooseneck handrail transition is used when there is a change in height, but not a change in direction.

A stem reducer describes when a part of a post cap becomes smaller between a handrail and a post. Post caps with stem reducers can be placed on the tops of wood posts or welded to the tops of stainless steel posts.

A cable railing height extension is a short railing mounted on top of a barrier to help keep people safe and meet requirements for complying with the Code. You could replace a short barrier with a taller barrier. However, installing a height extension on top of a solid barrier minimizes obstruction of a view.

A cable railing gate has hinges and a latch. Having a cable rail gate can help keep children or pets safe.

A cable railing might have a double post at the end of a run to meet Code and improve stability. Double posts may be required for commercial projects.

A spreader bar might be required on a cable railing corner post assembly between runs with direction changes to meet Code or improve stability.

Modern cable railing designs might use horizontal infill to create clean lines and a wood handrail to add warmth.

Contemporary interior cable railing systems strike a balance between form and function by promoting safety with a sense of style.

A rustic cable railing might have a dark gray powder coat for adding drama while cable infill produces visual interest next to course raw materials like wood.

A coastal cable railing disappears into the background to present a clear view of sparkling blue water and white sand beaches.

Residential cable railing systems must be at least 36-inches tall to meet Code and may need to be 42-inches tall to comply with local regulations.

A wood deck with cable railing systems should be appreciated. Looking at a deck railing with cable infill will bring pleasure every day. Stainless steel cable deck railing systems are incredibly durable. Each stainless steel cable for deck railing systems is electropolished for superior corrosion resistance. Since stainless steel cable railing systems for decks only require periodic maintenance, you will be able to spend more time enjoying your spectacular view. Stairs are often a significant part of deck designs with cable railing systems. However, the cable deck railing cost could be higher with stairs.

A balcony cable railing allows for a better view from a higher vantage point.

Outdoor cable railing systems around a garden allow you to avoid getting dirty or stepping on any plants while watering.

Exterior cable railing systems on a dock could provide the support you need while walking along the water.

A top mount is when a cable railing is on top of a flat surface.

A side mount cable railing post could be on the side of a step while a side fascia mount cable railing might be on the side of a deck.

The International Code Council (ICC) developed the IRC to ensure that residential cable railing projects would adhere to public health and safety standards.