What is a Cable Railing System?

A cable railing system is a type of railing that uses horizontal or vertical cables instead of traditional balusters or spindles to provide safety and support along the edges of decks, stairs, balconies, and other structures. Cable railings are popular for their modern, sleek, and minimalist design, as well as their durability, low maintenance, and unobstructed views. In this post, we will explain the main components, benefits, and installation methods of cable railing systems.

Components of a Cable Railing System

A cable railing system consists of four main components: posts, cables, fittings, and handrails. Let’s take a look at each of them in detail.

Posts: Posts are the vertical supports that hold the cables in place and provide structural stability to the railing. Posts can be made of various materials, such as wood, metal, or composite. The spacing and height of the posts depend on the building codes and the design preferences of the project. Generally, posts should be spaced no more than 4 feet apart to prevent excessive cable deflection and ensure safety.

View on Amazon

Cables: Cables are the horizontal or vertical strands that run between the posts and form the barrier of the railing. Cables are usually made of stainless steel, which is corrosion-resistant, strong, and flexible. The diameter and number of cables depend on the building codes and the design preferences of the project. Generally, cables should have a minimum diameter of 1/8 inch and a maximum spacing of 3 inches to prevent objects or children from passing through.

View on Amazon

Fittings: Fittings are the hardware that connect the cables to the posts and allow for tensioning and adjustment of the cables. Fittings can be either swaged or non-swaged. Swaged fittings are permanently attached to the cables by crimping or pressing them with a special tool. Non-swaged fittings are attached to the cables by threading or clamping them without any special tool. Fittings can also be either surface-mounted or through-mounted. Surface-mounted fittings attach to the outside of the posts, while through-mounted fittings pass through holes drilled in the posts.

View on Amazon

Handrails: Handrails are the horizontal or sloped bars that run along the top of the posts and provide a comfortable grip and additional support for the users of the railing. Handrails can be made of various materials, such as wood, metal, or composite. The shape and size of the handrails depend on the building codes and the design preferences of the project. Generally, handrails should have a minimum height of 36 inches for residential applications and 42 inches for commercial applications.

View on Amazon

Benefits of a Cable Railing System

A cable railing system offers many benefits over traditional railing systems, such as:

Aesthetics: A cable railing system has a clean, elegant, and contemporary look that can complement any architectural style and enhance any indoor or outdoor space. A cable railing system also allows for maximum visibility and natural light penetration, creating a sense of openness and spaciousness.

Durability: A cable railing system is built to last for years with minimal maintenance. Stainless steel cables are resistant to rust, corrosion, UV rays, moisture, and temperature changes. They can also withstand high tensile forces and heavy loads without breaking or sagging.

Safety: A cable railing system is designed to meet or exceed the safety standards and building codes for railings. Stainless steel cables are strong enough to prevent accidental falls or injuries from sharp edges. They can also be tensioned and adjusted to eliminate any gaps or slack that could pose a hazard.

Versatility: A cable railing system can be installed on any type of structure and surface, such as wood, metal, concrete, or glass. A cable railing system can also be customized to fit any shape and size of deck, stair, balcony, or other structure.

Installation Methods of a Cable Railing System

A cable railing system can be installed using one of two methods: prefabricated or DIY.

Prefabricated: Prefabricated cable railing systems are pre-assembled and ready to install by professional installers or experienced DIYers. Prefabricated cable railing systems come with all the necessary components, such as posts, cables, fittings, and handrails. They also come with detailed instructions and diagrams for easy installation. Prefabricated cable railing systems offer convenience, speed, accuracy, and quality control.

DIY: DIY cable railing systems are assembled on-site by DIYers who have some basic tools and skills. DIY cable railing systems require purchasing individual components separately from different sources. They also require measuring, cutting, drilling, threading, tensioning, and adjusting the components by hand. DIY cable railing systems offer flexibility, customization, creativity, and cost savings.(Click here for more information about DIY cable railing)

Conclusion

A cable railing system is a great option for anyone who wants to add safety, style, and value to their home or business. A cable railing system can be installed using either prefabricated or DIY methods, depending on the preference and budget of the project. A cable railing system can also be customized to suit any design and function needs.

Fayevorite cable railing is committed to providing you with high quality as well as affordable cable railing kits. If you are interested in learning more about Fayevorite cable railing kit, please visit here.

Fayevorite offers you high quality cable railing kits.

What is a Cable Railing System?

Are you looking for a railing system that is safe, stylish, and durable? Do you want to enjoy the beauty of your surroundings without any obstruction? If so, you might want to consider a cable railing system. A cable railing system is a type of railing that uses horizontal or vertical cables instead of traditional balusters or spindles. In this blog post, we will explain what a cable railing system is, what are its components, benefits, and installation methods, and how you can get one for your home or business.