When licensed general contractor Brittany Bailey, aka Pretty Handy Girl, decided to take on a new remodeling project, a quaint 1950s brick ranch-style home caught her eye. It wasn’t her first choice since the market was hot in Raleigh, North Carolina, but she saw its potential. Hammer in hand, she started the remodeling process in 2019.
After spending a couple of years working on the home’s interior, there wasn’t much left to do. Her gorgeous upgrades raised the home’s value and infused it with a mid-century modern flavor. Check out a walkthrough of the project on the Pretty Handy Girl YouTube channel.
Once she finished the interior, Bailey turned her attention to the backyard deck. Much like the rest of the home, there was a lot of work to do!
Bailey incorporated the RailFX Express Mount Bracket™ system to expand the view of the spacious backyard, fully embracing the mid-century modern aesthetic. Further, the double-height railing allows for a unique approach to embracing the outdoors. Add in some new landscaping, and this backyard upgrade is one for the books.
The RailFX Express Mount Bracket™ system makes expanding your view fast and easy! With a few simple tools and the universal drilling template, you can take your railing from drab to fab over a weekend. For DIYers and contractors, it’s an affordable way to embrace a modern aesthetic. The brackets are simple to install on your existing posts and work for both level and angled applications.
Check out the project planning tool to get everything you need to bring RailFX Express Mount Bracket™ to your own deck or patio.
When it comes to enhancing the beauty and functionality of your porch or patio, choosing the right cable railing is a must. With a sleek, modern design, low maintenance, and extreme durability, cable railings offer unobstructed views and a sophisticated aesthetic.
However, not all systems are created equal. Whether you’re considering the material, installation process, or overall style, selecting the best option can transform your outdoor space. RailFX® offers numerous products and styles and has tools to help you choose the best solution to expand your outdoor space perfectly.
Considerations For Cable Railing System Installations
When choosing a cable railing system for your deck or patio, consider several factors. Don’t overlook these areas to ensure a successful and long-lasting project.
Local Building Codes
Before starting your installation, checking your local building codes is essential. Regulations vary by region and can dictate everything from the spacing between cables to the height of the railing. Confirming compliance with your local building codes will avoid potential safety issues and costly modifications down the line.
Cost
Budget is always a key factor in any home improvement project. While cable railing systems can range in price depending on the materials and complexity of installation, it’s important to balance cost with quality.
Cheaper options may save money upfront but could lead to more maintenance or replacement expenses later on. Investing in a high-quality system from RailFX® guarantees durability and value over time.
Installation Method
Decide whether you plan to install the railing yourself or hire a professional. Some systems are designed for easy DIY installation, while others may require more specialized tools or expertise. Factor in the complexity of the system and the time needed to complete the project when determining the best installation method for your needs.
Style
Your railing system should complement the overall aesthetic of your home and outdoor space. Consider your home’s architectural design and your personal preferences to choose a style that seamlessly integrates with your surroundings.
Material Quality
The durability and longevity of your cable railing system largely depend on the quality of the materials. Stainless steel cables, aluminum posts, and weather-resistant finishes ensure your railing stands up to the elements while maintaining its appearance over time. Opt for a high-quality system to guarantee long-term satisfaction and minimal maintenance.
While there are many considerations for your new cable railing system, RailFX® has made the decision process easy. We offer a wide range of railing system offerings that will be sure to make a lovely addition to your porch or patio.
RailFX Express Mount Bracket™ System
The RailFX Express Mount Bracket™ System is an excellent option for homeowners seeking an easy DIY cable railing solution, especially if you already have wood posts. It eliminates the need to drill through posts, significantly reducing installation time. The brackets are installed on the exterior of the posts, so the hardware is hidden from view.
RailFX Express Mount Bracket™ is compatible with our Classic Cable Kits. The kits come with the universal drilling template, cable, and all the hardware you need to install and are available at RailFX dealers nationwide.
RailFX® FlexFX
Another option is the RailFX FlexFX system for wood posts. Fittings attach to end posts, and the cable passes through intermediate posts before terminating at the opposite end. This system is ideal for patios and porches with existing wood posts. FlexFX fittings are designed for both level and stair applications, making installation flexible and straightforward.
With FlexFX, homeowners can use the Universal Drilling Template for precise alignment, ensuring accurate fitting alignment and spacing. Our patented Push-Lock® mechanism allows easy, tool-free cable insertion, streamlining the installation process while maintaining strong tensioning. FlexFX fittings are used in conjunction with bulk cable options.
RailFX Oasis™ Railing System
If you’re considering adding a completely new railing to make your outdoor space cleaner, RailFX has the perfect solution! The RailFX Oasis™ Railing System is an excellent choice for new installations using extruded aluminum posts.
These posts are designed to never rust, ensuring longevity and minimal maintenance. The system supports both cable and picket infill options, offering versatility in design.
With post spacing of up to eight feet and post heights for 36 in. and 42 in. railings, the RailFX Oasis Railing System is a budget-friendly railing option with everything kitted for your project.
RailFX Custom Railing
Even with our many options, you may have a unique need for a more customized solution. RailFX offers custom cable railing systems to meet your needs. The RailFX Custom Railing System is ideal for homeowners seeking a highly personalized railing for their porch or patio.
This all-in-one system allows customization through various infill options (cable, picket, or glass), five top rail designs, and multiple post-mounting styles. It also comes with pre-drilled posts and easy-to-trim seamless top rails, making installation flexible and efficient. Various colors, including custom options, provide even more design flexibility, ensuring the railing matches any aesthetic.
Use our Get A Quote tool to expand your view today!
RailFX Has Everything You Need To Achieve Your Dream Railing
Whether you want to upgrade an existing porch or patio or start a new installation, RailFX has the perfect railing system to bring your vision to life. With options for every need, from easy DIY solutions to fully customized options, you can create an open view with a modern aesthetic that enhances your outdoor space.
The Cassidy home is nestled on the shoreline of Lake Norman, North Carolina. Situated around 20 miles north of Charlotte, this man-made lake is often referred to as the “inland sea” of the Tarheel state. With over 500 miles of shoreline, this region is a favorite for vacationers and commuters, creating an eclectic mix of architectural styles.
One of the biggest draws to the region, Lake Norman provides ample opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and bird watching draw people from around the country.
The Cassidy Home
Built in 2000, the Cassidy home is designed to take advantage of its proximity to the shoreline.
A large deck area overlooks flagstone walkways and mature trees, creating a relaxing outdoor extension of the home. Just across the yard, Lake Norman beckons. Boat slips and docks give the neighborhood a nautical feel.
The homeowners say they spend time on their deck daily enjoying the view. They love their outdoor space, whether for breakfast or a glass of wine, while dinner cooks on the grill. Before this project, they had metal railings obstructing their view of the lake.
Before
As you can see from the before pictures, the brown metal picket infill didn’t let them take full advantage of their view. With cable railing, they’ve expanded their view to encompass more of their lakefront property.
After
The water side is typically considered the front for lakeside homes, so lake appeal matters! Improving their railing system with RailFX Oasis upgraded their lakefront curb appeal. When guests stop by, they comment on how the home’s profile is cleaner and more modern.
Planning a project with RailFX Oasis is as simple as choosing your infill, selecting your railing height, and purchasing the components from your local dealer. A more straightforward approach than a fully custom kit, the components are easy to choose from and assemble.
This lakefront project also uses the PTIA 2024 WinnerRailFX FlexFX fittings that are ideal for projects with structural columns. With the new FlexFX fittings, it’s easy to work around the design of your deck to take full advantage of what cable railing has to offer.
Using RailFX Oasis™ and FlexFX fittings expanded the view of the Cassidy home. By blending their outdoor and indoor living spaces, they’ve created an exterior living room they can enjoy year-round.
Ready to take the plunge on your new railing system? Get in touch with our team today!
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