Mark and Theresa Clement are a match made in heaven. Theresa handles design duties while her licensed contractor husband handles the builds. When they decided to install the RailFX Express Mount Bracket™ system on a new deck, it was an easy choice.
In his article published in the September/October 2024 issue of Professional Deck Builder Magazine, Clement points out that he mainly builds with pressure-treated (PT) southern pine because it’s affordable and durable. While most of his clients want an expanded view, traditional cable railing systems run around $10,000 and aren’t in the budget for a new build or remodel. With the RailFX Express Mount Bracket™ system, he can offer gorgeous views at a third of the price.
Clement walks readers through the installation process, highlighting the differences between a traditional wood railing and a cable railing. One difference is installing a 2×4 between the posts, which he’s keeping for all his deck builds because of the aesthetic.
If you’re getting ready to install your own RailFX Express Mount Bracket™ system, check out his article and this video of the gorgeous pine deck build from MyFixitUpLife.
Enhancing or renovating a space always comes with challenges. New projects involve precise planning, from measuring the space to buying new materials, all while staying within budget. Even a single complication can make upgrades more complex, often leading DIYers to consider alternative options. Retrofitting a space provides an easier alternative to a complete renovation.
The RailFX Express Mount Bracket™ system makes the process easy. It provides convenience and quality and is cost-effective for upgrading any space.
Cable Railing Made Easy
RailFX provides a range of cable railing kits and solutions designed to enhance any space while opening up the view. Unlike some systems that require extra materials and resizing, the RailFX Express Mount Bracket™ eliminates hassle. This cable railing kit ensures construction-grade quality and safety, allowing you to enjoy the upgraded view from your deck with ease.
Before installing a new railing system on your deck, you should review a couple of items.
Inspect Existing Posts
Express Mount Brackets mount to the outside of each deck post, delivering a unique “floating cable” appearance.
Reusing existing posts effectively saves on costs and maintains a familiar look for your deck. However, before installing the RailFX Express Mount Bracket™, inspect posts to ensure they’re in excellent condition. Any cracks or damage could lead to structural issues down the road.
Additionally, it is essential to verify that all posts can withstand at least 200 lbs. of tension from the cable. Building code requires that amount of tension and must be maintained year-round. If any posts cannot meet these standards, it is highly recommended that they be blocked or replaced before installing any cable railing system.
RailFX® Project Planning Tool
After inspecting your deck and confirming it’s ready for an upgrade, the RailFX team stands by to aid in planning. With the RailFX Express Mount Bracket® Project Planning Tool, you can remove guesswork when purchasing materials. You’ll receive a customized purchase list of everything needed to complete your project by answering four simple questions about your layout and railing height.
Now, with a detailed plan and fully functional posts, it’s time to begin installing the RailFX Express Mount Bracket™. After just one afternoon, you’ll experience a completely new, safe, and fully functional outdoor oasis!
Expanded Views in an Afternoon with RailFX®
The RailFX Express Mount Bracket™ system is easy for DIYers. You can finish the whole project in one afternoon with just a little planning. Once you’re equipped with the tools and materials to bring this cable railing system to reality on your deck, you can start a hassle-free project.
Attaching the Universal Drilling Template
The installation begins by measuring the height of the deck’s railing and adjusting the universal drilling template to match, if necessary.
Next, clamp the template to each end post about ½ inches back from the center of the post. The offset will help keep the hardware hidden and maintain a clean look. It’s important to note that when using the clamp, position it so it angles toward the inside of the deck to ensure safety and simplicity.
Installing Brackets
When installing, the bracket center must align precisely with the post center. To do so, measure over 1-¾ inches from one side. Once everything is aligned, begin screwing in each bracket one screw at a time, allowing minor adjustments before final tightening.
Threading the Cable
The cable is threaded through the end and corner posts to finish the installation, and the tensioning process begins. Start at the center of the run and work outward in alternating up-and-down steps to ensure even tension across all cables. RailFX provides an abrasive grinder wheel for cutting cable ends for a precise and even cut.
Staircase Application
Brackets must be rotated so cable can pass through at an angle on stair applications. Measure the stair angle and use it to align the brackets accurately.
The final product is a polished, robust railing that enhances the deck’s appearance and safety. It delivers a high-quality cable railing solution designed for long-lasting performance and style.
Where To Buy RailFX Express Mount Bracket™
Retrofitting an existing railing with RailFX® is a straightforward, efficient, and stylish upgrade for any deck. You can quickly transform your outdoor space by following this step-by-step guide. Using the RailFX Express Mount Bracket™ and our ProjectPlanning Tool and reusing existing posts to save time and cost while creating a safe, open view. In just one afternoon, you’ll have a refreshed, open deck view framed by a sleek, long-lasting railing that enhances your space’s safety and style.
Click here to find your nearest RailFX® dealer and enhance your views today!
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.
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!
When you’re designing or remodeling your home, choosing the right stair railing system is essential. Glass, spindles, or iron balusters are all typically used for this essential design feature. Recently, Eric Goranson, or Eric G, long-time host of Around the House NW, a home improvement radio talk show and TV personality, took a different approach with a custom cable railing system.
In his YouTube video, Goranson installed the RailFX Custom Railing System with stainless steel cable infill on the interior staircase of his home. Although cable railing is often associated with the outdoors, the clear view and modern aesthetic have been driving more homeowners to bring the look inside!
With some simple tools and a few hours, our host retrofits his dated, tired rails into something beautiful and modern. Follow along with us as we break down the steps he takes to elevate his home with the RailFX Custom Railing System.
Note that the International Building Code has requirements for handrails that DIYers should pay close attention to, along with your local building code.
In this video, Eric uses the following RailFX parts:
At RailFX, our team can help you properly plan your next project using our. It walks you through the decision-making process, Custom Railing System
RFX400 Top Rail with self-supplied wood top rail
Cable Infill- Low Profile Cable Kit (RFX224)
Surface Mount Stair Posts, black finish
Steps to a Successful Installation
Step 1. Removing the old handrail system
The first step in the process of installing a new railing system is to remove the old one. Gather the necessary tools, which may include a screwdriver, crowbar, hammer, or wrench depending on what type of railing you’re removing.
Step 2. Assemble and attach posts
Before assembling and attaching your new posts, make sure they’re in the right order. There are end posts and intermediate posts that aren’t interchangeable. Stair rail posts also have a high and low side, so make sure they’re going in the right direction.
If your railing project includes corners, start the first post with a corner post. You’ll want to:
Measure and mark the holes
Ensure that the holes in both the post and bracket are aligned
Pre-drill the holes, then insert the leg screws
Tighten the screws to ensure the post is level
Fit the footplate
Then fasten the top bracket plate
Step 3. Cut posts to fit the slope of your stairs
Measure down from the top rail to keep cable height consistent before cutting. As the adage goes, you can always measure a few times, but you can only cut once.
After making the marks of where you want to cut, you can use a portable band saw or a chop saw to make the cuts. If you choose to use a chop saw, make sure to get a metal blade and uninstall the posts before cutting them.
Pro Tip: When cutting metal, use painter’s tape on the cut line to keep metal shavings from falling on the floor.
Step 4. Install the top rail and cut to size
Snap in the top rail before screwing into the posts. Then cut it to sizes and install the endcaps.
Step 5. String the cable system
Run the cable through the holes before tensioning from the middle out. To tighten the cable, use a hex screw to tighten so that it feels secure and doesn’t droop.
Step 6. Customize with a wooden handrail
Now it’s time to personalize your railing system using a wooden handrail. The RFX400 Top Rail accepts a wood top handrail, tying materials together for a truly custom look.
Proper Planning Can Make Your Renovation Easy
Planning out your home railing renovation project before diving in is an essential step in ensuring you have a smooth project from start to finish. Make sure you know exactly what parts and tools you’ll need before starting.
If you’re not sure where to start or need extra guidance, use our Get a Quote tool that walks you through the decision-making process. From choosing rail height, color, infill, top rail style, and other features, it’s the best way to visualize your project.
The railing experts at RailFX are ready to answer any questions you have along the way and will lay out a complete project plan including installation tools. From there, your project plan and quote will be passed along to your preferred dealer.
RailFX makes the process of upgrading your space with a railing system simple by providing all-in-one solutions along with the resources you need to get the project done.
Rock Solid Builders, Inc. (RSB), located in McHenry, Illinois, has made a name for themselves as one of the premier deck builders in their region. Founded in 2006 by Butch Wuchter and Anna Kaufmann, the company has made a big impact with projects all around Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.
Rock Solid Builders has their own team of W-2 employees, rather than using sub-contractors, giving them ultimate control over the quality of the project. The RSB team specializes in everything from custom decks, pergolas, and gazebos to three-season screen rooms and more.
Rock Solid Builders, Inc., is recognized in the decking industry for their expertise and professionalism with TimberTech® Platinum Contractor status and the TrexPro® Platinum Contractor title. Voted The Best Deck Builder in McHenry County for 14 years in a row, they’ve completed over 1,000 projects since going into business.
When planning a railing upgrade, RSB clients are looking to “install a high-quality railing product with a long warranty that is also cost effective,” says Kaufmann.
As cable railings trend across the country, Rock Solid Builders has seen first-hand an increase in the number of requests for cable infill amongst their clientele.
So far, the RSB team has completed seven projects using RailFX. Their favorite? A large multi-level TimberTech® deck with RailFX® cable railings in North Barrington, IL on a mid-century modern home.
Mid-Century Modern Home in North Barrington, IL with RailFX Custom Railing System installed by Rock Solid Builders, Inc.
The simplicity of the cable rails offered by RailFX® without a center support post within a railing panel makes it easier to install compared to other cable railing systems and it also creates a more unobstructed view for our customers.
Anna Kaufmann of Rock Solid Builders, Inc.
Recently, RSB built a deck that features the new RailFX® Oasis™ Railing System. Like all RailFX® systems, the RailFX® Oasis™ is backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty, ensuring the homeowners will enjoy their new railing for years to come.
Homeowners love the look of RailFX® railings installed by Rock Solid Builders, Inc. “Seeing client reactions to the finished product and their satisfaction with our Rock Solid Builders team from the initial phone call to completion is the most rewarding part.”
We’re proud to call Rock Solid Builders part of the RailFX® family of installers. If they’re in your region and you need an upgrade, give them a call!
For more stunning projects from Rock Solid Builders, Inc., view their Instagram and Facebook galleries.
John Treakle is an expert in the world of building materials, having spent more than a decade at a large building products distributor. He’s a native of the Pacific Northwest and has crossed paths with John Moss, former owner and now product development director for RailFX, several times throughout the years – through their roles in wholesale, retail, and as manufacturer’s representatives.
A little back story: In 2015, Moss started RailFX to strengthen his cable sales by offering a complete aluminum cable railing system that garnered national product sales. He sold RailFX in 2018 to Nationwide Industries Enterprises. Since then, the company was acquired by PrimeSource Building Products.
Moss and his expanded team work diligently to innovate the RailFX product line. One such innovation is the introduction of PFX1000, a picket rail panel system made of extruded aluminum. The PFX1000 picket rail panels are designed to be carefree with virtually no maintenance and a speedy assembly.
Following the launch of PFX1000, Treakle and his son-in-law installed the system at his home and shared their feedback with us. “I am a simple guy and like clean lines,” said Treakle. “The PFX1000 system makes it easy for a do-it-yourselfer to install.”
Treakle said it was easy to measure and then determine how many panels he needed for the level and the stair riser. “The new PFX1000 was all packaged together and came in specified lengths,” said Treakle. “The PFX1000 installation kit, with its specific tool, worked great for my installation,” he added.
The Aluminum PFX1000 system is made of extruded aluminum that won’t rust and exceeds IBC and IRC requirements. PFX1000 is now available and comes in AAMA-2604 powder coat textured in black and bronze finishes.
Be sure to submit your before and after photos to the RailFX Photo Contest, running now through July 1, 2023.
Plus, earn cash back by using RailFX! RailFX is offering licensed contractors a rebate on RailFX Aluminum Systems purchased between July 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022. Rebate applies to RailFX aluminum systems, PFX system, FlexFX, and cable kits purchased through approved sellers, dealers, lumber yards or home centers. Learn more at railfx.net/profx-rebate.
RailFX Case Study
Using Cable Railing to Modernize a Home’s Interior
In the spring of 2021, Eric Johnson and his family moved to Florida, prepared to make significant upgrades to their new home. From gutting a bathroom and adding a bedroom, to replacing flooring and the stairway railing, the Johnson family had the vision to modernize the home’s look and feel.
Because the flooring was being replaced — including the stair treads — the oak wood and ornamental picket railing were removed. Instead of reinstalling the outdated railing, Wendy, Eric’s wife, suggested they consider cable railing after seeing it in an advertisement. “I am thrilled with how the railing turned out,” Wendy said. “It has helped to open up the great room and capture the modern look we were going for.”
“I thought she was looking at the cable railing for our dock leading to the lake,” said Eric. “She said we should use it for our stairway railing. After seeing the product and how it changes the look and feel of a space, I knew it was the right choice,” said Eric.
After sending pictures and measurements to RailFX’s easy “get a quote” system, he had a quote within 24 hours, and the product shipped within two weeks. “The only thing I forgot to order was the post skirts, and when I did order them, they were in my hands within a day or two,” Eric added.
Eric purchased the RailFX custom aluminum cable railing system with the flat top rail long before he was named VP of sales for Nationwide Industries and LockeyUSA, two PrimeSource Building Products’ brands, along with RailFX and Ultra-tec. “Since I purchased the product before I transitioned to my current role in the company, it was a nice test to see how RailFX services their customers,” said Eric. “The service I received was very impressive.”
Not only was Eric impressed with the customer service, but he also noted that the packaging and shipping were top-notch.
A product like this could be easily damaged during shipping, but everything was clean, and it was a complete kit; I didn't have to buy any extra or special tools," he added. "That's a nice feature not many rail companies offer.~ Eric Johnson
The Johnson family couldn’t be happier with their new stairway railings. “We’ve had several neighbors who now want to install cable railing not only on their docks but also for their interior projects,” said Eric.
The transformed stairway — which leads into the living room— ties together the other rooms of the house. It significantly modernized a home’s interior, something the Johnsons say makes their new house feel like home.
To learn how you can transform your room , contact sales@railfx.net.
Before
After
Kirch Improvements
Okauchee Lake Project
One of the fastest-growing areas of Wisconsin is the City of Oconomowoc, sitting midway between Milwaukee and Madison. The city, named after the Potowatomi word for “where the waters meet,” is in the heart of Waukesha County’s Lake Country. One of the many lakes surrounding the area is Okauchee Lake, comprising 1,210 acres; and is fed by and drains into the Oconomowoc River.
Boating and being on the water is the way of life on Okauchee Lake, with many families using a boat to get around the houses to visit and socialize with friends; a place to connect. And when not on the water, the homes surrounding the area boast beautiful views. So, it’s no surprise that a deck is a must to enjoy the view.
For example, consider this home and its accompanying boathouse with expansive decks recently completed by Kirch Improvements. The original deck was comprised of old composite and wood posts with makeshift cable rails that weren’t sturdy or safe. “The original railing was 36-inches and may have had five or six cables running horizontally,” said John Kirch, owner of Kirch Improvements.
John worked with the customer to keep the existing curved radius design. “We replaced the old composite decking with new capped polymer decking and used RailFX 400 series with a capped polymer top rail,” said John. The white aluminum railing, a standard color from RailFX, compliments the contemporary white house design.
“Overall, it’s a simple design, with shorter rail sections to mimic the radius look,” added John. “We also added lights to the rails.” A nice added touch for those long summer nights while sitting outside or navigating from the boathouse to the main house and back.
We designed and installed RailFX to offer the homeowners the ultimate in clear views ~ John Kirch
A clean, contemporary, and modern rehab transformation
For more than 20 years, Dee Thompson spent her career as an executive IT project manager where she managed the complex systems of multi-billion-dollar institutions. Midway into her career, she went to buy her first Chicago home and not only found the cost of entry high, but she also was not finding homes that were a perfect fit for her tastes. “Everything needed to be updated,” said Dee. So, her realtor suggested that she buy a fixer-upper and put her project management skills to the test.
“It was nothing like IT,” said Dee, now the owner and chief construction office of Urbane Home. But she was determined to use her strong IT skills to bring organization and discipline to her construction challenge and developed a detailed project plan like she would do for all her IT clients with all the tasks, dependencies, durations, and resources included. “I made my fair share of mistakes because I didn’t know what I didn’t know,” she added. “I tweaked the plan based on new knowledge as I went along and over time, perfected the process to maximize efficiency.”
After a couple of years, she couldn’t ignore the “rehab bug.” She sought out in search for the worst property on the best block and renovated it with extreme detail. Over the years, she kept improving, and what would have taken other contractors 12 to 14 months to renovate, she managed to streamline the process down to five to seven months. Then people began to ask if she would build for them. “I always said no, and I only do this for myself,” Dee added.
When she was pregnant with her first child, a daughter, now eight years old, she thought to herself this was a perfect crossroads to reevaluate her career. She got her real estate license and threw a bid out for a teardown. “If I got the house, I knew it would be a sign, and I can test this out,” she said. “If not, I loved my IT career and would stay the course.”
That was eight years ago. Dee formed an LLC, Urbane Home, and she would build one to two spec homes per year and sell. Taking extreme pride not to ignore the details, her homes would sell pre-construction or within 30 days on the market and often close to or above asking price. Today, Dee has a team of four colleagues which includes designers, brokers, and a marketing coordinator. Dee is the chief construction officer and manages any engagements that are permit-related, from gut rehabs to new construction.
One of Dee’s recent projects involved one of her best friends, who had just gotten married. Each of them had a Chicago home and she lost the dice roll and moved into her new husband’s place, in what she called the “bachelor pad”. The townhome, located in the prestigious area of theWest Loop of Chicago, was purchased more than 20 years ago, and in today’s real estate market, it is impossible to reproduce the square footage for anything under $1.5 million.
“We gutted the entire place and maximized the home to improve the overall flow and make everything new, new, new,” said Dee.
Within seven months, the 4,000-square-foot home was transformed into a clean, contemporary, and modern home that is like nothing in the market for the overall cost of investment. “We wanted the space to be timeless and not too edgy and we definitely achieved that,” said Dee.
The overall aesthetic that Urbane Home used in their design was silvered grey wood and black, grey and whites for clean polish. The tones are truly neutral with a bit of color in the right places and rich tones. To complete the contemporary look, Dee’s supplier,Standard Lumber Co., recommended a cable railing for the interior staircases that aligned with the client’s inspiration.
“It was visually what our client wanted,” said Dee. “It removed the heaviness of closed-in stairs and allowed an open sightline. We chose the RailFX aluminum railing in black finish with stainless steel cable infill installed throughout.”
“It was our carpenters’ first-time using cable railing, and the RailFX customer service team was not only incredibly responsive when we called but also went above and beyond to meet us onsite to walk through any product questions we had to ensure the best install,” said Dee.
I will definitely be using RailFX again. They are certainly a vendor that uses many of the same customer service and quality principles that are critical to our business." ~ Dee Thompson
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