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.
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.
As warm weather approaches, ensuring your deck is safe for family and friends to enjoy is critical. Every year around 33,000 people are injured due to safety issues on a deck, porch, railing, or staircase with 6,000 people suffering traumatic injuries.
May is Deck Safety month, so it’s the perfect time to review steps you can take to keep your deck safe for summer fun!
Check for Damage
Replace Any Rotten or Damaged Wood and Loose Fasteners
Rotten wood can cause fasteners to become loose due to the wood being too soft to hold fasteners in place. This causes safety issues. If you run into out of place nails or screws, replace the damaged deck boards and inspect for other loose fasteners. Make sure to only reuse fasteners that are in pristine condition and replace any that are compromised.
When choosing fasteners for your backyard projects, Grip-Rite® is the reliable and trustworthy choice. With fasteners like Deckforce® exterior screws for wood and composite deck boards, you’re sure to find the right one for your project. For grooved deck boards, Grip-Rite® Ninja™ Hidden Deck Clip makes installations faster and creates a seamless finish.
Address Any Weather-Related Damage and Mold
Winter snowstorms and spring rain can cause high moisture levels on your deck, which can lead to rotting. To check for damage, you can try poking the area of concern with a screwdriver, and if it goes into the wood more than ⅛ of an inch, you most likely have rotten wood.
Excessive flaking and chipping of paint can also indicate rotting. Make sure you replace any damaged wood and get an assessment by a professional to make certain your deck is safe to use again.
Deep Clean Your Deck
Remove Debris
There are more than 60 million decks in the United States with 30 million of these being past useful life, needing to be repaired or totally replaced. Keeping your deck clean by sweeping off debris and using a hose to wash it down will make it easier to notice any hazards and will help keep your deck in its best shape.
It is important to create a maintenance plan that regularly checks on the following:
Railing & banisters
Deck boards
Stairs
Underbelly connections
Deck lighting
Pressure Wash Carefully
After you’ve removed all items and debris from the deck and closed all windows and doors, you’re ready to pressure wash your deck. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on your pressure washer to figure out the best PSI to use so you won’t damage your deck. You can combine pressure washing with some detergents and different spray heads for a deeper clean.
Refinish if Necessary
Sand and Stain
While sanding a deck is not always necessary before staining or sealing it, it is recommended if your deck is old or has been refinished multiple times. The process gives you the ability to even out the surface of your deck and remove any old stains or finishes.
If you decide to sand and stain, do it 48 hours after your deck is washed and dried.
Begin by applying the deck stain to handrails using a paintbrush. For oil-based products, make sure to use a natural-bristle paintbrush. For water-based stains, use a synthetic-bristle brush. Stain the surface decking boards with a flat paint-pad applicator. Let it soak according to the instructions and remove any excess using a rag.
Pro Tip:Avoid applying the stain in direct sunlight and stay off of the deck for a full day to ensure it dries completely.
Seal Against the Elements
Sealing your deck protects the surface from extreme temperatures and the elements. After cleaning and clearing the deck, you’ll want to ensure you stir the sealer and then using a brush, paint roller, or sprayer apply a thin coat over a two-to-three board section.
You may have to back-roll to ensure you achieve the best-looking coat possible. Then, use a finer paintbrush to apply the sealer to more difficult areas such as railings, steps, and cracks. Lastly, allow the deck to dry completely before use.
Lighting Can Create the Perfect Mood
Having improper lighting or no lighting on your deck can pose safety concerns like slipping and tripping. Installing lighting on your deck not only keeps guests safe, but also adds to the aesthetic of the space. To ensure your lighting is installed and maintained properly, we recommend hiring a certified electrician.
Quick Tips for Summer
Grill Safety
Keep grill 2 feet from all furniture, railings, overhangs, and shade structures
Trim any branches or brush near your grill
Always have a fire extinguisher on hand
Shade for Maximum Outdoor Enjoyment
Add an umbrella or sun shade when trees aren’t available
Large potted plants can add ambiance and shade
Furniture Upgrades
Have plenty of seating on hand for larger gatherings
Weatherproof accent pillows make deck furniture more comfortable
Elevate Your Views with New Railing Solutions
Timeless Railing Solutions with RailFX®
Whether you’re installing a new deck and railing or looking to spruce your existing deck railing up, RailFX® has solutions for you. For a new installation, we recommend exploring our custom railing system or RailFX® Oasis™ Railing System.
Both options feature aluminum posts and various infill options, backed by a Limited Lifetime Warranty. For decks with wood posts, check out our Express Mount Brackets™ or newly redesigned FlexFX Fittings. Whichever option you choose, RailFX will ensure your deck is a showstopper.
Our Custom Railing System delivers an all-in-one solution to any project and has everything you could need including:
CABLES AND FITTINGS INCLUDED with the system
SEAMLESS TOP RAILS are available in lengths up to 20 feet, easy to trim on site
PRE-DRILLED POSTS for cable and concealed cable fittings
GLASS AND PICKET INFILL OPTIONS AVAILABLE as a cable infill alternative
At RailFX, we love spending time outdoors in the summer! To help you make the most of your summer nights, we’ve created deck safety and outdoor living resources you can reference. Remember: Creating a deck maintenance plan can help you spend less time on issues in the long run!
A deck or patio is the perfect place for you to enjoy the great outdoors. Open views and space to entertain make them an ideal addition to your home.
Elevating your outdoor space might feel like a dream, but we’ve got your back!
The RailFX® Oasis™ Railing System offers a seamless solution to transform any space into a serene and stylish sanctuary. We’ll walk you through the process of selecting, designing, and installing your RailFX® Oasis™ Railing System to ensure your outdoor space becomes the oasis you’ve always wanted.
Understanding the RailFX® Oasis™ Railing System
The RailFX® Oasis™ Railing System is designed with simplicity and durability in mind. Made from extruded aluminum in a textured black finish, it promises longevity without the risk of rust, meeting, and exceedingIBC and IRC requirements. Its design options are flexible, offering both picket and horizontal cable infill options that add elegance to any outdoor setting.
Key Features:
Post Size: 3″
Post Spacing: Up to 8′
Infill Options: Picket, Horizontal Cable
Finish: Textured Black
Warranty: Limited Lifetime
Designing Your Outdoor Oasis
Choose Your View
Railing infill is not just a part of design; it’s a critical feature that combines aesthetics, safety, and code compliance. It serves as the “filler” material between the handrail and the deck or floor, ensuring that spaces are safely enclosed without compromising on visual appeal.
Your choice of infill material significantly affects the overall look and functionality of a railing system. For this reason, it’s an essential consideration for architects, builders, and homeowners alike. When choosing between cable or picket infill, you should first decide your aesthetic preference and your functional needs.
Cable infill offers a modern deck railing look with unobstructed views, ideal for showing off gorgeous landscapes or gardens. Stainless steel cables require minimal maintenance and provide a sleek, mixed material look. They’re perfect for contemporary settings where preserving sightlines is crucial, as cables seem to “disappear” from view.
Picket infill provides a more traditional appearance, where the pickets match the post and rails. The textured black finish used throughout the picket railing system can provide greater contrast against the deck boards and scenery.
Deciding on Railing Height
RailFX® offers two standard railing heights: 36 inches and 42 inches. Height typically depends on local building codes for safety and personal preference for visibility. Generally, residential railings should be 36 inches high for decks and balconies. Commercial railings—and residential railings in the state of California— require a minimum railing height of 42 inches.
Selecting Top Rail Lengths
Top rails are available in 6-foot lengths for picket railing systems and 8-foot lengths for both picket and cable railing systems. This choice should be guided by the overall design layout of your deck or balcony to ensure consistency and structural integrity.
Rails are designed to be cut down to the exact size you need. Since you can’t extend a rail that’s too short to span the gap, you should ensure your rail kit is slightly longer than the space between your posts.
Installation Essentials
Installing your RailFX® Oasis™ Railing System is straightforward with the right tools and preparation. Here’s what you’ll need:
Post Drilling Template: Simplifies installation by providing precise pre-drill positioning for brackets and by centering the bottom rail bracket on post when installing screws.
Touch-Up Paint: Keeps your railing looking new by easily covering any scratches or dings incurred during installation or use.
Instruction Guide: As always, it’s important to follow instructions closely during installation to maintain warranty coverage and ensure safety compliance. We advise reading written instructions prior to beginning installation.
Resources & Inspiration
RailFX® provides valuable resources to help you in your project planning, from sparking ideas for designing your outdoor oasis to ensuring proper installation techniques are followed. View our resources to learn more:
Transforming your outdoor space into an oasis is within reach with the RailFX® Oasis™ Railing System. By understanding its features, carefully planning your design, and following detailed installation guidelines, you can achieve an elegant, durable outdoor living area that will bring joy for years to come.
Whether you’re enjoying quiet mornings alone or entertaining guests under the stars, your RailFX® Oasis™ equipped space will undoubtedly become your favorite retreat.
To design your dream railing system, connect with a RailFX® Oasis™ Railing System dealer to get started!
Express Mount BracketsWin2023 Pro Tool Innovation Award
RailFX® received a prestigious 2023 Pro Tool Innovation Award for the new Express Mount Brackets™. A panel of judges, composed of contractors, construction business owners, tradespeople, and media professionals, have tallied the votes for the world’s most innovative products in the construction and outdoor power equipment industry. In its eleventh year, the Pro Tool Innovation Awards brought to light an impressive assortment of pioneering power tools, hand tools, tool accessories, and fasteners. Products were submitted by leading industry manufacturers, showcasing a remarkable breadth of innovation.
Here’s what the PTIA judges had to say about the RailFX Express Mount Brackets™:
Traditional cable railing systems look great, but they require a complex process of drilling through posts and can be a pain to get perfect-looking results. The RailFX Express Mount Brackets take so much of the headache out of the process, that it’s very approachable, even for DIYers who have never installed a cable railing system. Using a drilling template, you can easily ensure each bracket installs at exactly the right height. They screw directly into the side of the post, so there’s no need to drill through them. The hardware installs on the outside of the posts, leaving your view from the inside as one that reveals the look of cable without the hardware.
“Innovation comes in many forms. Pro Tool Innovation Award Winners push boundaries. They typically introduce features no one has ever seen, create new battery-powered solutions, redefine what compact tools can do, or even design products at a lower price than you would otherwise expect for the performance they deliver,” stated Kenny Koehler, Editor-in-Chief. “The work of teams and individuals who dare to think outside the box can be seen all over the Pro Tool Innovation Awards,” he added.
In a rigorous evaluation process spanning several dozen man-hours, the PTIA judges sifted through hundreds of cutting-edge power tools, hand tools, fasteners, products, and accessories. The selection of winners was based on a variety of critical factors. The awarded products stood out for their innovative features, superior power delivery, revolutionary ergonomics, technological advancements, improvements in jobsite safety, or exceptional value. The 2023 Pro Tool Innovation Award winners are a testament to the companies and products that propel the construction, landscaping, automotive, and manufacturing industries forward. These industry-leading products merit recognition for their role in driving progress within their respective fields.
This year, 99 different manufacturers and brands submitted over 465 products in dozens of categories for a chance to take home a 2023 Pro Tool Innovation Award.
In a statement reflecting on the 11th annual Pro Tool Innovation Awards, Executive Director Clint DeBoer expressed admiration for the ongoing innovation in the industry. “This marks our 11th year of hosting the PTIA Awards, and each year we witness an increasing level of innovation from both large and small companies.” DeBoer added, “Every Pro Tool Innovation Award celebrates a product developed by people who really believe that the standard we’re used to is no longer good enough.”
Thank you to all who participated in 2022 RailFX Photo Contest. The photos submitted to the 2022 Contest showcase the wide variety of views enhanced by RailFX railings. From interior staircases and sprawling balconies to oceanfront decks and patio porches, we enjoyed seeing all the incredible RailFX railing projects completed this past year. A huge thanks to our judges for completing the difficult task of voting to determine our winners.
First Place: SJ Reus Construction
SJ Reus Construction of Watertown, MN installed this railing and took home first place in our 2022 Photo Contest! This project, submitted through our ProFX Rebate program,features waterfront views, beautiful fall foliage, and unobstructed views thanks to RailFX Cable Railing.
Reminder to licensed contractors: Photos included with your ProFX rebate submission automatically qualify for our photo contest. Congratulations to SJ Reus Construction for taking advantage of these two great programs and earning cash back for choosing RailFX.
Jessica Peterson submitted photos of her interior staircase remodel and won second place! These photos demonstrate how cable railing can truly open up any space and modernize the interior of a home. This staircase railing utilizes our RFX400 Top Rail, which allowed for a natural maple hand rail that matched the flooring to be installed on top.
Installer: Todd Loeffler Construction & Masonry in Alexandria, MN.
Third Place: LKJ Contracting
Our third place winner made a *splash* with this before and after photo contest entry! LKJ Contracting gave the exterior of this home in New York a serious upgrade with RailFX railing. Now the homeowners can enjoy their back deck and view of the pool in style. Wonderful work, LKJ Contracting!
Want to see your RailFX project featured here? Submit your RailFX railing photos to the 2023 Photo Contest! The contest runs through December 31, 2023, so be sure to submit your photos for a chance to win big. Visit our photo contest page for prize details, full contest rules, and to enter to win.
Are you a railing industry professional or DIY enthusiast looking for an easy and efficient cable railing installation solution? At RailFX, we understand the challenges you face when it comes to finding a durable, budget-friendly system. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our latest innovation: theRailFX Express Mount Brackets™. These game-changing brackets simplify cable railing installation, saving you time and money.
Express Mount Brackets are designed with your convenience in mind. By eliminating the need to drill through wood posts, you can say goodbye to the tedious and time-consuming process of installing cable railing. This breakthrough solution significantly reduces installation time, allowing you to complete projects more efficiently. In addition, the Express Mount Brackets require fewer cables and fittings, resulting in a cost-effective solution that doesn’t compromise quality.
Time-Savings andSafety
At RailFX, we’ve made it our mission to simplify the installation process while engineering railing systems that meet or exceed all applicable safety codes and regulations. With our easy-to-use Universal Drilling Template, aligning brackets and ensuring proper cable spacing becomes a breeze.
Toinstall cable railing using Express Mount Brackets, contractors or DIYers simply use the Universal Drilling Template to install the appropriate brackets on the post exterior, feed the cables through the brackets and tighten the cables to secure it.
“Our goal was to make cable railing available to more people, especially those who love outdoor living and want to enjoy their view with minimal obstruction,” says John Moss, founder of RailFX.
An affordable option to expand sightlines and maximize the view, Express Mount Brackets are compatible with Classic and Low Profile cable kits and work for both level and stair railing applications. The brackets can be retrofit on new or existing wood posts and are backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
“We are excited to be able to deliver an installation-friendly product that will make people’s lives more enjoyable as they expand their views and improve their outdoor spaces,” says John. “I’ve been in the industry for 30-plus years, and I couldn’t be more excited and passionate about the launch of this product — it’s truly the first of its kind.”
Cable railingmade easywith Express Mount Brackets
Ready to simplify your cable railing installation process? Watch the step-by-step install video to see for yourself how cable railing is made easy with Express Mount Brackets:
Still curious how Express Mount Brackets will work for your project? Our team of cable railing experts are here to help, every step of the way. Whether you’re a professional contractor with experience installing cable railing or a DIY enthusiast, RailFX has the right railing system and installation tools for your project.Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help you bring your railing project to life.
Before and After: Making the case for cable railing
If you’re a residential construction business owner — as a team of one or many — marketing your business may be low on the list or something you farm out for someone else to do. Word of mouth and repeat business may keep your project pipeline steady. Or your marketing may be high on the list if you lack a robust project schedule. With so many marketing options to consider — updated website, social media posts, Google my business, Google reviews, advertising, blogs, etc. — there’s one basic marketing tactic your customers and prospective customers love to see: project photos. Not just the completed projects photos, but before and after shots that make even the smallest projects look significant in transformation.
Before and after decking and railing projects
Consider a deck or railing transformation that may seem compulsory. Yet today there are so many material options to choose from, including the variety of colors, composite decking, to a variety of infill options for railings.
We’ve compiled several recent case studies that showcase a before and after makeover and rationale for choosing the products.
Ohio log home receives an update
After more than 20 years, Jill Wright’s log home’s deck transformed from a heavy log look with wood posts and wood railings blocking the beautiful view to more balance using different materials. When Jill sat on her porch, all she saw was logs. She installed a combination of posts, keeping the original wood posts in the front of the home, and RailFX black aluminum posts with the 1/8-inch cable infill. The finished project includes a wood top rail. Jill combined a traditional style with a modern approach to her railing project in an area that tends to use more traditional materials — honey oak, aluminum, and vinyl.
Wraparound deck with panoramic views
This wraparound deck and railing with panoramic views of the property needed replacing. Linda Evans’ client chose to replace it using composite decking in a vintage hue and added cable railings. Evans initially tried to talk the Greens out of using cable railing but soon lost the battle, and it proved to be the right call. Evans and her crew replaced the old wood railings on the second-story deck, including adding a stairway for accessibility. RailFX Aluminum Cable Railing System bronze posts, top rail, mounts, and 1/8-inch cable railing was installed. To finish off the railing project, Evans used a RailFX cable railing custom gate in bronze. The client now enjoys the views of their 28-acres overlooking the valley where they raise their sheep, dogs and practice their green thumbs.
A complete decking project
Take this project from Berg Construction, where the original deck consisted of multi-levels. Shane Berg and his team demolished the whole thing and started over by making it one level. But they didn’t stop there. The composite decking material features contrasting colors — the body of the deck boards is gray with a picture frame board using a golden hue and a composite fascia to complete the project. From the fascia to the lighting and railing, a knowledge of the materials and how they perform helps your customers choose the proper decking material. They finished the deck with a RailFX aluminum cable railing system with bronze posts.
In addition, Shane and his crew added a retaining wall with new landscaping to match the upgraded deck and railings along with Douglas Fir posts and beams and high-gauge, structurally rated connectors.
Photos are your signature of a job well done and one of the best marketing tactics that are low in cost and easy to execute. You can use your smartphone to take pictures or hire a local photographer specializing in real estate, home building, and architectural photography.