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Tag: deck cable railings

Back and front yards can be an escape for homeowners. For example, if the backyard expands the great or family room, then the front yard is surely an extension of the living room. And the front of the house is all about curb appeal — making it inviting for socializing with neighbors, relaxing, and resale value.

Personalizing outdoor spaces is on-trend. Decking for the backyard and the front porch can be the focal point of the overall design. Whether upgrading or building a new deck or porch project, consider adding the proper railings. Often an afterthought, railings not only serve as a safety feature but can also add an aesthetic appeal.  

There are various railings choices, and they are as solid of an investment as the decking or porch material. You want to choose — or recommend — the most suitable material because trends come and go, the railings can last as long as the deck. Seek materials that offer aesthetic flexibility no matter the changes made to the outdoor area year after year.

Consider cable railing for a modern, sleek, upscale look that will last. Cable railings’ minimal design means small decks and porches appear more spacious and, for both large and small spaces. The railings blend in rather than stand out, offering unobstructed views for maximum coverage.  

With proper installation, rest assured, cable railings are a safe option for any deck or porch. We’ve outlined common safety points, to make you feel comfortable choosing cable railing for your next project.

1. Safety

Post spacing and railing height should follow local code and guidelines. For level runs, height standards are 36- or 42-inch railings and posts no more than four to five feet apart for cable railings. If you’re unsure, check the latest 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) or local jurisdiction for the proper guard and handrail requirements.

2. Ladder Effect

Most deck pros and homeowners are concerned with the climbing risks or the “ladder effect.” A three-year study by the International Code Council (ICC) code Technology Committee (CTC) concluded that “the most current and thorough documentation available shows no indication that a problem exists and there had not been sufficient justification established to mandate a high level of climbability restriction on guards.”

Falls from railings — as well as porches, balconies, floor openings, handrails, and banisters — among children aged 18 months to four years are estimated to be less than an eighth of a percent (0.032) according to a joint report by National Ornament and Miscellaneous Metals Association (NOMMA) and National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

3. Installation

Correct installation ensures that the cables are properly tensioned, limiting deflection, and never be spaced more than three inches apart, along with the post spacing recommendations mentioned above. With proper installation, cable railings should not allow a 4-inch sphere to pass between the cables.

4. Durability

Cable railings have high tensile strength and withstand at least 200 pounds of force — and with proper installation and tensioning, they will last for years with minimal maintenance. The 316-grade stainless steel makes cable railing corrosion-resistant and can withstand the most challenging climates, including coastal environments.

5. Options

Cable railing is available in 1/8- and 3/16-inch diameter 1×19 type 316 stainless steel. It is most common for residential applications to use 1/8-inch thick stainless steel cable. Lightweight and easy to maintain, the cable railing is code compliant with the proper tensioning.

At RailFX, we offer an aluminum cable railing system that makes ordering and installation easy. We also provide cable kits and FlexFX that incorporate our fittings into any residential application with the same ease.

With any product you choose, follow the manufacturers installation instructions, and call customer service for any help. This ensures a proper installation (to code), less call-backs, and a safe and beautiful result.

May is Deck Safety Month, and each year building professionals — deck builders, contractors, manufacturers, and home inspectors — emphasize the importance of inspecting the residential deck to ensure it is safe and secure for the warm weather season. Most homeowners can perform their own precursory inspections with the steps outlined below.

Deck Safety Month 2022

1. Check deck boards

Whether it’s a composite, PVC, or wood deck boards, check for any damage from the winter. Look for loose, rotting, or warped boards, and replace or add a finishing coat of paint or stain. While checking the boards, look for any rusted or corroded nails or fasteners and replace them with Grip-Rite fasteners.

2. Examine railings and banisters

Check that banisters (posts) are properly fastened and secured (with brackets or per the manufacturers’ recommendation). Ensure railings are accurately spaced and follow the 4-inch sphere rule, and if you notice loose or wobbly connections, repair or replace them as necessary.

3. Inspect stairs

Ensure stair stringers are sturdy and secure to the deck frame from the surface to the landing area. Like deck boards, check stairs for loose, rotting, or warped boards and replace them as necessary. Check the handrail for grasp-abilty, and that it is continuous and smooth.

4. Check underbelly connections

Check for any deck ledger connections that have pulled away from the home (if applicable) and are connected appropriately to the deck joist. Check the posts, beams, and footings are stable and secure.

5. Check for pest damage, mold, and mildew

Pest damage can occur on exterior structures no matter your location. Check for nesting areas and any insect damage; treat appropriately. Mold and mildew grow on everything, from humid to wet and cold regions. Clean off any residual mold and mildew with a deck cleaner.

6. Clean your railings

Most deck surfaces only require washing off the debris collected over the fall and winter months. For railings, especially if you have cable railings, use a mild detergent and soft cloth to clean and protect your cable railings. We offer RailFX EZ-Clean that cleans and protects all season long.

These quick tips are easy for most homeowners to inspect the deck and detect any quick fixes. Keeping up with regular maintenance is essential to ensure your deck lasts for years to come.

If your deck is older than 10-years or you detect some problem areas, it is recommended that you seek a building professional to conduct a thorough inspection for peace of mind.

Daylight Saving Time brings with it the promise of longer days and warmer weather – inspiring many homeowners to refresh their outdoor spaces and create an oasis that can be enjoyed with friends and family all season long. With this in mind, getting your deck season-ready may have already shifted to the top of your weekend to-do list.

Consider these helpful tips as a kickstart to this year’s outdoor living season.

Inspect and Repair

Prioritizing safety is a smart start to your warm weather preparations. During the off season, shifting temperatures, inclement weather and a lack of consistent maintenance can take a toll, causing deck boards, railings, and hardware to loosen or shift. By taking the time to complete a thorough inspection you can ensure the safety of everyone and extend the life of your deck.

Check out the RailFX® article, Inspect the Deck, published for last year’s deck safety month (May). You’ll find simple – yet important – tips to help you complete an annual inspection of your deck’s structure and materials, including the railing. Likewise, our friends at This Old House have created a deck safety checklist with great advice on how to check for signs of deck damage caused by bugs and mold and mildew, along with suggestions on how to contend with cracks, rotted wood and unexpected creaks.

Refresh, Renew and Replace

Now that you’re confident your deck is safe, are you equally as positive about how it looks? There’s no better time than now to get a head start on sprucing up your deck for outdoor entertaining or an upcoming staycation. But, before you begin decorating your space, take the time to remove debris or weeds that likely collected over the winter; eliminate any corrosion that may have occurred; and clean the patio furniture. The experts at True Value share these Five Tips for cleaning and prepping your deck for summer. If you have – or are considering – a RailFX® aluminum cable railing system, cleaning will be quick and easy. You’ll appreciate the insight we share here,  on how to clean cable railing or choose one that will work best for your existing deck.

With the bulk of the work out of the way, you can turn your attention to the fun stuff – decorating. Creating a space that you’ll love is filled with decisions – is it possible to extend your indoor living, to outdoor? What are best solutions for dining, capturing the view or complementing the existing style of your home’s exterior? Check out these ideas from House Beautiful or get started dreaming when you visit the RailFX Inspiration Gallery.

Beauty and Durability for the Long-Term

Investing in updating or designing an outdoor living space is big decision.  The RailFX® FlexFX Program allows you the flexibility to fashion your deck, balcony, or stairway just the way you want – combining your choice of materials – wood, composite, or metal with durable cable railing from RailFX®. 

Is this your first-time considering cable railing for your deck? It’s a smart choice! It delivers unobstructed views, adds value to any home by offering an upscale look (in a variety of finishes) and it’s durable – backed by a 10-year warranty.

Curious to learn more? Contact us to get started.

 

This time of year, many homeowners – especially those who live in climates with a striking change of seasons – begin to think about how they can savor their outdoor spaces for as long as possible. Still, others who enjoy milder conditions are looking for opportunities to refresh their outdoor living area by making simple upgrades. 

In their 2021 Outdoor Living Trends, FIXR.com asked experts in the home construction industry to reveal how homeowners are choosing to use their exterior spaces these days. While the backyard was considered a separate space in the past, it’s no surprise that over the past 18 months, people have started to look at their outdoor spaces differently. Nearly 50% of residential outdoor spaces are now being adapted for year-round use.

Below are a few suggestions on how to blend and enhance any home’s interior and exterior living areas so they can be enjoyed regardless of the season.

Add a new patio door to create a seamless transition.

What many used to refer to as a “sliding glass door” is now a thing of the past. Those narrow pass-throughs have been replaced with large, collapsible, or bi-parting doors that allow homeowners to blend their indoor and outdoor living settings. Doing so extends social space, delivers a better view, and gives the perception of a more livable area. Find inspiration in these indoor/outdoor combinations shared by Bob Vila. There’s sure to be something that will spark an idea.

Transform the traditional deck into a personal retreat.

Decks have become the new “bonus room.” According to Deck Specialist homeowners want to use their deck year-round; they expect it reflects their personal style and coordinates with their landscape. The good news? There’s a range of options to make this happen. Simple seasonal enhancements like adding furnishings (for example, an outdoor rug, pillows, and blankets) make for an easy transition. More permanent updates such as installing low-voltage or solar lighting are smart upgrades that create a warm setting as the days get shorter and cozy evenings under the stars become the norm. 

In the same way, cable railing from RailFX is an ideal solution for any deck design and  easily complements an existing structure.

As one of the most visible deck elements, railings can elevate and complement an aesthetically pleasing deck and landscape. The trend toward the use of seamless, low-maintenance railing options that are easy to install will continue to gain momentum into next year. Simplified railing systems such as pre-assembled aluminum railing and intuitive cable railing save deck builders valuable time and effort on railing installation while offering a coveted sleek and modern look. ~ Deck Specialist

Heat things up by adding a fire feature.

Nothing says Fall quite like time spent by a fire. Incorporating a fire feature into creating an outdoor living space creates a welcoming attraction to any deck or patio. The most common features are stone fireplaces and metal fire pits. These days, there is a variety of gas and woodburning options to choose from to fit any budget. The experts at Forbes did their fire pit research and have shared a list of top picks to choose from.

railing with fire pit

Design a beautiful balcony.

Not every home has a backyard, but that doesn’t mean outdoor living is out of the question. A balcony can easily be reimagined to provide an ideal exterior oasis or an additional functional space. Natural materials and sleek, modern textures help to create an open, upscale setting. RailFX’s low-maintenance, durable aluminum cable railing system can provide a custom look with clean site lines that help to make a smaller space appear larger and enjoyable all year long.  

Interested in creating an outdoor living space and discovering additional outdoor living features homeowners are craving? Check out this article from our friends at Builder online.

elegant deck balcony

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.

Complete and accurate measurements make all the difference

If you’ve installed cable railing for level runs, you’re familiar with setting and installing posts and running the cable through for a completed project. When it comes to stairs, it takes more planning to make sure you have the right measurements and materials.

We’ve compiled tips to consider from some of the most common mistakes we typically see when orders come through to our team of experts. If you have a tried-and-true tip you’ve discovered while installing RailFX on stairs, we’d like to hear about it. Contact us at marketing@railfx.com.

Tip: Include stairs in your project drawings

Example of incomplete stair measurement details.

stair pitch rendering

We often find the stair details are missing from drawings, and simple mistakes happen. We’ve detailed some top tips to set and install stair posts for the cable to have the proper tension.

It is important to note on the stairway runs; no two are alike. Once we receive an order at RailFX, more often than not, we may ask for additional information — pictures and measurements — when stairs are involved. In some cases, we may need to requote a project if there is new information or a difference in layout from the original takeoff.

Stairs are framed differently from project to project, and most drawings we receive (including CAD drawings) do not show the stair framing. This is why we encourage our customers to submit the entire drawings including stairs.

Tip: Proper measurement and angle ensure no setback

The first step to installing stair posts is to measure the stairs’ nose-to-nose distance and angle to determine the total number of posts beyond the top and bottom. Without the proper stair angle and accompanying drawings, the cable may not follow the angle properly, a significant setback to your project’s completion.

Please note, code rules a 6-inch sphere should not pass through the triangle gap formed between the stair riser, stair tread, and the bottom edge of the bottom rail. Always check with your local building codes before installing.

Tip: Anchor the top and bottom posts first

Once the spot for each post is determined (RailFX recommends maximum post spacing 5-feet on center*, including stairs), mark each post spot on the stair treads. Anchor the top post first, making sure it’s plumb. Leave the lower post and any other flexible for installing cables.

All of our posts are pre-drilled and slotted unless a customer requests a blank post. Our stair posts come with additional length due to the differences in the rise and run, and they may need minor adjustments (cutting a bit off the bottom) as the rise and run will vary per project. Intermediate posts are slotted to accommodate the different angles of stairs and so the cable can pass through without kinking.

Tip: One less cable when transitioning to stairs

Typically, on a level run with 36-inch-high rails and without bottom rail, you will use ten cables. When transitioning to the stairs, you’ll remove a cable (nine cables without the bottom rail) because RailFX stair systems are post-to-post top rail configurations. Conversely, if there is a bottom rail desired, eight cables are required for level runs and seven for the stairs.

In the case of 42-inch-high rails, the level run will use 12 cables without the bottom rail and 10 with a bottom rail. The stairs will be quoted at 36-inches for code compliance and the top three cables will terminate prior as you transition to the stair.

Tip: Determine your handrails

No matter which RailFX cable railing system our customers order, we recommend they order either the RFX100 or the RFX250 for the stair rail. Our adjustable over-the-post hardware, which sits on top of our predrilled intermediate slotted posts, allows the rail to run continuously from top to bottom and articulate to the rake and angle of the stairs.

 

For example, if a customer selects the RFX300 top rail with a stair section, we will quote the RFX100 elliptical stair rail. If a customer selects RFX200 or RFX400 with a stair section, we will quote the RFX250 square stair rail. However, if a customer prefers to use our 200, 300, or 400 systems, we will accommodate their wishes.

 

To achieve an ADA graspable handrail option, we can assist our
customers with a RFXADA grab rail to use along with our systems.

 

In this case, when using our 200, 300, and 400 over the post railings, the RFXADA sub rail will be installed sitting under the preferred over the post top rail. The install is more complicated and features two rails instead of our typical post to post one rail system.

 

Once all posts are Installed according to your stair rise and run, follow our cable installation instructions to ensure your cables are correctly spaced, tensioned, and finished.

 

At RailFX, we make it easy for you. Upload your drawings and provide details about your project using our online quoting system, and we’ll contact you with any questions or concerns.

*Always check with your local building code.

Our over the post stair rail.

Over the post stair with callouts

Our RFXADA grab rail used with our RailFX400 Top Rail.

Railing

Case Study: Jill Wright of Contractors Building Supply

Project: Marietta, Ohio Residential Home

Project Summary: RailFX Cable Railing for Decks

In the southeast corner of rural Ohio sits Marietta, the oldest city in the state, also known as a riverboat town, just shy of the West Virginia border. Since 1997, family-owned Contractors Building Supply has been serving contractors and builders in the mid-Ohio valley. Their goal has been to give customers outstanding old school service with the highest quality products and competitive pricing.

Jill Wright, owner of Contractors Building Supply, built a log home more than 20 years ago out in the country. Each of the logs are hand peeled logs and fits right in for the area. Some were starting to rot, so it was time to give her home a facelift.

“I sat on my porch one day, and all I saw was logs,” said Wright. The look was heavy, and it was time to provide more balance. She began to explore options for cable railing for decks.

In early 2020, Wright was at FenceTECH and spoke to the staff at RailFX.

As I did more research, I kept going back to their product. ~ Jill Wright

Cable railing for decks is pretty unique in the mid-Ohio valley area; there’s typically a lot of aluminum and vinyl used.

“This area tends to be more traditional; honey oak is big, and it’s hard to break out of the cycle. There’s not a lot of demand for the modern look.”

Today, Wright is happy to sit on her deck and take in the view of the pond and the deer and relax. She’s hoping more of the trade will use cable railings to upgrade any home. Cable railings offer customers a seamless look by opening up an area without taking away from the design aesthetics of a home from traditional to farm to contemporary and modern designs.

RailFX Cable Railing for Decks
RailFX Cable Railing for Decks

Case Study: Linda Evans of L. Evans Design Group

Gaston, Oregon Residential Home

Project Summary: Wire Deck Railing

A general contractor and interior designer, Linda Evans, always makes sure she’s the right fit for each client, and it has served her well for the last 35 years. Based in the Pacific Northwest, her work has garnered repeat business over the years, which is the case for her latest project. More than 20 years ago, she renovated Carla and Michael Green’s home when they lived in Portland, Ore. A recent move to the country, the Green’s called Evans and her team once again for a major remodel.

Just 30 miles southwest of Portland is a small community called Gaston. The Green’s new home sits on a hill of 28-acres overlooking the valley where they raise their sheep, dogs and practice their green thumbs. Evans has spent three years on the project, remodeling the three-story home from top to bottom and working in phases.  From the new kitchen and bathrooms, to new hardwood flooring, metal roof, and structural elements, the last project was the deck and railing.

The deck wraps around the majority of the home, offering panoramic views of the property and a significant secondary deck below at ground level. The existing deck and railing needed replacing, and Evans’ team expanded the outdoor decking area slightly. The Green’s chose composite decking in vintage hue and wire deck railing.  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.

I have never worked with cable railing before. My supply company, Lakeside Lumber, said I should use RailFX. I worked through Lakeside Lumber and with a customer service representative from RailFX, and they helped me with everything from start to finish. ~ Evans

Evans and her crew replaced the old wood railings on the second story deck, including adding a stairway for accessibility, with RailFX Aluminum Cable Railing System using bronze posts, top rail and mounts, and 1/8-inch cable railing. To finish off the railing project, Evans used a RailFX cable rail gate in bronze. Below deck, Evans used a wrap product to provide a dry space for those well-known rainy days in Pacific Northwest.

The Greens are pleased with their new deck and wire deck railing. They can relax and enjoy the view of their sheep grazing on their property and the expanded valley. “Everything went together fairly quickly, and my client is thrilled with the result.”

BEFORE

Click for After

AFTER

BEFORE

Click for After

AFTER

Case Study: Joe Aulino of Corinthian Fine Homes

Project: Dublin, Ohio Residential Home

Project Summary: Aluminum Cable Railing

This farmhouse design inspired by Napa Valley architecture sits this contemporary mid-range home on 50-acres of farm property in Columbus, Ohio. Custom builder Joe Aulino and his business partner Kevin Koch own Corinthian Fine Homes in Dublin, Ohio, and they built the farmhouse to the architect’s plans.

The homeowners worked with an architect before Joe and Kevin started the build, and the vision was to design a home to fit the landscape: contemporary farmhouse architecture. Clean lines, metal roofs, retractable doors, and concrete porches are not generally specified in this area.

There are first and second floor balconies and an expansive outdoor living area with a swimming pool, outdoor patios, fire pit, and retaining walls with layered landscaping.

We have used a lot of cable railing in our projects. We heard about RailFX from one of our decking reps in town. We liked working with RailFX, the quality of the product, available options, and support staff. ~ Aulino

This home features interior and exterior aluminum cable railing, by RailFX supplied by Zuern Building Products and Design Center, in Allentown, Wisconsin. “In the last three to five years, we have used cable railing for interior use with interior design trends leading us down that path.”

For more than 27 years, Aulino and Koch have primarily built one of a kind homes on estate lots, golf course communities, and high-end residential areas. While farmhouse generally doesn’t shout estate or high-end, this one breaks with tradition.

Aluminum Cable Railing on deck
Aluminum Cable Railing

Case Study: John Kirch of Kirch Improvements, Inc.

Project: Richfield, Wisconsin Residential Home

Project Summary: RailFX Cable Railing System

Each year, Remodeling magazine publishes cost versus value report on projects that are likely to retain value at resale in more than 100 markets. Year after year, a new deck addition has always averaged a return on investment well above 60 percent and has been as high as 80 percent within the last five years. That’s no surprise to John Kirch of Kirch Improvements.

A family-owned and operated firm with more than 15 years of industry experience, Kirch’s company specializes in high-quality materials designed to be an extension of the home. Kirch Improvements builds decks, pergolas, screened-in areas, outdoor kitchens, and railing installations. Located in Brookfield, Wisconsin, just 15 miles west of Milwaukee and surrounded by area lakes, Kirch has built several stunning deck projects.

He and his crew recently finished building a deck at a lakeside home on Lake Five, a small spring-fed lake in the Richfield-area. It’s a second home for his customer, and they tore down a wood floor deck with steel framing and railings. The deck was more or less rusted and designed like a dock rather than a deck.

Kirch built a composite deck with an aluminum-based railing for longevity.

One of our customers specifically called out RailFX by name. That was our first job using the RailFX cable railing system. It’s a hardy rail and holds up well. ~ Kirch

Kirch installed the Aluminum RailFX Cable Railing System with a 1/8-inch cable infill. “RailFX layout sent to us, noting the components for each section of the deck, made it simple. We would use RailFX again, and we have a few projects coming up that it would be a nice fit.”

“We also continued the railing down to the water, so the customer has ease of access.” The homeowner loves the new deck and RailFX cable railing. They have added lights to the posts, and it is inviting and safe.

Kirch Lake railing
RailFX aluminum cable railing
RailFX aluminum cable railing
cable railing art