When designing or updating a railing system, the post mounting method you choose makes a difference. Each has pros and cons that impact the installation timeline and final look of the railing and space.
With various mounting methods available, it is essential to make an informed decision about the best one for your project. Understanding the benefits of each will help you select the best option for your home.
Post Mounting Methods
RailFX® offers several post mounting solutions to best suit your needs: Surface Mount, Fascia Mount, and Fascia Mount with bracket. Below, we’ll go into more detail about each method to help guide your decision-making process.
Surface Mount
Surface mounted posts, sometimes called top mount or deck mount, involve placing the railing post directly on the deck or stair tread. Whether installing them on a deck or interior stair, you’ll connect the footing directly onto the primary surface. Posts mounted in this manner are typically the easiest to install.
This is a good choice for spaces with adequate square footage, as the mounting hardware takes up more space. Surface mounted posts also create a bold contrast between your floor and railing. RailFX® offers caps and post skirts to help blend mounts into your flooring seamlessly.
Fascia Mount
If you’re concerned about preserving stair or deck space, fascia mounts are an excellent choice. Sometimes called side mount, this method connects the posts to the side of the structure. Fascia mounted posts remove the need for an optional post skirt or cap.
Additionally, on exterior decks with waterproof membranes, they’re commonly selected because they remove the chance of lag bolts puncturing the moisture barrier. This method also makes keeping your deck surface clean easier because they don’t get in the way during cleaning.
The only downside of this mounting style is that it is more difficult to install than surface mounted posts. However, a fascia mount is an excellent choice for a clean and seamless look.
Fascia Mount with Bracket
Including a bracket with a fascia mount offers an additional mounting option. When installed, the bracket acts like a cover and hides all mounting hardware for a cleaner aesthetic from the exterior side. It also allows for increased space on your deck or stair tread.
As with a standard fascia mount, the Fascia Mount with Bracket option is more difficult to install than a Surface Mount system. Although easy installation may be the most significant deciding factor, the finished product will be worth the additional steps.
Understanding Your Space
Before deciding on the best post mounting method for your railing system, you’ll need to consider the location.
Indoor
Installing a railing system indoors your cable railing indoors can seem like the easier option as it has less of a chance of dealing with constantly changing weather and outdoor dirt and grime. Yet indoor rails have to deal with other concerns compared to outdoor railings. Since indoor railings can be used year-round, increased use becomes a challenge. Another challenge that indoor railings are up against is the lack of space compared to outdoor railings. Indoor railings are likely to be used in a more complex and confined space which will involve a more intricate installation process.
Outdoor
When your cable railing project is outside it is important to understand the unique challenges that your new railing will face. Knowing these challenges will help you make a more informed decision about the type of post mounting that will be needed. Your area’s outdoor climate plays a large role in determining how you should mount your cable railing. Some systems are better qualified for intense sun and heat, while others are more suited for a cooler climate to withstand snow and ice. Along with weather, understanding the type of wildlife your railing may encounter should be considered as more durable materials may be required.
Considering all the environmental aspects of your cable railing’s location will help you to better narrow down your options to create your perfect cable railing.
Designing Your Perfect Cable Railing
RailFX® makes it easy for you to design a railing system that meets all of your needs. No matter the challenge, our team is standing by to help make your dream railing a reality. Using our Get A Quote tool, you’ll walk through the process of creating your perfect railing system from beginning to end. From various infill options to post mounting methods, we’ve got you covered.
Lean on our experienced customer service team to answer any questions you have. We’re here every step of the way!
