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Cable Railing DIY Success, Part 3

Cable Railing DIY Success, Part 1 discussed the basic rules of cable railing, pre-design considerations and material considerations.  Cable Railing DIY Success, Part 2 talked about the selection of post and rail material and how they can be used to build a safe railing and match your budget.

In Part 3, we are going to discuss how cable stabilizers work and how they can be used.

Cable Railing Stabilizers

Cable stabilizers can be made of any material that is rigid and can be made to capture the cable midway between posts. A cable stabilizer is generally not structural, so its purpose is limiting to the amount of deflection we get from applying pressure to the cable. Generally speaking, a code enforcement office will apply pressure to a 4 inch ball or disk to test whether your cable spacing and deflection is safe. You do not want to fail that test as failed results are difficult to remedy. If you err on the side of caution it will serve you well.

If you have post spaced over 48 inches apart, you always need to use a stabilizer. If your posts are over 7 feet apart you, need an additional post. Never stack stabilizers (more than one per section) in an attempt to decrease your post count. You will create a dangerous situation.

Cable railing stabilizers come pre-made from several materials, with aluminum and stainless steel being the most popular. You can also make your own stabilizer from wood or other material as long as the strength and capture requirements are fulfilled.

Cable Railing DIY Success, Part 2

Cable Railing DIY Success, Part 1 discussed the basic rules of cable railing, pre-design considerations and material considerations.

In Part 2, we are going to discuss the selection of post and rail material and how they can be used to build the safest railing and match your budget. We will further discuss how to successfully build a cable railing frame using wood.

Cable Railing Post and Rail Material

In Cable Railing DIY Success, Part 1, we discussed the need to understand your budget and your desired aesthetic outcome. The material used to build you cable railing frame will be essential to both factors. This article will lay out the variables of cost, strength, maintenance and degree of difficulty in each potential material type.

Wood for Cable Railing Frame

Approximately 60% of cable railings are made with a wood frame. Wood is the most flexible, most available and most cost-efficient material available for building a cable railing frame. When using wood for a DIY Cable Railing project do not sacrifice cost for safety. You will need minimum 4 x 4 quality wood for end and corner posts. Do not use laminated wood products for the cable railing frames. You should count on about 2,000 pounds of pull from 10 cables on a 36” high residential railing. At 42”, you will encounter about 2,400 pounds of pull over a longer area, which will increase the chances that a post may slightly deflect or bow. A 6 x 6 post will provide a stronger mounting station under these circumstances. Pressure treated lumber is likely the least expensive wood available for use, but you should use only KDAT (Kiln Dried After Treatment) number 1 or better. Hardwoods, Cedar, and Douglas Fir are the best choice for material, but they are far more expensive. If you are going to sleeve the project with composite or vinyl, you may be able to go to a “standard” quality pressure treated. These material recommendations apply to the top and optional bottom rails as well.

Stainless Steel Posts for Cable Railing Frame

Stainless steel cable railing posts are always a good choice, but they can be expensive, particularly when compared to wood frames. Stainless steel cable railing posts are comparable in cost to many composite railing systems, so for cost comparing, you should include the wood and composite against the stainless steel. Making your own stainless steel posts and rails are not usually recommended, but several manufacturers make stainless steel cable rail posts specifically for viewrail creations. If you like the idea of a stainless steel cable railing, but post cost is a budget killer, try using a combination of wood posts sleeved with composite or vinyl combined with a stainless steel top rail. This look will give you the stainless steel look at a fraction of the price. It will also be a unique creation.

Aluminum for Cable Railing Frame

Aluminum has become a viable frame material for cable railing frames, but they are usually very standard and almost all are powder coated. Making your own aluminum posts and rails are not usually recommended, but several manufacturers make aluminum cable rail posts specifically for viewrail creations. Aluminum is very competitively priced and will be cost comparable to high end wood and lower than most composite railing systems. If you like the powder coated look, aluminum may be your answer. Aluminum cable railing systems generally come as a complete set with instructions for a DIY installation. Additionally, you can combine a stainless steel top and optional bottom rail with aluminum posts to provide a lower cost stainless steel railing option.

Cable Railing DIY Success, Part 1

When tackling a DIY cable railing, you need to know the basics. There are 3 basic rules that should guide you through the designing and installing of your cable railing. Keep your cable spacing to 3 inches or less, keep you post spacing to 4 feet or less (unless using a cable stabilizing device) and limit longer runs to a maximum of 50 feet.  None of these basic rules are meant to restrict you. They are meant to protect you.

Other than following these 3 simple rules, knock yourself out in designing your unique and personalized cable railing. 

Pre-Design Considerations

Answer these 3 questions before designing your project.

  1. Why do you want cable railing? Is it because cable railing will allow you to maintain your unique view, or maybe it’s because you have a modern home and your old wood railings just don’t look good on the stairway? Cable railing can lend itself creatively to a variety of different situations, so define it and picture it before you go any farther.
  2. What is your budget? Maybe budget is not the main reason you are choosing cable railing, but since you are doing a cable railing DIY project, there is likely some consideration given to cost. Are you willing to sacrifice the look you want for price or is cost and design of equal value? Think this through so you have perspective.
  3. What have you seen that you like? Places like the DIY Cable Railing photo gallery are excellent sources for viewing amazing real time railing projects. Get an idea what you like and what you want before trying to decide how to go about it.

Material Considerations

This is where it gets fun. Keep a few things in mind here as you think through how you will achieve your perfect cable railing.

Now you have some basic knowledge to start your DIY cable railing project. In our next posting we will discuss how to successfully build a wood frame for cable railing.