Benefits of Cable Railing
Adding a cable railing system to your home or business opens up a feeling of space, allowing an unobstructed view of your surroundings, similar to glass. Perfect for decks with scenic mountain views, a home on the lake or prairie, they can even add a feeling of spaciousness to cramped city life. However, unlike glass, your cable decking will never need cleaning or polishing, nor will it require the regular staining and painting that traditional wood decking systems have need of. Cable railing is designed to be durable and require minimum maintenance.
Wire Rope Construction for Cable Railing
Our wire rope for construction applications comes in two different construction types. Our 1X19 (19 of a single wire) has a shiny appearance and is made to be durable and resistant to abrasion. Our 7×19 (19 bundles of 7 wires) has more of a “rope” appearance and is not resistant to abrasion.
Materials Used in Cable Railings
316 stainless steel is the most commonly used material in our wire ropes for cable railings.
Hand Swage and Machine Swage Cable Railing Parts
Swaging is another term used for “crimping”. Hand swage parts can be crimped on with a specialized hand crimping tool, we offer various hand crimping tools, such as the SST-3 (seen below). Hand-swaged parts, if crimped perfectly, will hold up to 60% of the cables breaking strength.
Note* In our catalogs, “HS” stands for Hand Swage, and “MS” stands for Machine Swage.
Pros and Cons of Hand Swaging and Machine Swaging
Hand Swaging
Pro: You can cut the wire yourself, guaranteeing you have the correct measurements and can save time during the process
Con: This process doesn’t look as good and doesn’t hold to breaking strength. Also, you will most likely throw away parts while you learn to use the swaging tool correctly.
Machine Swaging
Pro: Your railings will have a clean and uniform appearance and each railing will hold to the breaking strength of the wire. They will also arrive ready to install.
Con: If the measurements provided are not 100% accurate, the railing will be unusable. The structure may bend as the railing is tightened, and the required measurements for the top cables could change. Lastly, the process is much more costly.
Cable Railing Part Sizes
We offer three different cable railing part sizes.
- 1/8″ T316
- Breaking Strength of 1900 lbs (Pulls out around 1140lbs with hand swage)
- 3/16″ T316
- Breaking Strength of 3600 lbs (Pulls out around 2160 lbs with hand swage)
- 1/4″ T316
- Breaking Strength of 6400 lbs (Pulls out around 3840 lbs with hand swage)
Cable Railing Safety
Like all other railing systems, safety is a top priority. Specific requirements must be met for a railing to be deemed safe. Two types of cable railing requirements must be met. One is the International Residential Code (IRC), and the other is the Local/City/State Codes.
Other codes and requirements that should be followed are Load Requirements, Sphere Rules, Handrail and Guardrail Height Requirements, Spacing, Proper Tension, and more.
We recommend you contact local code officers first before starting any projects.
4-Inch Ball Test
The 4-Inch Ball Test can help prevent toddlers from getting their heads stuck in railings by testing the size of the gaps between the railings. The test involves attempting to pass a 4-inch diameter ball through the gaps between the railings to determine if a child’s head could become trapped. If the ball cannot pass through the gaps, then it is likely that a child’s head would not be able to either, reducing the risk of injury. This test is often used in building codes and regulations to ensure that railings are constructed with appropriate gaps to prevent such accidents.
FAQs
What is a cable railing system?
Cable railing uses stainless steel cables in place of traditional pickets or spindles. When tensioned between posts, the cables provide a safe guardrail that maintains clean sight lines and a modern, open look for decks, balconies, and stairs.
What are the advantages of a cable railing vs a traditional wood railing?
Cable railing offers a more contemporary aesthetic and preserves views through the railing. It typically requires less ongoing maintenance than wood balusters and can be easier to keep clean. Wood systems can cost less initially but usually need more regular painting or staining and can obstruct the view.
What type of wire rope do you recommend for cable railing?
We generally recommend 1×19 stainless steel cable for railing infill. It is relatively stiff, resists stretch, and has a clean, streamlined appearance that works well with tension hardware and posts.
How far apart should posts and cable runs be spaced?
Many building codes limit the maximum opening in a guardrail to about 4 inches. To control deflection and stay within that opening, installers often space cables at about 3 inches on center and keep post spacing relatively tight. You should always confirm final spacing and design details with your local building authority and project engineer.
Can cable railing be used in coastal or commercial applications?
Yes. For coastal, pool, or commercial projects, stainless steel cable and corrosion-resistant hardware are strongly recommended. Regular inspection and cleaning help maintain both appearance and performance. We can help you select cable and fittings that are appropriate for your environment.