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It’s easy to understand why modern cable railings have been gaining popularity over the last decade, particularly due to their versatility and design. They bring this spatial and airy feel to any design, whether you are transforming an outdoor deck with deck railing or an indoor staircase with an interior cable railing.
If we examine cable railing systems beyond their aesthetic appeal, we find that they are surprisingly practical, ranging from wire stair railing to horizontal cable deck railing. You can combine the railing hardware with wood or metal posts to match any design and provide both functionality and safety to your environment.
Is Modern Cable Railing Trendy?
Yes, modern cable railings have skyrocketed in popularity in the past decade and have become one of the most frequent design choices for contemporary homes.
Modern aesthetics demand clean lines and minimalism, which is undoubtedly straightforward to achieve with cable wire railings and metal cable railings. Both interior cable railing systems and horizontal cable deck railing systems provide homeowners with unobstructed views, an open or airy feeling, which falls under the “minimalism” category.
Are Cable Rails Worth It?
Absolutely!
Cable railing systems offer an amazing combination of durability, style, and low maintenance.
With quality railing hardware and wood or aluminum cable railing posts, a cable handrail or wire stair railing can be both safe and long-lasting. For those seeking an open look without sacrificing functionality, cable deck railing is a smart investment.
How Safe Are Cable Railings
The cable railing systems are commonly designed with two things in mind – style and safety!
When your system is set up correctly, regardless of whether it is stainless steel cables, wood posts, or even metal posts, they provide strength. Their architecture is enough to withstand all the daily weight, and they mostly meet local building codes.
When the space between the lines (cables) is thoughtfully considered, it prevents children and pets from going through. This is the main factor that makes both wire stair railing and wire deck railing systems secure for everyone.
So, if we put the spacing aside and take a look at the strength of a cable wire railing, everything comes down to the tension. The cables must be tight to reduce flexibility and guarantee that the top and bottom rails help each other to secure the railing system.
The bottom line here is that with the correct railing hardware and occasional checks, tests, and maintenance, a cable handrail or cable deck railing can provide longevity and peace of mind.
Are Cable Railings Building Code Compliant?
The straightforward answer is yes, cable railing systems can meet local building codes, but only when installed the correct way. When it comes to compliance, there are a few critical factors to consider, and the most important of them include:
- The space between the cables
- The actual height of the top rail
- The strength of the support cable railing post
Most building codes demand the gap between the cables to be no more than 4 inches, which is what provides safety for pets and children.
The strength of the establishment comes from the railing hardware, and some homeowners go with fully stainless steel cables to ensure durability.
So, with the right materials and careful rail installation, an interior cable railing system or metal wire deck railing setup can pass inspections and provide peace of mind for years to come.
What Are the Negatives of Cable Railing
Typically, cable railing systems do not have a lot of negatives, but there are a few standout cons that we shouldn’t overlook.
Here are a few drawbacks that many homeowners discover when it’s too late:
Maintenance
It’s probably obvious, but even the stainless steel cable railing can get loose over time, and it’ll require re-tensioning, which is quite the effort. That’s why one of the greatest negatives of the cable railing systems is the maintenance that is required.
Upfront Cost
Everyone is looking for reliability, longevity, and security, which means that high-quality metal cable railing and railing hardware are recommended. However, the upfront cost for high-end railing hardware might surprise some homeowners.
We should also mention the optional strengthening of your system with wood or metal posts, which also adds to the total cost.
Upkeeping
The top and bottom rails, even the cables (when metal), can easily catch a lot of fingerprints, dirt, corrosion, and other accumulations, especially when the daily traffic is high. Hence, many homeowners report that without occasional cleaning, it’s impossible to maintain the aesthetic.
What Are Common Problems with Wire Balustrades
A few common issues, even with a well-installed cable railing system, could be:
- Cable Sagging: This is when the tensioning in the cables starts to sag, which reduces the safety and takes away the appeal.
- Corrosion: With an outdoor wire railing system, corrosion is always a common concern, as the hardware is exposed to harsh weather.
- Loose Fittings: The railing hardware, as well as the top and bottom rails, can get loose over time and may require re-tightening.
- Alignment Issues: If you have a horizontal cable deck railing with a long run, it may appear to be uneven when looked at from afar.
In short, it all comes down to proper installation.
Note: Tensioning often requires a cable cutter!
How Long Can You Run Cable Railing
The good news is that there is no predetermined limit to how long you can run cable railing!
However, the longer the cable railing system, the more tensioning and posts would be required to ensure stability and provide additional support.
For beginners, it’s important to use high-quality metal wire cable railing or stainless steel cables with top-notch railing kits that are easy to install. The anchoring here is also a key point for long stretches, which ensures that the railing system can withstand the daily weight.
We hope you’ve learned something new, so best of luck!