A new client asked how fast San Diego Cable Rail system can be installed. Rather than tell them, we decided to show them on this gorgeous custom home construction.

• We prepared all the posts and top rails — pre-drilled, stained and sealed
• We did the job on a single run of cable
• We were able to complete the installation in 1 1/2 days.
• The contractor paid us via PayPal.

We furnish cable systems to contractors, retail outfits, and homeowners who may desire to perform their own installations. In addition, we offer full service fabrication and installation of wooden, aluminum, and structural or stainless steel framed systems. Typically, wood framed systems are the least expensive followed by aluminum and stainless. Please call 858-336-6425 to inquire about pricing for cable systems. We offer machine swaged and tool less assemblies, quick connect systems, and any number of framing and fitting options to satisfy a broad range of clientele. We have performed installations residential as well as commercial; no job too large or too small.

In 2011 we saw a distinct increase in inquiries from Architects, Designers, and Contractors. With more systems available, and more contractors choosing to install cable railing, our quality products and competitive prices are serving a broader community and spreading rapidly. More and more often we are costing systems against other bidders or suppliers, and the general public is more educated on what is available; at what cost. In the past it was difficult to get estimates for cabling and on the shelf systems were unavailable. Systems were complicated, and few retailers and installers had the time or technical ability for cable railings. We now see cable systems popping up at lumber yards and home improvement stores, as well as multiple online sales outfits. Although retail locations provide a convenient source for cable railings; few people know exactly what they are getting; and at what cost.

Cable systems that can be purchased off the rack at home improvement stores are popular because of convenience and perceived ease of installation. Some even market themselves this way “easy to install”. As technical and cost comparisons are hared to come by we have highlighted differences between these systems. The following are findings about some popular store bought systems vs. our custom fabricated systems when compared in market settings:

-Store bought systems are furnished by purchasing a spool or multiple spools of cable and a number of fittings and hardware pre packaged. VS. – Custom fabricated systems are made to order by pros who select fittings applicable to a particular installation

-Store bought systems require that a specific cable spool be purchased at a specific length ex. 500′. VS. – Custom fabricated systems use exactly what is needed per project; meaning if you only needed 350′; you weren’t committed to buy 500′ per availability

-Store bought systems supply pre packaged hardware in quantities ex. 10 per package. Once again; a possibility of extras you don’t need VS. -Custom fabricated systems come made to order with the exact # of fittings on pre measured runs of cable

-Store bought systems are mapped out by salesmen with no installation experience; encouraged to up sell. VS-Custom fabricated systems are made by our experienced installers; selling only what you need based on actual installations

-Store bought systems are visible, “easy”, convenient, and at times perceived to be all that is available. VS-Custom fabricated systems are perceived to be more complicated; but can be designed with ease of install in mind; with added safety of tech support

-Store bought systems are limited in fastening and tensioning methods usually producing a lot of visible hardware. VS-Custom fabricated systems provide variety and options to hide hardware, streamline the look of a system, and maximize the view

-Finally:

Store bought systems when cost compared to our Custom fabricated systems usually come in 50%-200% higher on the same exact projects. We have actually experienced this in the field on numerous occasions. Many times perspective consumers were left upset and shocked by the cost comparisons provided by their local stores and suppliers. Store bought systems are very limited from an engineering standpoint and offer few solutions for really complicated installations. The span capabilities are minimal, and combined with the need to purchase extra materials and fittings, we believe this to be an inferior result at a higher price. The quick connections or tool less installations are not as strong, or as durable as machine swaging, and offer little take up (room for re tensioning of a system) over time when wood shrinks, or cables become loose.

In today’s times it’s difficult to believe that one can purchase something better for a better price; there usually has to be a catch. However; the fact is that exposure; lack of time, and availability have made it difficult to compare and understand the differences between cable systems. Even construction contractors have little time to compare and research the differences; contact riggers, or may stay with something because it has worked in the past; and is “easy”. If you’re a consumer, or a contractor, a better product at a better price is a win win situation. It pays to take the time to research; and it pays to install a system that will minimize the possibility of call backs.

In 2011 there are many cable systems available, some of them catering to do it yourselfers, while others are still aimed at specialty contractors with proper tooling and know how.  We’ve encountered many different railing systems while researching and estimating in the stainless cable business. Some systems purchased off the rack at retail locations may not require special tooling, however the cost for these systems can double and even triple your cable cost. In addition, these systems at times require more fittings because of less spanning capabilities, and require you to purchase a large spool of cable you may or may not need in it’s entirety.

A tough economy has prompted many tradespeople to branch out and try and secure work in other areas. Many companies and individuals have branched outside there usual areas of expertise to try and remain busy during these times. Specialty items like cable railings require special techniques and know how, tensioning and framing parameters, and the experience of pulling hundreds of cables in all types of scenarios. If you’re hiring to install or buying a cable system, it’s recommended to seek the advice of a specialist.

Cutting costs and being environmentally conscious are huge factors in today’s remodeling market. San Diego Cable Railing systems produce almost zero waste as they are custom fabricated to order. It’s possible to span distances of 100 feet on a single strand, cutting cost tremendously vs. competitor systems, and greatly improving the aesthetics and clean lines which embody a cable railing, On a current research and development mission we did a cost comparison for a 12×20 rectangular deck and fabricated an entire system for the price of a competitors cable alone. We will continue to post in the future and encourage questions or comments.