San Diego Cable Railings offers complete cable rail systems and a variety of material combinations to create our railing packages. In this article we touch on basic railing components and top railing options, as well as the importance of material selection and maintenance when it comes to top railings.
The Basics: Our customers frequently desire minimalistic railings and unobstructed views. We achieve this look by minimizing the amount of components and hardware needed to construct the railing. Sturdy posts and top railings are necessary structural elements for a successful railing project. Below is a list of typical cable rail components and a couple of our favorite top railing choices for your cable railing:
-Railing Posts: Vertical uprights that attach to a deck surface or floor
-Cable Assemblies: Railing infill to provide the barrier and prevent pass through
-Hardware: Fasteners for attaching posts and top railings
-Top Railings: The horizontal railing cap member that connects to the railing posts providing lateral stability
When it comes to exterior railings, the top railing member will receive the highest amount of UV and moisture exposure of all the railing components. Much like a deck surface, the top railings on any cable rail systems will see more direct sun, standing moisture, and physical contact than the vertical railing components. (posts)
At SDCR the materials of choice when it comes to top railing selection are Ipe hardwood and Stainless Steel. Our preferred installers have performed 100s of installations utilizing MANY different top railing options and have selected Ipe and Stainless for the following reasons:
Cable Tension- Cable railings sustain a tremendous amount of tension in order to keep the cables taught and prevent sagging or pass through. Ipe hardwood behaves like steel and belongs to the “Ironwood” family. It is 30 times harder than teak and 300 times harder than typical framing lumber. Our stainless steel post systems combined with hardwood top railings sustain and maintain tension with minimal or no need for future cable adjustments.
Durability- Ipe hardwood and stainless steel can last 30-50 years even when exposed to exterior conditions. Ipe hardwood and stainless steel are not subject to dry rot or termite damage. They do not oxidize or cause electrolysis when combined, nor to they leech acids released by other material types.
ALL types of wooden or steel top railings will require a minimal amount of maintenance. A simple wipe down or occasional pressure wash will add years to the lifespan and beauty of any exterior railing. Re application of sealer or paint to wood members will greatly improve the lifespan and look. Even composite and synthetic products boasting “no maintenance” need to be cleaned and maintained in order to function for the life of the product.
SAN DIEGO CABLE RAILINGS/CABLE RAIL SYSTEMS – 800-844-277-7327
