What is a Cable Railing?
Cable Railings 101: Although “cable railing” is the preferred terminology for residential applications, cable railings are also referred to as wire railings, wire rope, wire rope assemblies, stainless steel wire, stainless steel cable, aircraft cable, marine wire, cable rail, cable railing systems, modern railings, and contemporary railings. Cable railings are dedicated to architectural applications and geared toward barrier railings and fencing for safety, code compliance, and architectural use.
Other terms like aircraft cable, marine wire, marine cable, stainless wire rope, and stainless steel cable, also refer to some form of the same product. DIY cable assemblies have become very popular in recent years.
Braiding, Sizing, and Durability
Residential cable railing assemblies are typically fabricated using 1×19 braid 1/8″ or 3/16″ diameter stainless steel cable, or what some refer to as “wire rope.” The stainless steel cable is made up of a grouping of small strands and the braid number call is based on the number of strands. There are many different braid types of wire rope and stainless cable as well as different alloys of stainless steel.
7×7 stainless steel cable is a different braid of cable that has also seen popularity in the cable railing industry. Although 7×7 is suitable from a strength standpoint, we prefer the rigidity of 1×19 braid for architectural applications. 304 stainless steel is also common throughout the online marketplace for railing systems. 304 stainless alloy is a lower grade of stainless steel than 316.
At San Diego Cable Railings, we furnish only cable and assemblies made from 316 stainless steel. Although there are cost benefits that result from purchasing lower grade stainless, the long term durability issues with lower grades pose a problem for longevity of cable railings.
The Evolution of Cable Railings
Stainless steel cable has been used in the marine and aircraft industries for years. “Wire rope assemblies” are in some cases different than cable railing assemblies or systems. Wire rope has been utilized for decades but the last 10 years have really launched the evolution of cable railings and cable railing systems.
