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deck railing

2025 Deck Railing Choices

New Year, New Deck Railings Choosing the best deck railing for your home involves considering several factors including aesthetics, durability, maintenance, and cost. Here’s a rundown of the most popular options for deck railings in 2025 based on current trends and insights from our pro’s at SDCR: CLASSIC WOOD RAILINGS OR MODERN STYLE? Wood Railing: Pros: Offers a classic, warm, and natural look. It can be customized in terms of stain or paint color to match any home style. Cons: Requires regular maintenance like staining or painting to resist rot, insects, and weather damage. Best For: Traditional or rustic designs where the natural look of wood is desired. Aluminum and Steel Railing Types Aluminum Railing: Pros: Lightweight, durable, and resistant to rust and corrosion. Aluminum railings come in various styles and can be powder-coated for color options, providing a modern look with minimal maintenance. They’re also eco-friendly as they can be recycled. Cons: Can be more expensive initially than other materials, but low maintenance over time can offset this cost. They might get hot in direct sunlight. Best For: Modern or contemporary designs, especially where a sleek, clean look is desired. Cable Railing: Pros: Provides an airy, modern look with minimal visual obstruction, perfect for showcasing views. Cable systems are also quite strong when installed correctly. Cons: Can require periodic tensioning and inspection. It’s less private and can be more expensive due to the hardware. Best For: Decks overlooking water or landscapes where you want to maintain the view Glass Railing: Pros: Offers unobstructed views, making it excellent for decks with beautiful surroundings. It’s also elegant and modern, enhancing the openness of your outdoor space. Cons: Can be more expensive and requires regular cleaning to keep it clear. Ideal in areas with wind or where privacy is not a concern. Best For: Decks with a view, where you want to maintain visibility SAFETY, LONGEVITY, AND ASSOCIATED COSTS: When deciding on the best deck railing for your project, consider your local building codes, the overall aesthetic you’re aiming for, your budget, and how much maintenance you’re willing to commit to. Each material has its niche where it shines, so your choice should reflect both your practical needs and design preferences. Don’t sacrifice safety or quality for the sake of cost savings. High quality materials like stainless steel will offer long term savings when it comes to maintenance and longevity. Deck Railing Replacement Costs for 2025 Costs can fluctuate based on regional pricing, the specific design of your deck, and whether you choose to DIY or hire a professional. Professional installation typically includes labor, which can be significant for more complex or premium materials. If you’re considering a DIY approach, you’ll save on labor but need to account for the cost of tools if you don’t already own them. Assume $60-$250 per lineal foot for exterior deck railing replacement. Wooden railings and DIY products will fall into the lower part of the range while cable and glass railings will land at the higher end. For a free estimate please visit our QUOTE REQUEST FORM. Hiring a Deck Builder Simple repairs like a plank replacement or swapping out some deck screws are do-able for DIY enthusiasts. Full deck railing replacement can be more suited for hiring a pro. Our preferred contractors at San Diego Cable Railings have installed hundreds of decks, fences, and modern railing systems. Ask our sales associate about installation pricing. If you have questions about repairs prior to installing new railings, feel free to give us a call or visit the QUOTE REQUEST form for a free estimate on our popular railing and glass railing systems. Our sales pro’s and preferred contractors build decks and railings for customers all over California. CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A QUOTE FROM OUR SALES TEAM! Deck Safety 2025 Deck Railing Choices MavenDecember 17, 2024 ADU Railings Best Rated Deck Railings MavenDecember 17, 2024 Deck Safety Deck Safety Checklist MavenNovember 25, 2024 Modern Deck Railings, Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum Modern Deck Railing Ideas MavenOctober 21, 2024 100% American made Steel, Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel Railing Comparison MavenSeptember 30, 2024 Browse More Posts Add Your Heading Text Here

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deck safety

Deck Safety Checklist

Building Safer Decks More than 50% of outdoor decks in America are in need of repair or deemed “unsafe.” Consumers and deck enthusiasts alike should consider professional deck inspections on a periodic basis to ensure the safety of outdoor structures. Issues like soft wood, dry rot, corrosion to structural fasteners and even normal wear and tear can compromise the integrity of your deck. Here are some ways you can improve the safety and security of your outdoor decks and railing systems: PERFORM AND ANNUAL DECK INSPECTION: An annual walk around inspection of your decking planks and understructure is simple to do by visually inspecting your deck. If the understructure is not accessible; removing planks in periodic locations to visually assess the frame is advised. Inspect high traffic or exposed areas like stairways and doorways; drip lines from overhanging eaves are high risk areas. Any locations on the deck where water pools, and places where staining has occurred are good locations to look first. If you have a raised deck with good access to the understructure; visually inspect connections and hardware for rust or fastener degradation. Increasing Corrosion Resistance and Deck Longevity Wooden decks will require more upkeep than composite decking systems and should be inspected more often with possible repairs in mind. Wooden railing systems like picket style railings with top and bottom rails should be inspected where wooden members intersect. If railing posts are wobbly or do not offer sufficient lateral resistance; consider replacing your deck railings. Older wooden railing frames can be replaced with new modern railing posts like steel powder coated frames that offer a much longer lifespan. As long as the deck structure is sound, a new railing system can be installed with ease and greately increase the safety and longevity of your deck.  Cable railing kits,  and glass railing systems offer extreme corrosion resistance when compared to traditional wooden picket railing systems. Maintenance is minimal in both cases; minor annual cleaning and inspection is required to keep these railings in tip top condition.  PROFESSIONAL DECK INSPECTORS: A professional deck evaluations is always a good idea for older wooden decks. Depending on exposure and material types a deck can last from 10-30 years before major repair is necessary. Local deck and railing pro’s have worked on hundreds of decks both new and old and have the specialized experience to evaluate for structural issues that may arise. In some cases a “retrofit” to an existing structure is possible. Deck Retrofitting vs. Complete Replacement While a retrofit of an existing deck can increase deck safety; some decks will requrie a complete replacement. Our deck professionals at SDCR perform replacements with new and modern decking materials like Trex composite planks and high performance railing systems like stainless steel cable and glass panel railings. Pressure treated deck frames, raised concrete footings, and composite or hardwood planks will offer the most in deck safety and longevity. The up front cost of a deck replacement can be a substantial investment but the peace of mind and enjoyment customers get from a well designed outdoor space that lasts for decades is worth the costs involved.  DIY Deck Repairs vs. Hiring a Deck Builder Simple repairs like a plank replacement or swapping out some deck screws can be pretty simple for DIY enthusiasts. Structural issues, railing construction, stairs, and full deck replacements can be more suited for hiring a pro. Our preferred contractors at San Diego Cable Railings have installed hundreds of decks, fences, and modern railing systems in the harshest conditions.  Our railing kits offer a multitude of solutions for simple DIY railing repairs; from hand crimp cable hardware to swageless cable railing  products.  If you have questions about deck safety and repairs prior to installing new railings, feel free to give us a call or visit the QUOTE REQUEST form for a free estimate on our popular railing and glass railing systems. Our sales pro’s and preferred contractors build safer decks and railings for customers all over California.  CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A QUOTE FROM OUR SALES TEAM! Deck Safety Deck Safety Checklist MavenNovember 25, 2024 Modern Deck Railings, Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum Modern Deck Railing Ideas MavenOctober 21, 2024 100% American made Steel, Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel Railing Comparison MavenSeptember 30, 2024 Cable Railing News Stair Railing Ideas MavenSeptember 6, 2024 Safe Deck Railings Pony Wall Railing Renovations MavenAugust 20, 2024 Browse More Posts Add Your Heading Text Here

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Modern Deck Railing Ideas

Modern Railings vs. Traditional Style Whether you are replacing your deck or retrofitting an old railing system, there are considerations to be made about style and material choices for new railings. Traditional deck railings and the commonly used “wood spindle” and “picket” designs can be replaced with modern choices like horzontal railing systems and panel designs. Modern material choices like aluminum, stainless steel, and composites are rapidly replacing traditional wood railings. Hybrid railings and pre fabricated kit systems are fast installing and easy to source in most places.  A multitude of options does however come with the caveat of difficulty when choosing your new railing system. For this we offer our favorite choices when installing a new modern deck railing system. SAN DIEGO CABLE RAILINGS MOST POPULAR MODERN DECK RAILING SYSTEMS: GLASS PANELS, BASE SHOE, AND POST CLIP- Glass panel railings make for an attractive and durable exterior railing system that is perfect for coastal decks. These systems can be installed in a number of fashions from traditional wood post frames, to steel post and clip installations. For high end installations and customers that want ultimate transparency; a base shoe cleat can suspend the panels without need for a top railing. STAINLESS STEEL CABLE – Cable railings are well known for strength and durability, as well as superior transparency when compared to traditional deck railing systems. They are easy to install, attractive and modern railing systems. Style options and color choices for cable railing systems are endless and hybrid steel, wood, and composite options can be easily incorporated to sturdily frame for stainless cable infill.    Modern Deck Railing Corrosion Resistance Both cable and glass railing systems offer extreme corrosion resistance when compared to traditional picket railing systems. Maintenance is minimal in both cases; minor annual cleaning and inspection is required to keep these railings in tip top condition. If we must rate one or the other; in most cases the cable railings system will require less maintenance than glass solely because of the need for cleaning the glass panels. When combining either infill (glass, cable) with a sturdy stainless steel frame, the railing system will function for decades and maintain the beautiful aesthetic with minimal change. Our preferred material choice for corrosion resistance is domestic stainless steel which outperforms aluminum in coastal applications.  Cost Comparisons for SDCR Deck Railing Choices: Cable railing systems can be constructed comparably to just about any railing system or package on the market of similar quality. Consumers should consider the longevity and ease of maintenance when comparing cheaper options that may fade, crack, or lose structural integrity. When compared to glass panel railings, the cable railing systems for modern decks will almost always be less expensive. Once again, we would still recommend exploration of durability and ease of maintenance when making these type of comparisons. A lower up front cost base does not always result in a lower overall cost, and definitely does not factor possible call backs, or early replacement of inferior railing types.    California Coastal Railing Systems Our modern deck railing systems can be found up and down the California coast; performing in some of the toughest environmental conditions. If you want to learn more about the best material choices for coastal railings, contact one of our sales team members.  DIY Deck Railings vs. Contractor Installation Our preferred contractors at San Diego Cable Railings have installed hundreds of stainless steel cable and glass railing systems all over California. We also offer a multitude of options for DIY installers from hand crimp cable hardware to swageless cable rail products.  If you have questions about aluminum and stainless steel railing systems feel free to give us a call or visit the QUOTE REQUEST form for a free estimate on our popular stainless cable railing and glass railing systems. CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A QUOTE FROM OUR SALES TEAM! Modern Deck Railings, Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum Modern Deck Railing Ideas MavenOctober 21, 2024 100% American made Steel, Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel Railing Comparison MavenSeptember 30, 2024 Cable Railing News Stair Railing Ideas MavenSeptember 6, 2024 Safe Deck Railings Pony Wall Railing Renovations MavenAugust 20, 2024 kids and cable railings, Safe Deck Railings Safer Deck Railings MavenJuly 31, 2024 Browse More Posts Add Your Heading Text Here

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Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel Railing Comparison

Stainless Steel is Stronger Than Aluminum Do you have questions about the superiority comparison between Aluminum vs. Stainless steel? Which one of these versatile metal is right for your project? Arguments from camps for both metals are as old as fabrication itself; especially for manufacturers that utilize either or for production of their products. Our comparison in this post relates directly to railing systems and components- primarily posts and top railing sections. What are the best material choices for durability and aesthetics when it comes to deck railings? The short answer is that despite the lightweight versatility of aluminum, it does not compare to stainless steel when used as a structural railing member. A simple field strength comparison between railing posts will require a larger cross section of aluminum in order to compete with the stainless steel post member. In addition, a more robust weld is required to resist the same amount of force between the two.  A BIT OF INFORMATION ABOUT BOTH METALS: ALUMINUM- Lightweight, versatile, and corrosion resistant. Conductivity of this metal is excellent. although this is not desired for railing applications. Easier to shape and form than stainless steel; once again not particularly desirable for railing unless bending or shaping is desired. STAINLESS STEEL- Well known for strength and durability and superior in this type of comparison. Superior corrosion resistance; coating takes this metal even further. Heat resistant, hygienic , and preferred for structural integrity. T316 Stainless Steel is More Corrosion Resistant When considering corrosion resistance both of these metals are highly effective at resisting corrosion. Stainless steel has an edge in chemical and moist environments. Another consideration when either material is combined with stainless steel cables –  it is preferable  to have similar metals touching one another; especially when salt is introduced. Dissimilar metals will react together when chemicals, salt, and/or moisture is introduced between the two metals accelerating oxidation, or even corrosion. Visible signs of this are staining, pitting, and or oxidation. Cost Comparison of Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum Alloy If there is any significant cost difference between the two metals it likely relates more to machining and/or freight cost than the metal itself. Once again our comparison is in regards to finding the superior material for fencing and railing applications. Mass produced fencing and off the shelf railing kits can be less expensive than a welded stainless steel railing kit. That is likely the draw to these products; and the only real example of superiority for Aluminum railings- they can be mass produced and shipped at a lower cost. “Cookie Cutter” is a term often used for off the shelf pre packaged products; these can and do  function well in certain situations. Timelines are definitely faster with off the shelf availability. Custom fabricated railing systems with curves, angles, high load bearing requirements, and extreme environmental conditions are likely not suitable cookie cutter applications.  Why Choose Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel !? Unless you have a custom consideration that requires the properties that aluminum excels at ; we can’t see a reason to choose an aluminum railing system over a stainless steel comparable. In addition to all the positive attributes mentioned earlier in this post; stainless steel is  also highly recycled and done without degradation of the metal. Stainless and aluminum are both very “green” options for sustainability. Although there may be a higher upfront production load or cost with stainless; the long term durability likely creates a lower overall footprint when comparing two like railing members over their lifespans. Which Metal Railing is Easier to DIY? Our preferred contractors at San Diego Cable Railings have installed hundreds of stainless steel and aluminum systems all over California. A large majority of our projects are coastal. Believe it or not the stainless steel kits can be easier to install due to the need for less components. The added strength of stainless for carrying tension loads and heavy glass panels can make certain operations easeier for the installer.  Although an aluminum kit will be lighter, it will likely use the same cable assemblies and require a bit more hardware to protect penetrations. A larger cross section (2.25″ O.D. vs. 2″ O.D) of tube will be required to acheive similar load resistance on two like railing posts. If you have questions about aluminum and stainless steel railing systems feel free to give us a call or visit the QUOTE REQUEST form for a free estimate on our popular stainless cable railing and glass railing systems. CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A QUOTE FROM OUR SALES TEAM! 100% American made Steel, Stainless Steel vs. Aluminum Aluminum vs. Stainless Steel Railing Comparison MavenSeptember 30, 2024 Cable Railing News Stair Railing Ideas MavenSeptember 6, 2024 Safe Deck Railings Pony Wall Railing Renovations MavenAugust 20, 2024 kids and cable railings, Safe Deck Railings Safer Deck Railings MavenJuly 31, 2024 deck railing costs Deck Railing Costs MavenJuly 16, 2024 Browse More Posts Add Your Heading Text Here

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Stair Railing Ideas

2024 Stair Railing Trends Staircases are often the first element seen upon entering the home yet often overlooked during remodeling scenarios. Great stair railing concepts are what separates a common entry staircase and something more eye catching that will inspire interest for the rest of a design. Modern stairways incorporate important elements into modern design. Building media like glass or polished metal as an element of design can compliment a dark wooden floor or a unique slab table and chandelier. There has never been a better time to build an amazing staircase as modern options abound. Additionally, stair remodeling is relatively low impact and turn around times are faster than bathrooms, kitchens etc.  CODE STAIR RAILING HEIGHT IN CALIFORNIA Code considerations will always weigh into a stairway design or remodel. Nobody wants to build a beautiful stairway with elaborate railings to find that the local code isn’t satisfied or the homeowner’s insurance company will not sign off on it. Code stair railing height in most locations is 36″ for a barrier railing section. Additional graspable stair railing sections may be needed and should fall between 34″and 38″. For more info on graspable railings please click HERE.   The Most Attractive Stair Railings With code considerations for stair railings out of the way; how do we make them cool? Easy – first off incorporate some of your own style or home style into the railing style. Add modern elements like “floating stairs” , lighting, contrast between colors and textures. Modern iterations of classic designs work well. It’s amazing what a stainless cable railing will do to an old stair set. Tie in some dark wood top rail with hardwood flooring. If budget is a concern as it often is; think about refinish possibilities or repurposing and refinishing existing elements if possible.  Cheap vs. Expensive Stairways Custom fabricated railing systems, curves, advanced joinery methods, hand carving, etc. are all terms that will likely relate to a higher cost improvement. Glass railings inside the house are much pricier than picket, rod, or cable options. Floating stairs or mono stringers, spirals, and structurally challenging layouts will drive costs. Open designs like cable are great for narrow stairs. If privacy is desired or stairs open to a living space consider etched glass for a feeling of privacy without losing the aesthetic. What About Exterior Stairs!? Many of the same ideas and code requirements apply to exterior stairways. If you have an awesome deck and amazing views you can draw attention to it and attract use with aesthetics. Light up your stairs with tread lighting or post lighting. Lighted stairways are safer and really cool to look at. –Maximize your space – Open air and light penetrating designs are where it’s at unless you absolutely need privacy or wind breaks. Enlarge the perceived space with light friendly stair railings like cable railings and transparent glass panels.  DIY the Stairway or Hire a Pro? Stairways can be tricky but we have products and techniques to make your DIY stair railing project easier. Pre made components, tool less fittings, and pre finished materials make your stair railings from SDCR easier. For Jobs that call for something more; we have specialized preferred contractors that can adapt to any building scenario.   Give us a call or visit the QUOTE REQUEST form for a free stair railing estimate today.  CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A QUOTE FROM OUR SALES TEAM! Cable Railing News Stair Railing Ideas MavenSeptember 6, 2024 Safe Deck Railings Pony Wall Railing Renovations MavenAugust 20, 2024 kids and cable railings, Safe Deck Railings Safer Deck Railings MavenJuly 31, 2024 deck railing costs Deck Railing Costs MavenJuly 16, 2024 glass railing posts All Purpose Railing Posts MavenJune 30, 2024 Browse More Posts

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Pony Wall Railing Renovations

What is a Pony Wall ? We don’t get a lot of railing requests from customers that are fans of the “pony wall” construction element.  The pony wall is an old trend mostly from 90s constructed homes that were used as “open concept” designed half walls. Other names used for pony wall could be “knee wall” or “half bannister” wall. True open concept designs today are completely open, modern adaptations to the older and dated open concept layout ideas. Currently we hear from a lot of potential customers that want to remove their pony wall. Pony wall removal projects create light penetration while modernizing the aesthetic of the interior of an older home. Renovation Phases When Removing Pony Walls Many remodels start with a demolition phase, and removing a pony wall to install a modern railing system is no different. Wall projects often start by cutting down and removing the existing wall. After the mess is removed, any re-framing or structural retrofit needs to happen prior to re- capping the wall. While framing is open; add any structural backing needed for a solid bolt up of the new railing posts. A “double top plate” is a solid way to ensure 3″of backing for a surface mount to your new cap.  What if I have an electrical outlet on my pony wall? There is a good chance of encountering electrical outlets and wires when removing bannister walls. It’s important to assess this prior to demolition and have a plan and possibly a professional electrician or contractor to terminate or relocate the outlet. This is actually a good time to consider other possibilities or additions when everything is opened up after demo phase. Finish Work and Flooring Possibilities A flooring repair or new edge member may be necessary prior to installing the new railings. Cap pieces can be stain or paint grade and flooring can be patched in where walls are removed prior to installing new railings.  –Paint Grade Trim is a clean way to hide imperfections and requires very little finish work. –Stain Grade Trim–will usually need to be custom made to match existing flooring out of a wood species similar or the same as the flooring.   -Carpet Repair – is often required when carpet floors abut pony walls that will be removed.- Hiring a Contractor to Perform a Pony Wall Railing Renovation Our preferred  railing professionals  carry a general contractors license and specialization that allows us to provide turnkey railing products and retrofit such as the work described in this article. Removing a pony wall on an existing staircase is often a project that will require a professional contractor. Some customers may choose to perform their own tear out or use different trades to perform each facet of the project which can work as well. A pony wall removal will require drywall, paint, carpentry, and railing construction experience. Our sales team at SDCR is available by phone to answer questions or provide quotes for railing remodel projects via the QUOTE REQUEST form.  CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A FREE ESTIMATE! Cable Railing News Stair Railing Ideas MavenSeptember 6, 2024 Safe Deck Railings Pony Wall Railing Renovations MavenAugust 20, 2024 kids and cable railings, Safe Deck Railings Safer Deck Railings MavenJuly 31, 2024 deck railing costs Deck Railing Costs MavenJuly 16, 2024 glass railing posts All Purpose Railing Posts MavenJune 30, 2024 Browse More Posts

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deck railings

Safer Deck Railings

Infill Spacing for Safe Decks Building codes nationwide hold to a 4″ maximum clear spacing requirement for railing infill sections. Whether constructing new or retrofitting older barrier railings the code spacing requirement remains the same. By definition this means that no gap anywhere on the railing should exceed 4″ clear in between members. Older homes, condominiums, and commercial buildings with outdated railings may need to be upgraded in order to satisfy this requirement. Older code spacing (6″-8″) increase liability due to possible falls or injury caused by larger spacing requirements that could allow children through railing members. Newer codes and standards for child safety require tighter gapping. Safer deck railings utilize current codes with sturdy frames and max clear spacing of 4″. Cable rail spacing requires a max 3″ space to allow for deflection. Safer Decks Require Current Codes and Practices The 4″ maximum spacing requirement used for current codes was designed to prevent small children from being able to force their head or body into and through any gaps anywhere on the railing system. Safe railings are all about child safety requirements. In this article we will explore information necessary to upgrade your railing systems and make them safer for children, pets, and people. Railing Heights Vary by State Railing height specifications can vary by state and we recommend checking with current  local building codes prior to construction. In California, a minimum railing height of 42″ is required. Other states like Arizona still hold to a 36″ railing height requirement. How to measure for finished railing height? Railing height should be measured from the top of the deck surface to the highest point of the top rail member. When performing site verifications our installers  measure from multiple locations across the deck surface. Deck levels can vary, especially when dealing with slopes so it’s best to verify railing height in multiple locations. Vertical and Horizontal Rail Spacing Checking for voids along the railing frame is a good way to make sure your railings meet current codes. Safe deck railings should not contain any gaps larger than 4″.  The following are common locations where these voids may occur: –Upright or Vertical Members – check spacing between pickets, posts, and or pipes, also check cables for 3″ spacing compliance –Horizontal railing members– bottom rails should be code spaced from the deck surface.  Cable spacing should not exceed 3″ in order to prevent more than 4″ when deflection occurs. Solid members like pipe and/or wooden railing parts that do not deflect can be spaced at 4″ from center of member to member Glass infill – glass panels, lattice or solid wood, steel or other aesthetic panels should not have gaps larger than 4″ in between panels or scrollwork. Hiring Railing Pro to Construct Safer Deck Railings A large number of our customers hire a  railing professional to guarantee safety and code compliance. Our preferred installers are licensed contractors; familiar with local and current code requirements. Some custom and higher risk applications like raised decks, balconies, and stairs greatly benefit from using pro’s. Our DIY products and solutions are very popular and easy to install however some applications are better suited for hiring a specialized contractor.  HOA’s, and condo complexes are often required to use professional contractors for construction projects. Insurance claims also require the use of a professional.  Large scale industrial projects, commercial, and retail spaces are best handled by licensed professionals. Our team at San Diego Cable Railings has been fabricating and installing code compliant railings since 2009. If you are interested in learning more please give us a call or visit the quote request page to receive an estimate. CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A QUOTE REQUEST Cable Railing News Stair Railing Ideas MavenSeptember 6, 2024 Safe Deck Railings Pony Wall Railing Renovations MavenAugust 20, 2024 kids and cable railings, Safe Deck Railings Safer Deck Railings MavenJuly 31, 2024 deck railing costs Deck Railing Costs MavenJuly 16, 2024 glass railing posts All Purpose Railing Posts MavenJune 30, 2024 Browse More Posts

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Deck Railing Costs

If you are performing a deck construction or renovation you might be wondering about deck railing costs for various deck railing systems. Railing cost can vary depending on layout and individual job specifics. Some of these specifics include the following: Job Specifics Related to Deck Railing Cost Lineal footage, material selection, deck elevation, framing and/or substrate materials and mounting options. A variety of other on site factors can affect the labor side of railing costs as well. At SDCR, we receive numerous phone calls asking for lineal foot cost estimates which are easier to do in certain situations. Deck railing costs are easier to ballpark on level rail non custom projects. Angles, waterproofing, custom requests, and salt exposure can make a ballpark costing more difficult.  For budget preparation, the safest way to estimate a deck railing purchase and installation is to include as much detail during preparation as possible- (measurements, photos, stops, starts, stairs, transitions, etc.). Below are some common cost drivers for deck railing projects: Railing Frame Material Selection Wood framing like Cedar, Fir , and Redwood is typically the least expensive way to construct a solid deck railing frame. Wooden posts and rails can be sourced easily and often locally. For semi-skilled, or DIY installers, wood framing can be more forgiving to work with and less painful to the pocket book if a mistake is made. Mild steel framing or stainless steel is typically more expensive than wood framing. Railing manufacturers  offer several different framing systems typically made from steel, stainless steel, or aluminum. Steel deck railing kits can be easy to install; however the materials are usually pre finished so mistakes can be more costly. Although the cost base is higher; stainless steel framing is likely the top choice among professionals for railing post materials. The cost can be offset by utilizing a wooden or hardwood top railing for a durable and cost effective railing frame. Deck Railing Lineal Footage Costs The more lineal footage on a deck railing project the lower the cost per foot should be. Both labor and manufacturing is largely related to set up and procurement costs so more is actually better in most cases. The larger the railing project and amount of lineal footage, the lower the actual lineal foot cost should be. Planning your deck layout properly can save thousands of dollars in the long run. Simple linear designs are often better than transitions and angles despite their simplicity.  Smaller jobs like staircases can be expensive in relation to their size. Standard lengths are always beneficial to value engineering and lower overall cost. Stick to available lengths and minimize waste whenever possible. Labor Cost to Install Deck Railings Although some industry pricing standards exist; labor cost for installing deck railings will also vary depending on the individual project details. DIY deck railings, doing it yourself, can cut costs if the project can be completed successfully with professional results. Wooden deck railings, straight runs, and minimally elevated structures are good DIY candidates for first time installers. Cable railing kits are a great option for DIY deck railing projects. Custom railings, stairs, and on site fabrication or welding will usually increase the cost for installation; as well as the possibility of needing a professional installer. Hiring a deck and railing professional will usually be less expensive than making a mistake, or taking a chance on a professional with no fabrication experience. As modern railings like cable and glass become more popular, more options become available for materials and installers. Hiring a proven installer or specialty company can actually lower your deck railing costs by saving time or avoiding possible errors. If you have questions about our deck railing systems or would like an estimate for your project please visit the QUOTE REQUEST page and one of our railing pro’s will assist you.  

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stainless steel stair railing

All Purpose Railing Posts

Safety railings can be found throughout your home to protect persons and pets from falls off raised surfaces.  Whether it be an interior loft, exterior patio, or deck railing; the upright posts need to survive the test of time. On occasion and especially in older homes the railing posts will need to be replaced. This is a good time to consider price and function for the new products as well as total cost, maintenance possibilities and, longevity. Additionally, the aesthetics of the railing posts and/or new railing frame system will need to be considered as well. Considerations for future improvements like other fences and railings will be important as well.  Numerous other articles contained within our blog have discussed material types and functions for different railing systems. This article explains and details our favorite post choice based on cost, versatility, and durability. All Purpose Steel Railing Posts for Cable Railing and Glass Panels San Diego Cable Railings multi purpose railing posts can be utilized for cable rail, glass clip, graspable rail and standard fencing applications. They come in standard sizes for both 36″ and 42″ railings and can be customized upon request. Posts can be purchased a la carte or included in a complete railing package. Usage examples for our steel and stainless steel multi purpose railing posts are as follows: Our customers and installers have utilized SDCR railing posts for the above listed applications and a multitude of other variations to include interior and exterior railing systems. Our posts are suitable for both commercial and residential applications. Engineered steel railing posts have passed hundreds of building inspections and can be found in hospitals, amusement parks, public businesses, parks residential homes and pedestrian bridges. They serve as one of the safest most versatile post options available.  Fast Turn around Times and Nationwide Shipping on Railing Posts We believe our railing posts are some of the highest quality and most versatile railing posts available in today’s marketplace based on the most important metrics- safety, durability and price point. Few other products will compete or have been proven in such a wide variety of real world field tested applications. If you are interested in purchasing railing products for your next project; or have questions about which railing posts may be the right fit for you- give us a call at 844-277-7327 or visit the quote request form today. CLICK HERE FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

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Best Material Choices for Deck Railings

The most commonly utilized materials for constructing deck railings are metal, wood, and composite materials like Trex. Selecting the right material for deck railings can be a challenge with so many choices among the material types and preferences for safety and durability. Which type of wood is best? What type of metal should use for a coastal railing? Is stainless steel a better choice than aluminum? In this post we will answer these questions as well as some common questions regarding material choices for constructing deck railings. Top Choices for Metal Railing Materials Metal railings are arguably the most durable and widely utilized railing type available in today’s marketplace. Despite this durability, constructing a standard iron railing in the wrong setting or using the wrong metal combinations can have a detrimental affect on longevity. Our favorite material for constructing metal railings is stainless steel. Using similar metals like stainless frames combined with stainless cables will achieve the best results. Stainless steel is available in different grades for different levels of exposure. Type 316 stainless steel can be left exposed to the elements with a bare finish; standard iron railings can not. Iron will often rust when left exposed to the elements and almost always requires a coating for durability. When compared to aluminum, stainless steel is stronger and more attractive; allowing for leaner profiles due to its strength. Stainless railing frames require less components, grommets, and bushings when used in coastal settings. For modern railing infill  like cable and glass panels, stainless steel is superior to wood, aluminum, mild steel, and rod iron railing systems. The price point for stainless steel is higher than many comparable materials; however the durability and longevity is superior. Best Wood Types for Exterior Construction Wood is widely used for construction projects and allows for flexibility as it is widely available. Wood can be stained or painted to achieve different looks and colors. Bare wood finishes are also popular and wood is relatively inexpensive when compared to most steel options. Some drawbacks to using wood framing for railing projects are maintenance requirements and durability issues related to insects and or dry rot fungus. Wood can be combined with steel and/or stainless steel to construct hybrid railing systems which offer a bit of cost savings and versatility when compared to all steel or all wood systems. For exterior structures with maximum exposure, hardwood species like Ipe’ will perform better than softer woods like cedar, fir, and redwood. Soft woods should be treated with penetrating oils, or painted for maximum durability. The price point for many wood species is better than steel and aluminum in most cases. Composite Products and Vinyl Railing Materials When it comes to low maintenance and use as a decking (flooring) material, composites are very hard to beat. They require much less up keep than traditional wood, rarely scratch or fade. Despite the ease to maintain, they lack the beauty and charm of natural wood and cost wise composite products can be very expensive. For years we have utilized composite materials as a capping material for wooden and steel sub rails to add durability or to color match decking material. For structural purposes and railing frames we do not utilize or recommend composite products. Structurally speaking, composite and vinyl materials do not measure up to steel, hardwoods, and aluminum railing frames. The amount of expansion and contraction during heat and cold make maintaining these railing types more difficult. Even the best fasteners can be sheared by this expansion and for this reason our top recommendation for railing material type is stainless steel. Vinyl fencing (non structural or load bearing) is durable and long lasting when utilized for perimeter fences, however we do not recommend or utilize vinyl products for constructing railing systems. San Diego Cable Railings and our preferred installation contractors have been fabricating and installing deck railings since 2009. Our steel, stainless steel, and wooden railing systems offer unmatched aesthetics and durability. We offer a full line of stainless steel railing posts, cable and glass railing packages, and preferred installation of the products in the state of California. if you have questions or would like to obtain pricing for interior or exterior railings please give us a call or visit the quote request page.           CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A FREE ESTIMATE

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About SDCR

San Diego Cable Railings provides high quality cable railing systems to contractors and DIY installers nationwide. Our products are made in house based in San Diego, CA. – built to withstand harsh conditions and coastal environments.

What We Do

Cable Railing
Glass Railing
Gates and Fencing
Hardware Products
Installation Services

Contact Info

1365 N JOHNSON AVE #117 EL CAJON, CA 92020 (Visits by appointment only)

Shop@sandiegocablerailings.com

(888) 389-0003

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stair railings, stair railing height
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