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stainless steel deck railing

Best Uses for Railing Post Shims and Standoffs

In construction and with reference to a shim used in construction- ” a thin tapered piece of some type of building material used to make something level or plumb.” Shims can be made from almost any building material. Most commonly, railing post shims will be tapered when used to remedy an irregularity. Solid shims are also suitable for use as a “standoff”. Most installers are familiar with this term and uses in various building applications. In this post we will review some of the best and most common scenarios for utilizing shims and standoffs for cable railings, glass railings and fences. When is a Standoff Post Base Necessary? Stand off post bases (mounts) are utilized for both surface mounted and fascia mounted railing applications. Some of the most common scenarios for this are referenced by the photos in this post. Avoiding a drip edge or some type of flooring (bullnose) or decking projection (lipped edge) is common (photo below). In this example it would be impossible to correctly position the railing posts without the use of a custom standoff. These are also very helpful when dealing with irregular mounting substrate. One important consideration when using a standoff for a code compliant railing is the gap created by the lower cable or railing member and the deck surface. This distance must maintain the standard code gapping requirement. Most railing codes require any gaps to prevent a 4″ sphere from passing through the railing infill. The gap created on a bottom railing or cable is angled; the further out the post is pushed, the larger the gap will be. Designers and installers should be aware of this and also keep an eye on deck irregularities which can increase or decrease this gap as well. A hump will generally reduce the gap on a level rail, while a valley will increase the gap. Where to Buy Standoff Post Bases and Railing Post Shims A shim can be made of almost any material (wood, steel, plastic) for use as a minor adjusting tool. However more complex railing installations may require custom solutions like welded spacers and mounting plates. Occasionally shims and standoffs may be needed to achieve a professional result when setting railing posts. For example; an installer may use small washers to shim underneath a steel plate and then caulk around the plate to finish. San Diego Cable Railings provides modular and custom options for post standoffs and shims to our customers in 50 states. We have furnished full welded steel and stainless steel, wood, hardwood, and composite standoffs with our railing kits. Additionally, we have a team of preferred cable and glass railing installers with decades of specialized experience in these applications. We have yet to encounter a standoff scenario or application where we could not fabricate an attractive and code compliant solution for our customers. if you have questions or would like a quote for railing posts, hardware, or a complete railing package please visit the quote request page. Our team will generate an accurate quote for materials and installation within 1-2 business days.

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Minimalist Deck and Patio Ideas

If you like clean lines and open space, a minimalist deck design could be a worthwhile renovation. Minimalist designs prioritize only the essential; utilizing limited materials that will achieve the core function. Aesthetics are a huge driver for choosing a minimalist design, however the positive impacts are more than visual. Minimalist designs often use less material and provide a greener approach to building. The material choices are often natural wood, stone, steel, and glass; simplistic and elegant. How to Create a Minimalist Deck Design Modern coastal homes are perfect candidates for clean simple designs. The focus is a “less is more” approach to functionality. Choose a limited color palette and emphasize a feeling of open space. Decking– Ipe’ hardwood decking is one of our favorite substrates for use in a minimalist deck designs. The dark rich color and tight grain patterns produced by this hardwood species are unmatched in the decking world. True craftsmanship is possible by using real timber such as Ipe’. Even a simple square or rectangle deck can look like a work of art by properly utilizing this amazing natural product. Furnishings– “less is more” when it comes to furnishings and minimalism. Everything should have a place or purpose in this type of design; so choose accordingly. A simple water feature or fire bowl can offer sculptural form to your deck without being overdone. Consider monochromatic patio furniture with simple accent colors used sparingly. Well chosen materials such as masonry, steel, glass and wood should be integrated into your choices. Look to the zen simplicity of traditional Japanese gardens and decks for pure exterior examples of these spaces. Lighting– Outdoor lighting can provide ambience and appealing accents to deck railings and stairs without losing the minimal design aspect. Consider only lighting every other post or every few stairs; whatever minimal amount of light that will provide safety and beauty. In any deck design it’s imperative not to over do the lighting. A minimalist space for night use should provide just enough light to navigate the space without drawing attention to the lighting itself. One element should never over power the design as a whole. Minimalist Railing Systems Over the years cable railings have absolutely exploded in popularity. Both interior and exterior designs can benefit from featuring these sleek modern railings. Glass panels and rod railings are also popular minimalist railing choices for your deck. Clean and simple lines combined with sturdy material choices like steel and stainless steel blend seamlessly into minimalism. Unimpeded views and a feeling of open space add to the desired effect. San Diego Cable Railings is a company dedicated to providing modern railing systems to a variety of DIY and professional customers across the country. We offer a full line of stainless cable railings and glass railing systems for interior and exterior projects; commercial and residential uses. Give us a call at (888) 389-0003 or visit the quote request form today.

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Types of Glass Railings

Glass railings are constructed using tempered glass infill; a type of strengthened safety glass which can also be laminated for extra protection. This type of glass does not shatter when broken, making it a safe option for barrier railings. When combined with durable materials like stainless steel, tempered glass is a great option for outdoor railings. The high end aesthetics and transparency of glass also work well for indoor applications. (photo below) Frameless Glass for the Ultimate in Transparency Also called “base shoe” or “shoe mount” by those in the construction industry, frameless glass systems offer consumers extreme transparency. In frameless systems, a base shoe sandwiches a free standing glass panel to provide a frameless way to secure the panel to the deck. This type of mount will often require grouting or a specialized locking mechanism to secure the glass. Corrosion and rust resistance is extremely high with glass railings. The lifespan of a stainless steel framed glass railing is upwards of 30 years. Glass can withstand extreme temperatures and environmental variability. DIY Friendly Glass Railing Options Nearly every type of railing frame can be made functional with glass panels. Traditional wood framing with dado grooves or picture frames can be a cost effective way to secure glass panels. Additionally, steel posts and glass clips are a very DIY friendly way to install glass infill. Base shoe frames are widely available online for free standing glass applications. Frameless glass systems are most often installed by professionals. Top Railing Requirements for Glass Panel Railing Most building codes require top railings to properly support glass railing systems. However with the increasing popularity of shoe mount styles; very few customers desire top railings that may obstruct views from decks and balconies. Laminated glass may be required for free standing glass systems without a top rail. Railings above walkways and at extreme heights almost always require the use of laminated glass. Although this can add cost; it is an added safety measure and will likely be required for no top rail applications. San Diego Cable Railings is an industry leading supplier of glass railing posts, clips, railing frames, and hardware related to glass panel systems. We have preferred installers in Southern, Central, and Northern California counties.

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all purpose railing posts

Multi Purpose Railing Posts

Railings can be found throughout your home whether it be an interior stairway, exterior patio or barrier fencing. From time to time, especially in older homes the railing posts may need to be replaced. This is a good time to consider price and function for the new products as well as cost, maintenance, longevity, etc. Additionally, the aesthetics of the posts and/or new railing system will need to be considered as well as the possibility for future replacements of other indoor and outdoor railings and fences. Numerous other articles contained within our blog have discussed material types and functions for different railing systems. This article explains and highlights more about an all around favorite post choice based on cost, versatility, and durability. Multi Purpose Steel Railing Posts for Cable Railings, Glass Panels and Horizontal Slat Fencing 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 and a multitude of other applications to include interior and exterior railing systems as well as commercial and residential applications. Our railing posts have passed hundreds of building inspections and can be found in hospitals, amusement parks, public businesses, parks residential homes and pedestrian bridges to name a few. High Quality Fencing and Railing Products Shipped Nationwide We believe our railing posts are some of the highest quality and most versatile railing posts available in todays marketplace based on the most important metrics- safety, durability and price point. As an all around railing component few products will compete or have been proven in such a wide variety of real world field tested and inspected 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.

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Wall Mounted Railing Systems

Residential railing projects will often involve wall mounted applications both inside and outside the home. Pony walls, retaining walls, parapet walls, and interior partition walls are often used as mounting points for railing frames. A modern railing system can be a sturdy and attractive way to dress up an existing wall. Cutting down or lowering the height of an existing wall while adding railings is also a very popular remodeling choice. Here are some of our favorite wall mounted railing applications for commercial and residential railing projects: Wall Mounted Stair Railings A large percentage of interior and exterior stairways include short pony walls that require railings and/or handrails. Older track homes will often feature walls like this as the sole means of a fall barrier. While a wall is an effective fall barrier, it might not be the most attractive option. Many of our customers choose to cut down or completely remove these walls in order to open up and modernize their homes. Wall top railings are easy to install with pre-made surface mounted railing posts and DIY cable hardware. Custom glass panels, vertical cable, and horizontal rods are also popular choices for modern stair railings. Parapet Wall Railing Installations Rooftop decks and balconies often utilize parapet walls for structural and drainage reasons. Frameless glass “boot” systems or “base shoe” glass railings are a popular choice for these applications. Waterproofing and protecting perforations is a must when performing parapet wall railing installations. Additionally, we recommend the use of T316 marine grade stainless steel on all coastal applications. San Diego Cable Railings offers a full line of stainless steel glass railing posts, clips and hardware. Ultra transparent tempered glass panels and high quality hardware make these an extremely safe railing choice for parapet wall mounted railings. Best Railings for Retaining Walls Retaining walls and masonry fencing are commonly used for residential barriers on the exterior of the home. They can also be used to retain dirt and support patio slabs when a raised concrete or tile patio is desired (photo above). Mounting a railing system to a retaining wall is possibly the sturdiest way to make a railing connection. Properly designed wall mounted railings basically feel like a block wall. Steel posts with welded base plates are a great option for mounting to a retaining wall railing or fence. Epoxied rods or masonry wedge anchors are used to secure the posts to the wall. Stainless steel cable or glass panels can be utilized for infill as a safe and attractive option for retaining walls. Mounting a Handrail to a Wall Commercial and residential stairways often require grab rails or “graspable railings” in order to meet code requirements. In many of these situations there is a wall on both sides of the stairs (photo above). The solid wall is used to mount the grab rail with mounting brackets and the opposing wall is used to mount the barrier railings with infill. The photo above illustrates a beautiful stainless railing system installed in an industrial complex in San Diego, CA.

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Rooftop Deck Safety

Rooftop decks showcase panoramic views and enhance outdoor living spaces. They add ambiance to our homes and provide opportunities to dine outside. Many times a rooftop veranda will expose views not previously available from inside the home. The extreme heights above grade that enable the spectacular views do require additional safety considerations. When dealing with rooftop deck safety, our concern is often largely geared towards the barrier railings. Barrier railing installations on roof decks pose a different set of considerations than ground level decks. In this article we will discuss some of these considerations and ways to mitigate any potential safety issues. Safest Railings for Raised Decks Whether you choose a traditional picket railing, glass panels, or one of the many other options available; a rooftop railing installation will be unique. Rooftop decks are almost always sloped and sloped deck railings require some custom considerations.  So what are the most important things to consider when it comes to constructing rooftop deck railings? How should you mount your railings to a rooftop? Here are some common safety considerations for rooftop decks: Slopes and Transitions- Almost all roof decks are pitched in one or multiple directions. The ability to shed water is what basically defines a dry deck space.  The amount of slope the deck requires will depend on the design parameters and the size of the deck. Some rooftop decks on flat roofs utilize drains or scuppers to direct water. In comparison; ground level decks are typically built level, which can be a much easier railing installation. Rooftop deck railings often require the installer to adjust for slope and angles. Choosing to construct a sloped railing vs. a level railing is often overlooked. It can make all the difference in the finished product. Although a sloped railing is a possibility or even necessity in some cases, the level rail option is almost always preferred over a sloped railing. In our experience the sight line usually starts high and moves downward, meaning the top rail will catch the first glance almost 100% of the time. What Can Be Done About Perforations? Rooftop deck safety also includes waterproofing. In most cases, waterproofing should be completed and cured prior to the railing installation. Unless the post bases are to be coated over during waterproofing; it is preferable to install them on a finished surface. Additionally, products like Jiffy Seal and other flashing options can be used under railing posts to protect waterproof membranes. Sealing around post bases and annual safety inspections can also be very beneficial. Structural Considerations for Safe Deck Railings- The safest deck railings are attached extremely well and protect persons and pets from falls. Attachment needs to be done by utilizing connections to structural members. Bolting into plywood sheeting alone is not acceptable, even if a deck is already constructed. Whether you are building a new deck or repairing an old deck, it’s important to add blocking at the post locations prior to waterproofing. A professional railing installer or contractor should be able to locate structural members and or isolate any issues with attachment prior to construction. Solid blocking or structural members must offer at least 3″ of embedment for bolts attaching railing frames. If you have questions about rooftop deck safety or would like an estimate for a deck railing give our pros a call at 844-277-7327 or visit the quote request page.

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cable railings and child safety, stainless cable railings, the ladder effect

Deck Safety Considerations

California is home to a TON of decks. A short drive up the coast and a scan of the bluffs make it easy to see that almost every home has a deck or patio of some sort. With good reason; decks expand outdoor living opportunities and enjoyment. They preserve amazing views while we dine outdoors. While these cantilevered hillside platforms are enjoyable, care must be taken to maintain and inspect them periodically. Knowing the age and condition of your deck is important for safe use and enjoyment for many years. Structural Considerations and Deck Safety Structural framing is the main thing to consider for residential deck inspections. Most deck builders recommend annual or bi-annual inspections for older decks (10 + years). Posts, beams and joists must be inspected for dry rot or termite damage. Decking should be examined for soft spots or bad connections. Footings can be inspected for settling or cracking. The North American Deck and Railing Association compiled this deck evaluation checklist. The checklist can be a helpful resource for pros and homeowners alike. It has been estimated that almost half of the decks in North America are past their useful lifespan. NADRA’s checklist covers many items including stairs, railings, and flashing to name a few. Lifespan of the Average Deck Any veteran carpenter will tell you that wood is not what it once was. Gone are the days of old growth timber with tight grain patterns. Todays lumber is taken from much younger trees with wider grain and a shorter lifespan. In addition, the moisture content is very high in much of the framing lumber and treated timber sold today. For these reasons, deck builders and homeowners alike should be diligent with deck maintenance and inspections. Wet lumber can result in more cracking due to drying out too fast, and nail pops due to shrinkage. Depending on the materials selected and UV/moisture exposure, an average wooden deck lasts 10-20 years. Composite decks, dry decks, and exotic hardwood decks can last up to 30 years and longer. The most common factors affecting the lifespan of your deck include the following: – Dry Rot -Moisture Intrusion -Termites and Other Pests Airflow is very important to the lifespan of your deck. Elevated decks that get plenty of ventilation can last a very long time. Performing regular maintenance will increase deck safety and longevity; get your deck inspected on a regular basis as it gets older. Choosing high quality materials like San Diego Cable Railings can also extend the life of your deck while adding safe barriers for all to enjoy. The Best Railings for Deck Safety Stainless steel cable railings are some of the strongest most durable railing systems available for your deck. The breaking strength of one strand of 1/8″ cable can exceed 1800 lbs. Combined with durable stainless steel posts and rails, or even a hardwood hybrid combo; cable railings can last 30-50 years. Cable railing systems are code compliant and aesthetically pleasing; a top choice for the ultimate in deck safety.

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Modern Gates

Gates are one of the first visuals seen by guests arriving at your home. Also called courtyard gates, driveway gates, and access gates, they can be an amazing addition and focal point for adding curb appeal . Depending on the design preferences one has, a front gate can be made to stand out or blend in with an attached fence or wall. Choosing a modern gate will offer security and aesthetics for residential homeowners, while defining their individual and architectural styles. All types of residential properties can benefit from installing an interesting and attractive gate. An access gate will generate a first impression about the rest of a home and property contained within. The gate design should be appealing, however it should also maintain continuity with the surrounding landscape and home. Modern gates installed on coastal homes will require durable materials to combat salt air and UV exposure at the beach. Whether your home is on the coast or in a rural setting there is really no limit to constructing a more modern design. Horizontal rods, cables, hardwood slats, glass and custom pattern infill are commonly used in modern gate designs. Durable Modern Gate Designs At San Diego Cable Railings we furnish primarily stainless steel cable gates and horizontal wooden or steel slat designs that are popular in southern CA and coastal areas. In addition to being beautiful to look at; materials like stainless steel and Ipe are extremely durable. We can also construct hybrid gate designs, integrating tempered glass, wood, steel, etc. Although modern gates can also be constructed from soft wood species and other types of metals, we prefer to use high grades of stainless steel and/or hard woods for our gate installations. Installing a New Gate at Your Home Modern gates are often hung on cinder block columns with rock or other natural veneers. They may also be mounted to walls, fences, or large wooden and steel posts imbedded in concrete. Sturdy mounts are required for successful operation and longevity of a your gate. Custom hardware and latches may also be necessary in order to get highly desirable results. Large entry gates utilize motorized arms, rails, electrical connections, solar etc. Often times our customers will elect to hire professionals for the installation of their modern gates. The larger in size and the higher the value of the gate, the more necessary it is to use a professional installer. Masonry mounting, custom hardware and large gates can be challenging for DIY installation. For customers looking to hire out a gate installation, our preferred contractors have specialized experience installing our gates. All of our contractors are licensed, insured and bonded; with decades of experience hanging our gates in Southern CA. If you have questions or would like pricing and availability for a modern gate at your home; give us a call at 844-277-7327 or visit the quote request page today.

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Tips for Building Transparent Fencing

The concept of building a barrier fence is rather simple. Most fences feature some combination of vertical posts and horizontal rails. The manner in which they are configured will determine what level of security the barrier can provide for animals and people. Some projects call for fencing or barriers that don’t look like barriers. Preserving natural landscapes and spectacular views requires different products and practices than standard fencing. In this article we will discuss our favorite ways to create transparent barriers. PRODUCT SELECTION It goes without saying that only select products will satisfy the task of creating transparency and a suitable barrier. Solid panels and vertical pickets are eliminated almost immediately from our product list. Our current marketplace does however present custom panels that allow more transparency and modern vertical solutions to traditional railing systems that impede views. Vertical cable railings, glass pickets, and small diameter steel pipes can afford us traditional barriers with modern transparency. For consumers interested in complete transparency from a solid barrier fence, the choices are more limited. Glass panels and horizontal cable railing systems are likely the only way to achieve this. Frameless glass options are likely to provide the most transparent approach due to the lack of upright posts. However cable fences are easier to maintain and offer excellent transparency and good security at a lower cost. Clear glass is the ultimate transparent barrier panel; however only clean glass will remain clear. THE BEST COLORS FOR TRANSPARENT FENCING Our company has furnished hundreds of fences and railings that have been installed in a variety of settings and locations across the country. These projects have taught us a lot about color selection. Our experience in different states and backdrops leads us to recommend whichever color is in closest relation to the natural surroundings. Blending in vs. standing out seems to be the best color choice. I’ve read everything from black to white as being the “most” transparent color for fence posts; however color alone does not make this distinction. Wooden fence posts may look better in some settings than even smaller diameter colored steel posts. Bare metal can be more transparent than even the most perfect color selection depending on the landscape. If I had to select one product for all around versatility it would be bare stainless steel; which is the only choice I’ve witnessed consistently reflecting the surroundings regardless of the individual elements contained in the setting. TEXTURES AND MISCELLANEOUS CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING TRANSPARENCY As mentioned earlier, color alone does not determine transparency. For example, clean glass is much more transparent than dirty or etched glass regardless of post color. Natural timber in a natural setting can be more transparent than colored steel. Vertical infill can be more transparent than horizontal and vise versa depending on the surroundings. Consumers can benefit by primarily considering the colors and textures that surround the barrier fencing to be constructed. Additionally, factoring any maintenance required or possible lack of maintenance and the end result. For questions or pricing inquiries related to our transparent fencing products, give us a call at 844-277-7327 or visit the quote request page.

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Round vs. Square Railing Posts

Several factors determine what type of post we might choose for which railing application. Aesthetics and safety are often primary drivers, while ease of installation and price are not far behind. Availability for both round railing posts and square posts is pretty widespread; so which one is right for your project? Round Railing Posts for Concrete Embedment One of the first things to consider when choosing which type of post is right for you, is the application. For example; let’s take a fascia mounted vs. core drilled or cast in concrete post setting. For the fascia mounted scenario the flat face on the square railing post will be more suited for bolting directly to a flat deck fascia. A round post in this situation would typically require a mounting plate or a higher level of skill to install. From a cost standpoint, the round post in this scenario will likely cost more because of the extra mounting effort. and/or welding. However, when considering the same two posts and the use of a core drilled hole, the situation changes drastically. A round post will offer more flexibility inside of the round hole, as the diagonal cross section of the square post will actually require more space. Additionally, if the same size hole is considered, the round post will offer more flexibility and a possibly easier installation than the square post. Square Post vs. Round Railing Post Installation In theory, a round post should be easier to install than a square post when it comes to lining them out or facing with a string. However, when it comes to attaching your rails, the square post might be easier because of it’s flat face. Attaching a flat rail to a round post can also compromise sturdiness because of the small surface area available for the connection between flat and round. We often recommend round products used for graspable rails and welded or sleeved applications vs. mechanical connections like screws and bolts for this reason. Durability is good with both types of posts, however a slight edge towards the round railing post material. In the event of a person or pet running into the post, a round support post should deflect the blow a bit more efficiently. Additionally considering any damage due to sitting water, weather conditions and or UV exposure ; would be slightly more reduced by the rounded face vs. a flat face. Any machining of round vs. square post types would be easier with the square products. DIY customers in general stand to benefit from the use of square post products. Aesthetically each type of railing post can be attractive and suitable for almost any application. Typically when it comes to cable or glass railings, a round post will be a more classic look. A square railing post would be utilized for a more modern look. Round stainless posts have been utilized for decades on sailboats, dock railings and other marine type environments with great success. At the end of the day, selecting between round railing posts or square railing posts is largely going to be a preference. The guidelines described in this article should help potential customers isolate some variables that can make this decision easier; especially for our DIY clientele. If you have questions about which type of railing post is right for your project; give us a call at 844-277-7327 or visit the quote request page for 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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