Archive for Maven

When thinking through any design/build project, we often highlight safety concerns and prevention. Fall hazards rank high on the list of residential construction codes; and tiny houses often feature lofted spaces. Maximizing these small spaces often requires storage and useable area high off the ground with a barrier. In this article we will discuss railing systems that fit the bill for tiny home usage and offer DIY friendly construction. PHOTOS : A 400 square foot custom tiny home utilizes steel posts and stainless steel cables paired with reclaimed hardwood top railings to protect the fall hazard created by a small loft area and stairs. This modular system was installed by the home owners in about a day and a half. DIY Railing Systems for Tiny Houses Wooden Bannisters Wooden spindles are a timeless choice for ease of material acquisition and low cost possibilities. A great option for reclaimed wood and green building practices. Wooden bannisters can be configured in any number of ways. However to get the “cool” aesthetic offered by more modern railings you’ll need something crafty or ultra custom. Using wood is fast and inexpensive, versatile and DIY friendly. Horizontal or vertical systems are easy to construct with standard lumber. Pipe Railings Pipe railings are very cool for industrial designs which can tie in with industrial pipe shelving and fixtures. Pipe is easy to come by, durable and versatile. Pipes are made of PVC plastic or steel, readily available and fairly cost effective. They can be painted and easily machined for hybrid wooden/pipe railing systems and mounted vertically or horizontally for a solid railing option. Modern Choices for Tiny Home Railings Cable Railings Cable railings do a lot for a tiny home loft. Quite simply they are minimal. Minimal hardware, with minimal bulk, resulting in a spacious feel for any small area. Transparency and light penetration are maximized by using cable railings. Durability and beautiful lines mean you’re covered in almost any scenario. Options abound for DIY cable railing products and ease of installation for DIY installers. Not the least expensive option, but far from the most expensive. Glass Panels Glass is an amazing building material that can be utilized for many railing applications. Glass panels can be easily sandwiched in between wooden members for a quick railing framework, or paired with posts and glass supporting clips. Much like cable railings, glass will make the space appear larger without blocking light. Tempered glass panels should always be used for barrier applications. Although it is a green choice, the use of old windows or plate glass is not recommended for railings. Glass can be DIY installed and will likely factor higher than the other options for cost. Want to learn more about railing options for your tiny house? Give us a call at 844-277-7327 or visit the quote request form today.

Value engineering is an organized approach to providing necessary functions in a project at the lowest cost. Building features, structural considerations, and material selections are weighed and compared to achieve quality design and required performance. The desired life span of an improvement may allow for flexibility in a design, as well as environmental factors like salt exposure, UV, and weather. As consumers we always look for ways to cut costs and maximize the value of our investments. Here are some simple ways you can build an effective railing system with value engineering in mind. MAXIMIZE POST SPANS When constructing railings and fencing the upright posts are a driving cost factor. We want to use exactly the amount of support posts in order to satisfy code without adding any extra material. Precise layout and an understanding of post spans will allow you to make these determinations. For example – a simple fence to create a boundary or maintain pets that does NOT have a fall hazard will allow for larger post spans than a second story balcony. Ask your builder, consult span tables, and talk to your vendors about posts spans for the most effective layout. Consider using stock dimensions for all structures and improvements. COST EFFECTIVE FINISH OPTIONS The difference in cost between paint grade and a stain grade finishes is substantial. In addition, the use of a powder coated steel product vs. a bare finished stainless steel product can cut the cost considerably. Consumers can calue engineer their railings by utilizing stock finishes whenever it is possible to incorporate them into a design. The amount of labor involved in a stain grade clear coated wood finish vs. a paint grade finish is roughly 3 times! Consumers should consider using stock powder coat colors like black, white, grey, or metallic vs. special order colors and coatings. USE STANDARD LENGTHS TO MINIMIZE WASTE Whenever a design allows for the use of standard lengths, it will result in lower cost. Let’s take a simple example like constructing a section of top rail. Building a railing section that is 8’6″ will actually require the purchase of a 10′ section of top rail. In some situations this would also require an additional railing post in order to satisfy code and span requirements. The consumer is better off with establishing an 8′ railing or a 10′ railing during the design process. When designing your railing system, always try to work with standard dimensions (8′, 10′, 12′, 16′, 20′) . This applies to deck and fence construction, framing, plywood etc. CONSIDER MODULAR RAILINGS VS. CUSTOM FABRICATION Almost any application that calls for “custom” parts or construction will be more expensive than a “stock” purchase. We can design a deck or even a stairway to function with stock parts by calculating angles and footprint dimensions prior to construction. Constructing stairs to a standard angle or utilizing standard dimensions with a deck takeoff will allow for the use of stock materials. Modular railing kits offer consumers cost savings and professional results by using pre-made components. Modular railing and fencing sections eliminate waste and lower labor costs. San Diego Cable Railings has been value engineering our products and services in the railing industry for over a decade. Our company fabricates modular cable railing and glass railing systems for interior and exterior projects. We offer fast turn around times for quotes and fabrication, nationwide shipping, and preferred installers. If you are in the market for a railing system, contact our pro’s at 844-277-7327. Customers can also get pricing and additional information by using the QUOTE REQUEST form.

Historically speaking, cable railings were initially utilized on boats and docks as guardrails. Wire rope and “rigging” hardware was also commonly found in aviation applications. On a larger scale “barrier rail” systems and post tensioning practices were being pioneered as early as the 1970s and 80s. Because of the versatility and durability of steel cables, the transition to residential cable railing systems was quite natural. Waterfront applications and modern designs were followed by mainstream acceptance. It hasn’t taken long for cable railings to become the most popular railing trend in the remodeling space. The Most Popular Railing Trend for Over a Decade Our company history with cable railings dates back to the early 2000s, when “cable railing systems” were few and far between. They weren’t called out by many designers, and most municipalities had no standards for cable railings. Politically driven information about climbing hazards and something called the “ladder effect” slowed the progress of cable railing systems. However little to no information was available. Field data, expert opinions, structural testing and architectural data were hard to find in the early adoption of cable railing systems. In 2003, much of our business was building decks, and 90 percent of these decks required railings. Picket railings were pretty standard, in fact most building standards even use diagrams containing picket railings. However, the first time we installed a stainless cable railing was the last time we ever installed a picket. As a coastal deck building company, it did not make sense for us any longer. Cable railing was more attractive, stronger, invisible and most of our customers feedback was along the lines of.. “it’s really cool”. Our crew was able to construct cable railings as fast or faster than standard pickets with superior results. Our growing customer base agreed and the demand for cable railings has since exploded. The Differences Between Wire Rope and Cable Railing There are drastic differences in wire rope assemblies, rigging hardware and cable railing. Barrier cable applications like those used in parking structures differ greatly in scale and loading requirements. The concepts of these systems are similar; applying tension to wire railing infill . The largest difference for online shoppers to note is the difference between flexible and rigid cable. Additionally, the hardware and frequently used galvanized wire and fittings vs. stainless cable counterparts. Flexibility and rigidity varies in different cable braids and for cable railings we want to use rigid braid. Rigid cable will stretch less than flexible braid, making it an ideal choice. For example; our most utilized cable strand is 1/8″ T316 stainless steel 1×19 braid. Much of the galvanized wire sold online is 7×7 braid which is much more flexible. 1×19 stainless steel braided cable is considered architectural cable and suitable for architectural use. The thin strands of 1×19 are capable of pull tests exceeding 1800 lbs. per cable. Based on our company history of almost 2 decades of cable railing fabrication and installation practices; the following bullets offer a summarized list of some other important points and further understanding of cable railings and history: 1/8″ diameter stainless steel cable is the most popular for residential installation buying cable and hardware (posts also) from the same manufacturer is highly recommended (made in the USA) cable railings utilize a 3″ clear space between cables to achieve the 4″ spacing standard for guardrails wooden framed railings will almost always cost less than steel or aluminum framed railings cable railings are nearly transparent demand for cable railings inside the home has grown tremendously and they are being used for interior stairways on a large scale cable railing is a good choice for DIY systems providing professional results cable railings are code compliant when installed to meet building standards San Diego Cable Railings is a company dedicated to the production and distribution of cable railing systems to contractors and homeowners nationwide. If you have questions about cable railings or interest in a quote for our products please visit the quote request page.

Railings and Fencing for Outdoor Spaces One garden feature that is easy to overlook is the beauty and continuity that borders can create in a landscape. The fact is that multi level designs with different elevations and borders create more interest. In addition, garden railings and borders can help to create a flow around the landscape while filtering guests and foot traffic where it is most desired. By utilizing the right material selections, designers can create depth and texture in the garden without visual barriers confining the space. Here are some great applications for railings in your garden or landscape setting: stone stairways patios and outdoor kitchens retaining walls vegetable gardens and orchards pools and ponds multi level hardscape designs Using Cable Railings for Hardscape Designs Outdoor settings are desirable for the openness and fresh air we breathe while in the garden. Solid fences and garden walls can sometimes interrupt this feeling; especially in smaller spaces. Cable railings can be a beautiful way to avoid this mistake in a hardscape setting. The transparency provided by using stainless cables as a garden railing affords uninterrupted views and an open feel; while still providing a barrier. Our company has provided cable fencing and railings for use preventing animals from entering fragile garden spaces. We’ve supplied cable assemblies for 6′ tall deer fences, and cable gates to keep pets and children in; while keeping critters out. The San Diego Zoo is an awesome example of a large scale commercial landscape setting that utilizes stainless cables to filter traffic flow. Additionally, to protect their guests without interrupting the views of the  exhibits. Combining natural materials with stainless cables in the garden is an attractive addition that will create value for your home. Customers interested in garden railings can call our sales office at 844-277-7327 or visit the quote request page for more information. Our company offers a line of DIY products, custom solutions, and preferred installation in most of CA.

Tempered Laminated Glass vs. Monolithic Tempered Panels There are two types of glass that are commonly used as infill panels for glass railing installations – tempered laminated glass and monolithic tempered glass. Tempered laminated glass is composed of two pieces, and a vinyl interlayer. Laminated panels allow the glass to break on either side of the laminate and cause any broken pieces to stick together. For this reason laminated glass panels offer added protection against falling pieces. Monolithic tempered glass is a single sheet of glass that has been tempered in order to increase durability. Monolithic glass panels have been used for years in safety glass applications and are often recognized by a stamp on the panel. It is important to understand the evolving code requirements as they relate to different types of glass and which is right for your project. When to Use Laminated Glass Panels for Handrails? Laminated glass may be required for railing installations in all locations where the railing overhangs or overlooks a walkway. This applies to both residential and commercial structures. Monolithic (single panel non laminated) tempered glass is allowed only in locations where there is no walkway under the glass railing. Another instance where this may apply is a permanently protected walkway that eliminates the risk of falling glass. Glass Handrail Codes for “No Toprail” Applications IBC requirements state that glass railing systems are to be designed with a top rail in order to hold glass in place during a breaking event. Top rails on glass systems can increase protection and lateral stability however very few customers desire a top rail on these systems. Exception to laminated glass- The exception to the top rail requirement for is when a glass system utilizes laminated glass panels that are designed to withstand loads outlined by the IBC. The new code states that ALL glass railings constructed without a top rail must include laminated glass panels.  Click HERE for more details on the IBC requirements. Where to Purchase Glass Railings San Diego Cable Railings is a nationwide distributor of cable and glass railing systems with installation services offered in California. Our company offers a line of post and rail glass systems as well as clip and base shoe glass railings. If you have questions about glass handrail codes,  or you would like info or pricing on our railings visit the QUOTE REQUEST page.

Bare Stainless Steel Railings for a Custom NorCal Lakefront Home A recent DIY customer in Northern California provided us with some beautiful images and a perfect opportunity to describe the purchasing process at SDCR. Potential customers looking to purchase cable railings will find the following information helpful for navigating the cable railing purchasing process: San Diego Cable Railings products can be purchased and fabricated easily by simply furnishing your images and some standard measurements. Specifications can be submitted by homeowners or contractors; we also have preferred installers who specialize in working with our products. Our featured photo was provided by a customer that contacted us by phone. He provided a general layout, as well as some angles and other details with the help of his general contractor. In order to maximize the quality and weather resistance of the railings ; they selected a bare stainless steel marine grade cable railing system. Our bare stainless steel finish is a low luster finish with a clean knock down appearance. The components of the railing system included: 2×2″ bare finished stainless steel posts (welded and bolted connections) 1×3″ bare finished stainless steel top rail (mechanically attached) T316 stainless steel cable @ 1/8″ thickness (hand crimp field hardware) Factory swaged cable assemblies and hand crimp field ends (cost effective) Stainless steel fasteners for post/rail structural attachment (ss screws, lags) Our sales associate provided an estimate within 24 hours. Our shop furnished a sample railing post  as well as a section of top rail to assist with the finish options. We offer both bare finished metal and powder coated railing posts. The customers selected our bare stainless steel finish, as well as our hand crimped cable hardware that most closely matched our factory swaged hardware. Concealing visible hardware or creating consistency throughout a railing design  is an excellent way to achieve a professional grade end product. SDCR staff communicated with the customer throughout the fabrication process; mostly via email and occasionally over the phone in order to confirm specifications. The project was completed in phases. Primarily the upper deck railings were constructed; followed by the lower deck and stairs. Our welded bare stainless posts were custom made to accommodate the exact angle of the stairs. Although fabrication can be performed from drafted plans, taking measurements and angles is often most effective when done on finished surfaces. Purchasing and installing a custom cable railing system is a streamlined process with San Diego Cable Railings products and installation services. We offer both cable railings and glass railing systems; quotes for DIY and professional installation are available. If you have questions about how to purchase cable railings, or would like an estimate; please visit the quote request page.