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2020 Decking Trends

Just in time for deck season we’ve compiled our list of important decking trends for the summer of 2020.  Our goal with this article is to help our existing and potential customers maximize their enjoyment utilizing out door living spaces. Here are some of the most popular trends for outdoor decks up and down the California coast: Rooftop Decks- Railing requests for rooftop decks are at an all time high this year. With homeowners spending more time around the house; what better time to expand your space? Rooftop decks can be built above a garage or even on a houses rooftop. A high quality design and waterproofing plan is needed for rooftop decks whether you plan to install a floating or textured roof top deck. Rooftop decks typically offer views that are not attainable from ground level and utilize space that would otherwise not exist. Many homes are already framed suitably for a rooftop deck while others may need retrofit framing to satisfy loading requirements for persons and property atop the roof. Modern Railings- Even in rural locations; modern railings are becoming the most desired aesthetic for outdoor spaces. Transparency and an open feel can transform small spaces making them appear and feel larger. Outdoor spaces are an extension of the home; we should make them inviting. Modern lighting packages can be added to cable and glass railing systems; making your deck more appealing for nighttime usage. Simplicity- Never underestimate the power of simple squares and rectangles. Although it can be cool to create varied deck planking designs, chop off corners and construct octagonal decks or curves; all of these things cost more while providing less space. By providing less, we mean square footage. If you are trying to maximize the amount of space for the cost; a rectangle will beat an octagon every time. Consider the following:  the focal point of an outdoor space with a view is the view; not the diagonal decking. The view can be of the ocean, a pool, or even just a nicely landscaped yard.  Selecting beautiful materials to combine with simple designs is an elegant and cost effective deck building strategy. Durability is IN!- Deck construction can be a serious investment whether you plan to hire out or DIY; decks are not cheap! Our preferred contractors recommend the use of pressure treated framing and high quality lumber products for your deck construction. Hand selected timbers made from exotic hardwoods like Ipe’ are some of the most durable.  Composite decking products are also highly recommended for durability and longevity. One often missed detail affecting deck longevity is ventilation.  Customers should consider how to get enough airflow through the deck frame to keep it dry and ventilated. A dry deck will resist fungus and termites often found in moist areas. San Diego Cable Railings is a company dedicated to the production and sales of high quality cable railing and glass railing systems. If you are a homeowner looking to modernize or upgrade your outdoor living space, give us a call at 844-277-7327 or visit the quote request page.  

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code compliant cable railings

Successful Cable Railing Inspections

A successful railing project starts with proper preparation; and preparing for building inspections is a necessary component to consider. Our company and preferred installers have passed countless cable railing inspections with our products and engineered railing materials. Here are some of the most commonly encountered situations that are likely to be called out by an inspector : Cable Tension (cables are not tight enough) Lateral Stability No Graspable Railings Installed (stairs only) Improper Railing Height or Cable Spacing General Tips For Passing Cable Railing Inspections   Cable tension issues are usually due to improper frame construction or improper post spacing. Keep in mind that if the spacing in between the railing posts is too large; the cables will not sustain tension. We use a MAX 4′ on center spacing for standard structural railing posts and 42″ or less for spreader posts. The tighter the post spacing, the tighter the cables will be. Although it may be tempting to use less posts for lower cost or aesthetic reasons; installing them after inspection can be very difficult and expensive. Using proper post spacing will usually cover the lateral stability aspect of the railing inspection unless the post connections are unsatisfactory. Adequate blocking is necessary in order to properly attach any railing post. SDCR recommends a minimum of 3″ of structural backing for post connections. A building inspector may choose to lean on or push on a section of the railing at the midspan of two posts in order to gauge how much the railing deflects. The railing needs to feel rock solid all the way around, not just at the post locations. Graspable railings are required on most stair railing installations and a major sticking point for inspectors. Many customers do not want the additional cost or bulk added to the design on their project; however the code states the need for graspable railings. How to Properly Assess Railing Height and Cable Spacing Requirements   Railing height requirements are 42″ for barriers and 36″ for stairs constructed in California. This can vary from state to state so it’s always good to check. Most of the time this is easily achieved however on sloped decks with level railings it can pose some challenges. Installers must consider the amount of slope or build the railing to follow the slope at the desired height. For level railings the 42″ height must start at the LOW end and grow to accommodate the level. Stainless steel cable spacing should be a maximum of 3″ in order to achieve less than a 4″ spread. Once again it can be tempting or less expensive to space the cables farther apart; however it will likely cause a failed inspection. Inspectors may use a 4″ sphere and try to push it through the cables. Proper frame construction and cable tension will prevent the sphere from passing. Cable railing inspections usually come at the end of a remodeling or decking project which means any major changes can be costly. DIY customers can avoid any issues by following the manufacturers guidelines and utilizing the recommended practices. When hiring a pro; consider hiring a specialist that has experience with cable railings and building inspections in general. A reputable contractor will make sure your railings are constructed to code and ready for inspection. San Diego Cable Railings furnishes complete cable railing kits and engineered products suitable for code compliant railing installations. If you have questions about cable railing inspections please give us a call or visit the quote request page today..  

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Commercial Railing Considerations

Selecting a Commercial Railing System for Your Building A functional commercial railing system will provide a safety barrier for access points or highly trafficked areas of commercial structures. The quality of materials and design will determine the level of safety and durability of the system. Exterior commercial locations demand some of the highest safety and longevity requirements of all railing types. Some commonly encountered commercial spaces for consideration are: Stairways Pedestrian Bridges Balconies and Patios Raised Walkways and Terraces Engineered Railing Products A well designed railing system must offer more than just visual appeal to a commercial building or location. Aesthetics will create interest and traffic flow but code requirements are of critical importance in high traffic areas of the public. For public buildings and spaces, one of the safest selections is using pre-engineered railings. Engineered railing products will typically be accepted by building municipalities  with minimal effort due to the calculations that accompany these systems. This means that an engineer has performed thorough calculations to prove that the railing system will sustain lateral loads and connection stressors applied to the railings. Engineered products and plan sets will contain the “stamp” of approval of the engineer and can be broad based with products or job specific for custom builds. Choosing Cable Railings for a Commercial Application There are very few better or more durable choices for a commercial railing system than stainless steel cable railings. Cable railings showcase a leaner aesthetic than many popular vinyl and wood options available. They can be more cost effective and easier to install than comparable commercial glass railing systems. Whether choosing a galvanized, aluminum or stainless steel framed option; these systems are readily available with a lifespan of 30-50 years. San Diego Cable Railings sells a complete line of pre engineered products; as well as offering design and installation services. If you are interested in railing options for your commercial space, give us a call or visit the quote request page for more information.  

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Best Railing Systems for Mono Stringer Stairs

What is a Mono Stringer Staircase? A mono stringer staircase is a center supported run of stairs that utilizes a single structural support.  The single center stringer acts like a support beam for a set of cantilevered stairs. Due to the increased popularity of minimalist aesthetics, mono stringers have become a staple of high end modern stair designs. A mono stringer can provide an open feel while allowing more light passage than a traditional stair set. Material Types and Styles of Mono Stringer Stairs Dark steel beams used to fabricate mono stringers are the most highly produced and commonly encountered designs. A variety of tread options can be fabricated and suitable ; however consideration for strength is a factor. Extremely hard woods and concrete treads are popular modern choices that provide ample strength for floating stairs. Standard thickness for mono stair treads is a net 2″-4″ depending on the amount of cantilever and type of railing posts to be mounted. Popular wood types for mono stair treads include Oak, Mahogany, Walnut and South American hardwoods. The harder the wood and the tighter the wood grain the better. Mono treads are highly trafficked and commonly feature blind connections from underneath. This sort of connection demands a lot of even the strongest of wood species. Concrete treads for mono stringers should be reinforced or made of engineered light weight material specified for these type of installations. What Type of Railings Look Best for Your Floating Stairs? Aside from some extremely custom fabrications there really is no comparison for cable railings and glass railings when it comes to mono stairs. One of the main goals of utilizing a mono stringer is for the open space and modern appeal of the stairs. The sleek lines and modern look of stainless steel cable pairs nicely with steel mono stringer designs. Frameless glass systems and glass clip systems also provide enough transparency to take advantage of the mono stair design. Both types of systems are extremely safe and durable with minimal maintenance. A mono stringer staircase with a modern railing design can remove decades from the appearance of an older home. When paired with a modern railing solution from San Diego Cable Railings; it will provide enjoyment and add value to your home. If you have questions about modern stair and railing options, give us a call at 844-277-7327 or visit the quote request page.  

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COVID-19 Business Practices and Information

  Current Operations and Information as of 3/20/2020 We’d like to take this opportunity to inform existing and potential customers about our business practices during this ever evolving situation surrounding the Covid-19 virus: We are still providing quotes for any and all projects, as our Estimators are working remotely. Any orders placed during this time will be processed. Please reach out to us directly via phone at 844-277-7327 or email if you have any further questions. Our Estimators are working from home, and are available to field phone calls regarding current and future orders. Quote request turnaround time will maintain in the 24 to 48 business hours range. We are aware this situation is fluid and ever evolving. Our management is continuing to monitor the recommendations and mandates set forth by the CDC, Federal and Local Government in order to ensure we are compliant and to assist our Communities as best as possible. If you are a new customer, please don’t hesitate to reach out regarding our “Do It Yourself Procedures” as well as any payment plans. We are going to do our best to provide our products and services as permitted. Questions about installations in progress should be directed to SDIC @ 858-344-4866 or via the contact form HERE.  

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When a Graspable Railing is Required

Graspable railings are an often misunderstood aspect of stair railing installations. Sometimes referred to as “grab rails”; graspable type railings must fall into certain specifications in order to qualify as such. They can be round or square as long as they fall into required dimension specifications. A variety of material types are acceptable. How to Determine When a Separate Grab Rail is a Must Can my top railing also be considered when a graspable railing is required? This is a great question and the answer is at times yes; however the top railing must fall into the diameter and height requirements that are required by each individual municipality. The most common dimension we encounter and provide is 1.5″x 1.5″ for square members or 1.5″ diameter for round members. A graspable rail should not be smaller than 1.25″ or greater than 1.875″ in diameter. (Always check local codes) Graspable rails can be constructed using a variety of wooden, steel, or stainless steel tubes or dowels. They can be attached with brackets or directly welded to railing members. In California, we have a standard 42″ height requirement for barrier rails, while grab rails need to fall between 34″ and 38″. This can be accomplished on some stairways by mounting a grab rail to a wall that opposes the railing section. It can also be done by attaching directly to the railing posts at the desired height. Do I need to install returns when a graspable railing is required? Once again the answer is yes; and there are some stipulations. A “return” creates a perpendicular attachment of the grab rail to prevent shirt sleeves from being caught on the graspable railing.  Most residential and light commercial railings can be returned directly in to walls or railing posts with a simple 90 degree member. ADA rails will often require the return to project a certain distance out in front of the railing post so it can be grabbed prior to accessing a ramp. San Diego Cable Railings fabricates wooden and steel grab railings to customers nationwide. For customers in California we offer installation services of stainless steel cable railings, glass railings and a variety of hybrid railing solutions. If you have questions about if and when a grab railing is required for your project; give us a call at 844-277-7327 or visit the quote request page.  

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Toddler Resistant Railings

How to Child Proof Your Deck Railings If you live in an older home with a deck or balcony that has not been updated; there is a chance that your railings may not satisfy current codes. In California, barrier railings are required to be a net height of 42″ from any raised deck surface. Additionally, no clear space between any railing member should exceed 4″ or allow a 4″ sphere to pass through the opening. If your deck is 30″ or more in height above grade; a safety railing is required. Many of our cable railing installation projects require the demolition and removal of old railings. We have encountered many existing railings with infilled spaces containing gaps of more than 8″! Some of the decks and even interior stairways we work on do not have any railings at all. This is unsafe and can actually put you at risk of liability for injuries that may occur as a result. We recommend installing temporary safeguards while collecting bids for long term railing solutions. Temporary Railing Infill Solutions  Short term solutions are only recommended in this article to safeguard your space prior to a full railing replacement. A couple of easy and inexpensive ways to close those gaps are : -Installing lattice panels or temporary horizontal wood members in front of the existing railings to close any gaps larger than 4″. Using zip ties to secure the lattice panels will make for a fast install that is easy to remove when it’s time to install the new railings. -Install plastic temporary fencing which can be bought by the roll at box stores. -Install caution tape and/or block the area by attaching plywood sheets until the new railings can be constructed. -Lead times for a new deck or railing construction can average from 1-3 months.  Ask your contractor about constructing a temporary safety railing prior to installing the new railings. He may charge a small fee to do this; however the peace of mind will be well worth any cost. Permanent Solutions for Toddler Resistant Railings First and foremost we recommend purchasing your railing materials from reputable and proven sources only. Online shopping can be tempting and convenient,  however there are a lot of substandard products online. Companies furnishing engineered railing systems that are suitable for public commercial projects are a safe choice.  If you are hiring a contractor; use a licensed and insured professional with specialized experience and product knowledge. If you plan to DIY; always follow manufacturer specifications and guidelines. Cable Railings-  A properly designed and installed cable railing system is a safe and sturdy railing option for kids and pets alike. Stainless cables should be spaced no more than 3″ apart. Frame construction and post spacing must be suitable to carry enough tension that cables cannot be spread apart easily. Railings should satisfy a 200 lb. lateral loading requirement. Alternative Infill Options- Vertical pickets and hog panel railing infill are a couple of popular and safe options for toddler resistant railings. Once again, make sure any pickets, balusters or grid patterns provide a rigid barrier that does not allow any gaps larger than 4″. Glass Railings- Tempered glass panels are very safe and quite strong. Tempered safety glass is used in automobiles and glass doors for this reason. For second and third story decks; laminated glass may be the best and/or required option for constructing a glass railing system. Little fingerprints may be a possibility but don’t let safety deter you from choosing glass as a beautiful and transparent option for railing infill. San Diego Cable Railings furnishes modular railing systems to a nationwide customer base with preferred installation in select California locations. If you have questions about our products or would like an estimate, give us a call at 844-277-7327.  

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Cable Railing Post Types

If you’re building a deck and researching cable railings; you may be wondering what type of railing posts would be best for your installation. With so many products available online, it can be difficult to decide. We hope to make it easier with some information and recommendations about material selection and cable railing post types for all kinds of projects. Using Wooden Posts to Construct Cable Railings One of the most widely used and commonly known post type is a wooden 4″x4″. This is an inexpensive and widely available post option for most people. Wood posts are very easy to install. One drawback to using wood posts is sustaining cable tension. Softwoods like cedar and redwood can be the most difficult of all the cable railing post types. Wood swells and shrinks in different weather, making it difficult to maintain tension. We recommend the use of hardwoods like Ipe’ and Cumaru if wooden posts are your preferred choice. Hardwoods are stronger and behave more like a steel railing frame.                 Steel and Stainless Steel Railing Posts Coastal and harsh weather environments call for extremely durable railing materials. From a pure longevity standpoint, steel and stainless steel posts are some of our top choices. When salt is present, high grade stainless steel is a must. For non salt applications, galvanized steel will offer a 30 year lifespan. The addition of exterior coatings like epoxy paints can extend the durability to 50 years. Steel and stainless steel railing posts can satisfy many design styles. These materials also afford the ability for the most minimal railing profiles. Spreader Posts and Specialty Railing Post Types The use of “intermediate” or “spreader” posts is a popular method for reducing cable spread and also minimizing visible obstruction. These posts are low profile and usually made from flat bar or low profile tube steel. It’s important to remember that spreader posts are not structural. They should not be used as end or corner posts because of their light duty nature. Aluminum Cable Railing Posts Because aluminum is a lightweight material, it can require slightly larger posts or the use of top and bottom rails. Aluminum railing systems like Feeney Design rail, may utilize a combination of end posts and spreader posts to reduce cable spread. Aluminum is very durable, therefore making it a good choice for coastal railings and longevity. San Diego Cable Railings offers all of the cable railing post types discussed in this article. Our company has a line of engineered cable railing posts as well as specialty posts like flat bar spreaders. If you are interested in our products, please give us a call at 844-277-7327 or visit the quote request page.        

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Best Railing Systems for Retaining Walls

Many of the same considerations made when constructing deck railings will also apply to railing systems for retaining walls.  Outdoor railings are subjected to a host of environmental and usage factors that do not apply indoors; so durability of the railing materials is very important. Additionally, the mounting style and connection types may vary greatly from an exterior wall to an interior railing system. Based on our experience and a variety of our own retaining wall projects, here are some of the most common considerations we encounter on wall mounted railing systems: Approved Fasteners and Connections for Retaining Wall Railings There are several wall construction methods we see quite frequently with our wall mounted cable railings. Standard CMU walls, geo grid walls, and poured concrete walls are a few of the most common wall types in California. Connections of railing posts to poured concrete and CMU (block) can be made directly with the use of approved concrete anchors or epoxied rods, where a stackable block wall may require something different. It’s important to know if the wall is engineered for a direct railing mount or if it must be cast in place. Additionally, the installer should consider where the reinforcement bars have been placed, and if there is enough room for embedment. Certain applications have required posts to be cast in concrete ground footings behind the actual wall vs. on top. Hollow Block Walls and Masonry Fencing On occasion we have been called out to install retrofit railings and fencing on existing block walls or masonry fences. The main difference between a masonry wall and a fence is that a masonry fence is not designed to retain earth, and therefore may be hollow or only contain sporadically filled cells. A hollow wall doesn’t necessarily eliminate the possibility of a wall mounted connection, however railing posts should not be connected to hollow CMU block cells. A concrete block by  itself is not designed do take a lateral or shear load from any railing member. Retrofit grouting of cells at the post locations may be necessary in order to make a proper connection. Many times this can be achieved by drilling holes in the existing caps and pumping high strength grout into the cells. Once the grout has cured, the railings can be safely mounted. What are the Best Railing Systems for Retaining Walls? Like any “what is the best?” question; preferences will play a role in the ultimate selection of the railing type; however we do believe that steel is preferential to wood when it comes to wall mounted railings. A steel framed cable railing system with a direct mechanical or poured connection will be far superior to a wooden fence or picket rail for example. Wooden posts will require larger members in comparison to steel;  and possibly stand alone brackets in order to mount on top of the wall. A steel post with a welded connection can be directly attached with wedge anchors; epoxy rods or cast directly into CMU cells with relative ease. The durability and longevity of a stainless steel cable railing system will also far surpass the wooden wall top fencing and railings. Aesthetically, modern design trends would also lean towards the clean look of cable or possibly a wall top glass railing system. Cable Railing Products for Wall Mounted Railings San Diego Cable Railings furnishes cable railings and glass railing systems for several of the most common retaining wall applications. Our online storefront features many stock products that can be mounted directly to new and existing walls. Many of our products are engineered, and our preferred installers have over 15 years experience installing these type of railings all over California. If you have questions about a wall mounted railing or would like an estimate please give us a call at 844-277-7327 or visit the quote request page.

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Central Coast Cable Railing- Project Showcase

Coast to Coast Shipping and California Cable Railing Installation A welded bare stainless steel frame with 1/8″ stainless steel cable infill resulted in a stunning finished product at one of our recent installations in Paso Robles, CA. The remote location with mountain and lake views called for something elegant and transparent to blend into the existing landscape; all the while complimenting the vanishing edge pool, BBQ and fire pit. This was a challenging build due to the unique configurations, curves and of course the remote setting for the project. Most of the railing system was pre-fabricated at our production facility in San Diego, CA. with bending and minor modifications done on site by the guys at SD Independent Construction.  Welded post mounts and concrete anchors were used for the post attachment; creating a solid barrier with the rigidity of a block wall. For top railings 1″x3″ stainless steel was chosen to maximize visibility and a clean modern aesthetic. Using Type 316 Stainless Steel for Transparency and Durability The beauty of bare stainless steel is that it reflects its surroundings. Whether it be trees or water; regardless of the season, bare stainless steel blends naturally.  While achieving a high end look, stainless will generate less heat than a dark colored railing. Daytime users can appreciate this on hot summer days.  Additionally, using T316 stainless is a good idea on poolside decks with so many traditional pool builds now converting to saline (salt water) . San Diego Cable Railings offers Nationwide shipping and installation services for cable railings across the California coast. Our production team and preferred installers have produced high quality fences and railings for customers in San Diego, Orange County, LA, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and San Fransisco. In addition to our in house cable railing products we also offer glass railing systems and products by Feeney. If you would like to learn more about our cable railing products or get an estimate for cable railings, visit the quote request or give us a call at 844-277-7327 today.

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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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