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The Differences Between Rigging and Railing Hardware

CHOOSING THE RIGHT STAINLESS STEEL FITTINGS FOR YOUR PROJECT When we began installing cable railings in the early 2000’s internet shopping was still rather new and so was the retail cable rail industry. Utilizing marine and aviation rigging was often required in order to put together enough parts and pieces to create a cable railing. Actual cable railing systems were hard to come by and all too often we would see people using large commercial eye bolts and turnbuckles. Finishing cable ends used to require crimp eyes and clasps in order to secure fittings in the field. Much of the hardware at this time was bulky and difficult to handle. The utilitarian aspect of cable railings was not in question but it was a challenge to create a “polished” residential style that could appeal to the masses. Cable railing hardware evolved from the marine rigging and aviation industries but it doesn’t need to follow the same aesthetics. These industries require the absolute most durable hardware; period. It has to be strong enough to withstand huge loads all the while being beaten by salt air and UV.  Marine grade stainless steel has performed well for decades and much of the original technology is still used today; however marine rigging needs to be refined for use as railings. Stainless steel fittings used for railings should be attractive and user friendly. “Quick Connect” technology by Feeney showcases these attributes. QUICK CONNECT FITTINGS ARE ATTRACTIVE AND EASY TO INSTALL Quick Connect Fittings allow us to secure cable fittings with no special tools; no crimping or large bulky hardware. New installers or contractors just getting started in to cable railings can achieve professional results with a simple pair of cable cutters. Quick Connect fittings utilize a one way locking mechanism which allows the cable to enter the fitting in one direction and secure itself in the other. The use of a release tool allows the installer to remove the fitting from the cable if necessary. Today’s modern railing systems are more technologically refined and user friendly. A huge selection of fittings are available without the need to special order and our customers have many choices when purchasing stainless steel fittings and hardware. At San Diego Cable Railings we encourage potential customers and new installers to factor the time required as well as the finished product that will result from their hardware choices. High end installations should be sleek and minimize visible hardware. We are no longer bound by old technology or bulky parts.  Our aim is to create aesthetics that do not resemble commercial settings unless that is the intent of the designer.  Our sales and installation team has performed and assisted thousands of cable railing installations for well over a decade now. Our sales staff can cater a parts list to fit the exact needs of our customers. For customers shopping for a turnkey installation we have preferred installers to assist you all the way through the process. If you have questions about which type of cable hardware is right for your install; give us a call at 844-277-7327 or visit the quote request form today.

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Surface Mounted vs. Fascia Mounted Railing Posts

Which type of railing post is best for my installation? This month we spoke to our railing pros about the most common scenarios for each type of railing post in order to help our customers make the best choice for their individual projects. Read ahead to see if surface mounted or fascia mounted railing posts are the best option for your project: What are some of the most common scenarios for selecting a fascia mounted railing post? Smaller decks where space is an issue If your deck surface is uneven and you need the ability to adjust the post up or down If you need to use a standoff plate in order to avoid a drip edge flashing If you need to use a 4 bolt pattern and mounting plate due to minimal backing Fascia Mounted Railing Posts Take Up Less Deck Space Fascia mounted railing posts do not take up any space on top of the deck, where as surface mounted posts can eat up about 6″ of space around the perimeter. This is due to the size and location of the mounting plates utilized by surface mounted posts. Fascia mounted posts are typically less expensive; especially when bolted directly through the tube with 2 bolts vs. using a mounting plate with 4 bolts. When should we choose a surface mounted railing post? Concrete decks almost always call for a surface mounted application Wall top railings; interior pony walls; exterior block and CMU walls Level wooden decks with at least 3″ of backing at the post locations Roof decks with gutters or other obstructions that can prevent fascia mounting Surface Mounted Posts Can Be Easier to Install Despite the need for more bolts on a standard install; surface mounted posts can be easier to install on a level deck scenario. On raised decks they provide the ability to install from the top of the deck vs. using a ladder or leaning over the side of the deck. In most cases the installer will be able to use shorter bolts because the mounting plate makes direct contact with the deck surface. Which type of post mount looks better? Aesthetics are really about personal preference when it comes to choosing a post mounting style. Some people like to see the base plate and mounting hardware, while others prefer to see nothing at all. Many times function is much more important when we are talking about a connection that is imperative to the integrity of the railing itself. If you have questions about which type of post mount is best for your installation, give us a call at 844-277-7327 or visit the quote request page.  

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stainless steel cable railings, cable railing posts, stainless railing posts, cable railing posts, deck railing posts

Choosing Corrosion Resistant Metals

THE BEST MATERIALS FOR EXTERIOR RAILING PROJECTS  From a scientific standpoint resisting corrosion is preventing iron molecules from reacting with oxygen and water resulting in what is commonly called “rust”. Corrosion resistance should be one of the largest deciding factors when we choose an exterior railing system. Oxidizing and corrosion are not one and the same; one is a film vs. a complete degradation of the metal itself.  So what are the best metals to consider when we have harsh environments like sun, salt and water? There are four basic types of metals that fit into what we consider a “corrosion resistant” category: Aluminum is a lightweight and popular choice for the aircraft, car and building materials industries. This metal contains almost no iron; thus resulting in spectacular corrosion resistance. It does however have a potential to oxidize over time, forming a film on the surface. Although the film may not be the desired aesthetic, it does not negatively affect the durability of the metal. Stainless Steel comes in different grades like 18-8, 304 and 316. Each grade of stainless contains a mix of elements. The higher the grade of stainless steel, the lower the amount of iron will be contained in the mix. Chromium, nickel and molybdenum also add to the corrosion resistance. Stainless steel is heavier and stronger than aluminum considering a like for like size comparison. Railing posts made from stainless steel are preferred for constructing stainless steel cable railings because like metals offer the best corrosion resistance. Copper and Brass contain little to no presence of iron in the metals. They do not typically rust but do tend to oxidize and “patina” over time. This actually protects the metal from corrosion but it is a matter of preference when it comes to the aesthetic. Decorative exterior statues and/or garden art pieces, plumbing fixtures and some graspable handrails are fabricated using these metals. We do not see them commonly used for structural purposes like railing posts, support beams, etc. Galvanized Steel is very corrosion resistant when compared to regular mild steel. Galvanizing is a zinc coating applied to steel that prevents oxygen and water from reacting directly with the steel. Galvanized steel works excellent in non salt spray environments , but it will eventually corrode when exposed to marine environments. We see a lot of galvanized material used as guardrails in commercial applications because the cost of galvanized steel is typically lower than stainless and aluminum. San Diego Cable Railings fabricates cable railings and glass railing systems using corrosion resistant metals like galvanized, stainless steel and aluminum. If you are wondering which material is right for your application, or you would like a quote for an extremely corrosion resistant railing system; give us a call or visit the quote request page.  

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code compliant cable railings

How Tight Should My Stainless Steel Cables Be?

Understanding Layout and Specifications for Successful Cable Tensioning Post spans are a key component to understanding tension loads- Understanding cable railing tension is not all about special tools, sphere tests or tension gauges. All of these things are important but cable tension can be as simple as understanding  proper post and cable spacing. Stainless steel cables are “elastic” in nature when compared to a solid steel pipe or vertical picket. Meaning that the cables have the potential to deflect under some weight or applied force; they aren’t designed to be rigid. Deflection is ok; when it comes to code compliance the key is not allowing deflection past a certain point. When it comes to cable railing inspections the clear spacing in between two cables must not deflect to a point that will allow a 4″ sphere to pass through the infill. Tighter post spacing = tighter cables with less effort. Types of posts matter – End posts and corner posts are the most load bearing members involved in a cable railing frame. Think about end posts like an anchor point that is being pulled on. Sturdy posts made from heavy timber, steel or stainless steel will create the strongest anchors. Aluminum frames and undersized wood timbers can function well but they will require tighter spacing to achieve proper tension. Choosing an engineered cable railing system and following the specifications provided by the manufacturer can be one of the easiest ways to ensure success. An “engineered” railing post has been designed and tested to sustain tension loads and provide a solid connection to the deck surface. Different specs for different systems- If we take a close look at the variation in specifications from different manufacturers we will usually find that aluminum railings have more supplementary posts (spreaders or pickets) and that the post members will be spaced closer together. The reason for this is that in most cases the aluminum end posts cannot sustain as much load as the steel or heavy timber end posts; therefore the posts must be spaced tighter to limit deflection. Many times these aluminum railing systems will use a top and bottom rail; limiting the number of cables by adding a solid support. Our favorite aluminum railings for both cable and glass railings are Feeney Design-rail systems. Feeney railings are engineered and proven throughout the industry on large commercial railing projects like apartment buildings and commercial spaces. Engineered railings are the safe choice– As railing installers we focus on following manufacturer recommendations; our job is not to hyper focus on numbers and calculation details that are already tested by the manufacturers. We focus on using proven systems and following the recommended layouts and spacing. Additional efforts are made to use the proper connections and backing requirements. We have passed railing inspections at 150lbs of tension with the right post and cable spacing, as well as solid connections. Too many internet articles about cable tension confuse novice installers and DIYers with framing safety factors and huge numbers like 300 pounds per cable that can encourage people to apply too much tension. Our ultimate goal is achieving just enough tension to prevent a 4″ sphere test; keeping our pets and children safe without damage to the railing system. If you have questions about cable tension or would like a quote on an engineered railing system give us a call at 844-277-7327 or visit the quote request page.      

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California Grab Rail Requirements

I’m remodeling my stairs and adding a new cable railing; do I need a grab rail? The short answer is most likely yes. Graspable rails are necessary in almost every situation involving stairs. The interpretations of the code and requests by different inspectors do make the requirements a bit confusing in some situations. In this article we will summarize the specifications most often reviewed during inspections on our railing projects: Grab Railing Height- Graspable railings are to be set at a height between 34″ and 38″ above the nose of each stair; measured vertically from the nose of the stairs. The measuring tape should not be angled when attempting to confirm this measurement. Stairs should be uniform in size; meaning if the stairs are not consistent that the grab rail height can change. It’s important to measure each stair prior to installing a grab rail; setting the height at a fixed measurement from the top and bottom stair. We find that a set height of 34″- 36″ is comfortable in most situations for most people. Diameter of a Graspable Rail- The minimum outside diameter of a round graspable railing is 1.25″ and the maximum outside diameter is 2″. These size requirements should allow for hands of all different sizes to firmly grasp the railing section. Square or rectangular grab railings can get a bit trickier; the total perimeter dimension of a non-circular member is 4″ minimum and 6.25″ maximum. The translation is basically a square railing that is minimum  1″ to maximum 1.5″ member. There is an allowance for larger members if a finger recess is provided in the railing member to allow for graspability. Wall Spacing and Returns – A minimum 1.5″ space is required between the graspable railing and the wall to allow room for hands to wrap the railing unimpeded by the wall. Grab rail ends should return into the wall at a 90 degree angle.  It’s important not to create a pinch point or leave an open rail that may catch a sleeve with an open end. Interpretation Examples- “I have a 2×4″ top rail at a 36″ height; do I need a grab rail?” The short answer is yes. A standard 2″x4″ timber has a total perimeter dimension of 10″ which exceeds the maximum allowable dimension for a graspable railing. Inspectors often have final discretion when it comes to a completed inspection; meaning there are exceptions and different interpretations of the code; however the safest bet is to reference and stick to the code requirements. If you have questions about grab rail requirements or would like a quote on a graspable railing, please visit the quote request page or give our pros a call at 844-277-7327. We offer pre-fabricated wooden and steel grab railings made to your specifications, as well as turn key installation of these products.

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2019 Deck Construction Costs

Selecting Material Options for Cost Effective Deck Construction Decks can add valuable square footage and increase our living spaces for a much lower cost than adding an extra room. Some decking materials offer little to no maintenance while others provide natural beauty with different price points. Decks are inviting and outdoor living is very popular, but how much do they cost? Here are some deck construction details to consider before building a new deck: –HomeAdvisor’s 2019 national average cost to build a deck is listed at $7229.00 with a typical price range being $4,062- $10,398.00 for residential decks. -Deck construction costs are largely related to size and scope. Large decks (500 square feet and larger) will often carry a lower price per square foot than a small deck. Not a lower overall price; but there should be a gradual decline in cost per square foot as the structure grows. Railing costs will follow suit; the more lineal footage, the lower the cost per lineal foot. -Utilizing standard board lengths will lessen the amount of job waste and additionally save you money. For example: boards come in 8, 10, 12, 16, and 20′ lengths; so designing a 13’x15′ deck requires you to buy 16′ framing and decking timbers. The cutoffs add up, especially when using high end materials like exotic hardwoods and composites. -Standard deck designs like squares and rectangles will save you money when compared to more complex designs. Curved decks, fancy patterns and shapes like octagons are attractive; however they carry a much higher premium than standard shapes. Additionally, these advanced designs will typically give you less useable square footage for a higher cost. -Material selection is key when it comes to deck construction costs. Softwoods like Fir, Cedar and Redwood tend to be less expensive than hardwoods and composite products. However we must also consider the life expectancy and the amount of maintenance required for each product. The life expectancy of a Cedar deck is about 15 years, while some composite products offer 25 year warranties. The upfront cost of a wood deck may be less, but the long term cost may be higher. Building a new deck is an exciting addition with many considerations. At SDCR we offer aluminum, glass and stainless cable railings for wooden and composite decks. If you have questions about a railing system for your new deck, give us a call at 844-277-7327 or visit the quote request page today!  

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Modern Garden Trellises

Create an Awesome Cable Trellis With the Feeney Garden Collection A garden trellis is an elegant framework of horizontal and vertical crossing supports used for training vining plants. In some gardens a trellis is used up against a fence or a wall for popular edible vining plants like passionfruit. Vegetable gardeners utilize trellis structures for vertical gardening and popular fruits like tomatoes, melons and cucumbers.  A well designed trellis is like a piece of art for the garden; functional and attractive. Trellises are also a landscape design choice for creating a living privacy screen or shade structure. Tired of the same old trellis designs? Why not try a new DIY idea and build a cable trellis? Stainless steel cable trellises offer an open framework that is visually stimulating and attractive. They are easy to install, without the need for special tools. Unlike hard to maintain wooden trellises, all of the components for a cable trellis are sleek T316 stainless steel for the ultimate in corrosion resistance. Stainless steel cable is extremely strong, offering maximum stability for even the heaviest trees and shrubs. A cable trellis will not harbor fungus, mildew or mold, no matter how much moisture exists. Their beauty and durability make them great investment for your garden or patio. San Diego Cable Railings is an authorized dealer of products by Feeney Inc.; we provide popular cable trellis kits like the 3 in 1 Trellis system and the Somerset Trellis..  The 3-in-1 trellis kit is easy to install and can be configured to 3 different standard designs; (fan, grid, diamond). The  Somerset Trellis is designed for mounting to walls or fences via 2 powder coated aluminum brackets that support the vertical cables. Horizontal rods tie into the cables with special connectors creating a very rigid and durable structure. SDCR offers fast turnarounds on quotes and materials for cable trellis parts and other products by Feeney Inc. If you would like more information on cable trellises; visit the quote request page or give us a call at 844-277-7327.  

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glass railing systems

Glass Railings FAQ

Using Glass Railings for Unobstructed Views and Windbreaks Tempered glass panels have been used as deck railings and fencing for well over 30 years. Our customers often inquire about the durability and maintenance requirements for glass railings vs. other railing types. This month we met with our preferred installers from SD Independent to weigh in on some of the pros and cons of choosing a glass railing for your deck : -What are some of the greatest benefits to installing a glass railing system? Glass panels that are framed in aluminum, stainless steel or Ipe’ are basically indestructible. Many a deck demolition job has shown us that the tempered glass panels often outlast the decking and framing materials. Glass is also completely transparent and tempered glass panels are very sturdy and safe. -What is the ideal application for a glass railing system? Our favorite glass installation jobs are usually outdoor living spaces with direct exposure. Usually outdoor dining areas or hot tub enclosures. Glass is an awesome wind break and there are so many cool and minimalistic ways to install it. If a customer wants some privacy out of the railings we will usually install frosted glass.  -How does the pricing of glass compare to other railing types? Glass railings are comparable in cost to other high quality railing systems like cable railings and ornamental steel railings. There are many ways to construct glass railings and wood framing will usually be the most cost effective; followed by aluminum and stainless steel. -Are glass railings DIY friendly? They can be. Feeney design rail kits are a pretty straightforward installation for level rail applications. Interior railings, stairs and other custom situations are more advanced and will most times require a professional. -What are some of the cons associated with glass railings? Glass panels look best when they are kept clean so the biggest negative feedback we hear associated with glass is the cleaning. As a deck builder I think wooden and composite railings require much more maintenance over the long haul but regular cleaning is necessary to keep the glass panels and components looking their best. -Are there any other ideas about glass railings you may have that would help our customers? Make sure to install tempered glass panels regardless of the thickness chosen. Also, choose a proven manufacturer or build a sturdy frame from high quality materials and your glass railings will last for a very long time. San Diego Cable Railings provides fabrication and installation of custom glass railing systems as well as Designrail products by Feeney Inc. If you would like to get an estimate for one of our modern and durable railing systems please visit the quote request page.        

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stairways, stairway cable railing

Spectacular Stairways

Using Stainless Steel Cable Railings for Attractive and Code Compliant Stairways Whether your budget permits for a rebuild or a remodel, stairs are an important part of any renovation. If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your stairs, or remove years from the appearance of your home; a cable railing system may be the answer. Stairways are commonly a focal point inside the home and many times one of the first things visible upon entering. Don’t forget the stairs! If you’re ready to remodel your interior or exterior stairways, our products can help. We furnish pre-drilled and pre-finished stair posts that arrive to your home ready to be installed. The angles are determined prior to fabrication for a perfect fit and easy install. All of the necessary attachment hardware is included. Welded connections and state of the art coatings make these posts an unbeatable option for remodeling stairways. Selecting top railings and/or installing graspable railings is also a breeze with our pre-finished railing materials and custom fitted parts. We offer wooden, stainless steel and aluminum options for stair railings. Customers can mix and match materials to create hybrid railings and unique looks. By providing us with a simple line drawing or photograph and dimensions we can return an estimate within 24 hours. Stainless cable assemblies for your stairs are made simple with DIY cable assemblies that do not require any special tools. Stainless cable is sleek and easy to maintain, additionally offering safety and security for your family and pets. All of our cable assemblies feature the corrosion resistance of T316 stainless and a breaking strength per cable that exceeds 1800 lbs! If DIY projects aren’t your preference, our cable railing installers are the best in the industry. We can provide quotes for both materials and installation by licensed, insured contractors with over a decade of specialized cable railing experience. Give us a call at 844-277-7327 or visit the quote request page and get a free estimate today!    

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deck safety

Top Railing Options and Color Selection

Which top railing options are best suited for my project? Selecting materials and colors for a deck or fencing project can be fun; however having a large variety of options can also make our choices more difficult. As with any home improvement project, when selecting top rails we should always consider what kind of look and feel we are trying to create. When it comes to top railing options, some of the most common topics for questions from our customers are about: Colors- Metallic finishes and dark colors like charcoal and black are widely used for modern color selections. Muted colors, earth tones, and bare mill finishes will be more commonly found on coastal applications and landscapes. White is a good choice for matching interior trim but should be used sparingly for exteriors. Size- Minimalist designs are very popular and many times the leanest top rail profiles are the most desirable. Consumers and contractors alike need to weigh the pros and cons of going thin with top railings. Cable railings need rigid frames to withstand cable tension. Consider using steel members if you want thinner top rails. When using wood timbers, try to stay with hardwood species at a minimum thickness of 1.5″. Material Choices- At SDCR we offer a broad selection of top railing materials to include: aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and a variety of wood types. In general, steel railings will provide a more industrial or modern look. Wood can assert a more neutral feel which will offer versatility when dealing with an older home. Price Points- Wood will almost always be less expensive than steel when it comes to top railing choices. For a DIY installer, wood products will also be more forgiving and require fewer tools. Steel or stainless steel top rails will typically be stronger and more durable, but they also carry a higher price point. Our company offers modular parts for both wooden and steel top railing options. We are happy to discuss these options in order to find you the best most cost effective solution for your project. Questions??? Click HERE to visit the quote request page.    

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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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