Blog - Page 4 of 21 - San Diego Cable Railings

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.

There are several reasons that potential customers site for wanting to change the aesthetic of an existing staircase. Increasing the amount of light exposure and modernizing the look are probably the two most popular reasons. Designing your modern staircase can be a simple and enjoyable process that adds tremendous value to your home. Here are some of our favorite ways to modernize your stairs and maximize your investment: Add New Paint- Lighter and Brighter If your stairway is dark and/or dingy, something as simple as new paint can make a huge impact. Clean lines and clean walls can make a substantial difference in an older home. Contrasting colors, wall patterns, moulding, and paneling give us plenty of options for spicing up older existing stairs. Remove old Carpet- Old carpeting can appear dated, dingy and even dirty in some cases. Consider removing it and replacing it with hardwood, tile, or laminated products. Light colors and whitewashed tones are popular for brightening a dark space like a small staircase. Tie in some new trim for clean lines and a newly constructed look and feel. Cut Down a Pony Wall Removing a pony wall is an extremely popular way to update your stairs. Removing a solid barrier can allow tons of extra light into the space, making it appear larger and more modern. Replace your pony wall with a modern railing system like horizontal rods, cable railing or a frameless glass system. Install Modern Railings If you want to create a more modern staircase and an entry worthy of being a focal point; modern railings are a must. Whether you are renovating a single flight or constructing a complex floating staircase, the railings are the finishing touch. Some popular examples of modern railing systems include: Post and Clip, Frameless Glass Systems Vertical and Horizontal Cable Railings Horizontal Bars and Pipes Vertical and Horizontal Welded Steel, Scroll, Panels, etc. If you’re planning to construct a more modern staircase, give us a call at 844-277-7327. We have a full line of cable and glass railing systems both modular and custom. Our preferred installers are experts when it comes to remodeling stairways and railing systems, with hundreds of satisfied customers in California. For more pricing and info, visit the quote request page for an estimate.

Modular guardrails offer several benefits to the consumer when compared to custom fabricated and welded guardrails. They can be utilized safely on decks, stairways, patios, bridges, and parking structures to protect persons from fall hazards. Labor and supply strains in today’s marketplace as well as rising costs have made modular options even more appealing. This article reviews some of the advantages of modular railing “kits” and reasons that consumers would select modular options. Easy Installation Modular handrail systems are easy to install. They are adaptable to different situations and provide the installer with flexibility. Modular railings are comprised of 3 main components: Posts– vertical supports that hold the rails and infill Rails– horizontal members used to support certain types of infill and cap the posts Infill– running between the rails, railing infill can be comprised of spindles, rods, glass, cable etc. A high quality modular guardrail will often have been pre- assembled and is designed to comply with current building codes. Recommended post spans and infill spacing related to the guardrail will satisfy loading and height requirements. These systems are extremely popular due to the ease of installation and peace of mind provided for the installer because of these factors. No Welding A modular guardrail system does not require welding. In many cases a modular railing will cost less because of this factor alone. In addition to related costs, the lead time will be shorter for a modular system. Versatility of modular systems is often superior to welded systems as well; as removal or reconfiguration is not possible with welded railings. Reduced Freight an Transport Cost Freight costs are often reduced by modulating a railing system. Parts and hardware can be packaged in crates and shipped over long distances at lower costs compared to a full welded guardrail section. Custom welded railings will often require a flatbed truck or even a crane (depending on the size of section) to lift them. Low Maintenance Guardrail Systems Modular railing systems are easy to maintain or repair if necessary. Swapping out a part or piece is much easier with modular railing options when compared to custom welded options. Modular selections like cable railings and glass are extremely low maintenance and adaptable to almost any building conditions. San Diego Cable Railings furnishes modular cable railing and glass railing systems to contractors and DIY customers in 50 states. Our cost competitive railing systems are easy to install, safe and attractive. If you are interested in learning more about a modular guardrail system for your home or business give us a call at 844-277-7327 or visit the quote request form.

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.