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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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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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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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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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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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Happy Turkey Day From SDCR!!

Happy Thanksgiving From SDCR! To all of our amazing customers, preferred contractors and staff-  San Diego Cable Railings would like to wish you a happy Thanksgiving and a great holiday season! We are extremely grateful to be able to do what we love and interact with so many wonderful people nationwide. Our office will be closed on November 24-25 in observance of the holiday weekend. Have a safe and happy holiday!!        

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Top Railings For Cable Rail Systems

San Diego Cable Railings offers complete cable rail systems and a variety of material combinations to create our railing packages. In this article we touch on basic railing components and top railing options, as well as the importance of material selection and maintenance when it comes to top railings. The Basics: Our customers frequently desire minimalistic railings and unobstructed views. We achieve this look by minimizing the amount of components and hardware needed to construct the railing. Sturdy posts and top railings are necessary structural elements for a successful railing project. Below is a list of typical cable rail components and a couple of our favorite top railing choices for your cable railing: -Railing Posts: Vertical uprights that attach to a deck surface or floor -Cable Assemblies: Railing infill to provide the barrier and prevent pass through -Hardware: Fasteners for attaching posts and top railings -Top Railings: The horizontal railing cap member that connects to the railing posts providing lateral stability When it comes to exterior railings, the top railing member will receive the highest amount of  UV and moisture exposure of all the railing components. Much like a deck surface, the top railings on any cable rail systems will see more direct sun, standing moisture, and physical contact than the vertical railing components. (posts) At SDCR the materials of choice when it comes to top railing selection are Ipe hardwood and Stainless Steel. Our preferred installers have performed 100s of installations utilizing MANY different top railing options and have selected Ipe and Stainless for the following reasons: Cable Tension- Cable railings sustain a tremendous amount of tension in order to keep the cables taught and prevent sagging or pass through. Ipe hardwood behaves like steel and belongs to the “Ironwood” family. It is 30 times harder than teak and 300 times harder than typical framing lumber. Our stainless steel post systems combined with hardwood top railings sustain and maintain tension with minimal or no need for future cable adjustments. Durability- Ipe hardwood and stainless steel can last 30-50 years even when exposed to exterior conditions. Ipe hardwood and stainless steel are not subject to dry rot or termite damage. They do not oxidize or cause electrolysis when combined, nor to they leech acids released by other material types. ALL types of wooden or steel top railings will require a minimal amount of maintenance. A simple wipe down or occasional pressure wash will add years to the lifespan and beauty of any exterior railing. Re application of sealer or paint to wood members will greatly improve the lifespan and look.  Even composite and synthetic products boasting “no maintenance” need to be cleaned and maintained in order to function for the life of the product. SAN DIEGO CABLE RAILINGS/CABLE RAIL SYSTEMS – 800-844-277-7327

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Deck Addition Values

Deck addition projects increase the amount of  living space at a minimal cost per square foot in relation to other facets of remodeling. Decks are versatile, attractive and warm.  Homeowners with sloped lots or uneven topography can create great useable space by installing a wooden or composite deck, and take advantage of square footage that would otherwise be unusable. Decks can be constructed by homeowners or professionals, and smaller deck projects may not require permitting or the need for architectural design. The ROI on a deck addition may surprise you; and is rated one of the top five returns on home improvement projects. Many popular remodeling theories highlight bathrooms and kitchens, or room additions; however the cost of these improvements is very high in comparison to adding a deck. Depending on the location, the cost per square foot of a standard room addition will range from $85-$200 per square foot. In relation, the standard addition of a wooden or composite deck will range from $25-$60 per square foot. If we are talking about useable space, a 12′ x 12′ deck will give you the same amount of square footage as the same size room addition. From a home sale perspective, the deck addition will return .81 to .95 cents on the dollar! In southern California deck season is year round. Great weather and beautiful views prompt outdoor living without the need for walls and dry space. Real estate costs are at a premium and sometimes space is limited, so we maximize our useable space and expand smaller lot sizes by doing so. At San Diego Cable Railings we work with deck builders and homeowners nationwide to provide modern railing solutions for deck additions. Our cable deck railings are durable and attractive, and our railing systems have been refined by professionals with decades of construction experience. Call us today or visit the quote request page and get a customized railing package for your deck addition. For more information on the value of adding a deck, click here.    

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Modern Railing Solutions

Modern Railing Solutions by San Diego Cable Railings remove years from the appearance of an older home. The featured image highlights a before and after progression performed by our preferred installers on a 30 year old stairway and bannister wall. The original railing (photo left) is a typical vertical picket iron railing. Iron picket railings were frequently utilized during track home construction for a quick and inexpensive railing solution. Today these railings do not always meet current building codes or safety standards. Notice the wide spread in between the vertical members. Additionally, these railings are frequently not tall enough, and will not sustain lateral loading requirements for residential railing systems. The aesthetics of the iron system provide little interest in comparison to the cable railing system and give way to the dated appearance of the entry. The components of the updated cable railing (photo right) feature a steel post and stainless steel cable infill, hardwood top railings, and updated wooden wall caps and trim. The update creates a complete transformation of the space. The use of steel posts and stainless steel cable  provide modern railing solutions, while the wooden handrail and wall caps maintain a warm feel that is more in line with an older home. The updated railing makes the space appear larger, and provides a considerably more attractive focal point than the previous railing. Our team at San Diego Cable Railings has worked with countless homeowners designers and contractors, to provide unique railing solutions for a nationwide customer base. We have a growing network of preferred installers assisting homeowners with modern railing solutions for interior and exterior fencing and railing projects. If you have questions about any of our railing products or need assistance with the online storefront, give us a call at 844-277-7327 or submit a quote request via the contact form.  

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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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