Minimalist designs and products are in high demand. Our sales team receives requests on a daily basis for the most transparent and minimal railing frames and products we have to offer. Over the years we’ve built and tested all types of railing posts and frame systems in actual field conditions. This article aims to provide some information to our customers who want to utilize the most minimalist railing posts and hardware that any particular building application will safely permit. Our company offers a variety of different products and mounting systems with minimalist aesthetics in mind.
Listed below are some of our minimalist railing products with descriptions:
Flat Bar Cable Railing Posts-
Possibly the least amount of visible obstruction from a vertical post; flat bar cable railing posts have an exceptionally minimal profile at 3/8″. Flat bar cable railing posts can also be called intermediate spreaders, pickets, or spreader posts. These posts can be alternated with 2″ structural posts to broaden viewing “windows” allowing for larger spacing in between standard posts. SDCR “ultra slim spreader posts” utilize welded connections making for a very rigid post despite their minimal profile. We have even seen our customers use them consecutively across a span of field posts while only using structural posts on the ends and corners for tension. We do not however, recommend the use of flat bar posts for any tension post.
1.5″ Stainless Steel Square Railing Posts
1.5″ square posts are an excellent option for both cable railing systems and glass railings. These posts can be capped with a low profile 1″x2″ top rail or even a standard 2″x4″. San Diego Cable Railings 1.5″ stainless steel posts can be used for glass panel railings by mechanically fastening “clips” or ” U channel” to the railing post with self tapping screws. Welded mounting connections ensure the ability to satisfy lateral loading requirements. This post system can be a great option for minimalist stair railings and can also satisfy a graspable railing requirement when utilizing 1″x2″ cap rail.
Base Shoe for Glass Railings-
Despite the fact that a base shoe is not exactly a railing post; it’s definitely worth a mention. Base shoes are used to secure glass panels via connection of the shoe to the base material (wall, deck surface, etc.). Base shoes are often constructed of mill finished aluminum which is lightweight and strong; allowing for free standing glass panels and absolute transparency. Shoe systems provide a safe support system for glass panels without the use of posts, clips or top railings. One caveat to the use of a base shoe could be the need for thicker glass panels. It is not recommended to use less than 3/8″ tempered glass panels and most commonly 1/2″ is called out for base shoe glass railing installations. Fully framed glass railing systems and clip systems will accommodate smaller 1/4″ tempered glass panels.
San Diego Cable Railings is a full service fabricator and distributor of cable and glass railing systems. We offer turnkey solutions for sales and preferred installation of cable and glass railing systems, products and DIY railing systems. If you have questions or would like pricing our minimalist railing posts, visit the quote request page today.
