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Safety railings can be found throughout your home to protect persons and pets from falls off raised surfaces. Whether it be an interior loft, exterior patio, or deck railing; the upright posts need to survive the test of time. On occasion and especially in older homes the railing posts will need to be replaced. This is a good time to consider price and function for the new products as well as total cost, maintenance possibilities and, longevity. Additionally, the aesthetics of the railing posts and/or new railing frame system will need to be considered as well. Considerations for future improvements like other fences and railings will be important as well. Numerous other articles contained within our blog have discussed material types and functions for different railing systems. This article explains and details our favorite post choice based on cost, versatility, and durability. All Purpose Steel Railing Posts for Cable Railing and Glass Panels San Diego Cable Railings multi purpose railing posts can be utilized for cable rail, glass clip, graspable rail and standard fencing applications. They come in standard sizes for both 36″ and 42″ railings and can be customized upon request. Posts can be purchased a la carte or included in a complete railing package. Usage examples for our steel and stainless steel multi purpose railing posts are as follows: Our customers and installers have utilized SDCR railing posts for the above listed applications and a multitude of other variations to include interior and exterior railing systems. Our posts are suitable for both commercial and residential applications. Engineered steel railing posts have passed hundreds of building inspections and can be found in hospitals, amusement parks, public businesses, parks residential homes and pedestrian bridges. They serve as one of the safest most versatile post options available. Fast Turn around Times and Nationwide Shipping on Railing Posts We believe our railing posts are some of the highest quality and most versatile railing posts available in today’s marketplace based on the most important metrics- safety, durability and price point. Few other products will compete or have been proven in such a wide variety of real world field tested applications. If you are interested in purchasing railing products for your next project; or have questions about which railing posts may be the right fit for you- give us a call at 844-277-7327 or visit the quote request form today. CLICK HERE FOR A FREE ESTIMATE
There are several types of interior and exterior railings and railing post types available in today’s marketplace. Reviewing the different mounting types, recommended spacing, materials, colors and applications can be daunting at times. In this post we aim to clarify some of these details and offer some common terminology regarding the most popular railing post types. Most of the reference material is geared towards stainless steel cable and glass railing systems as those make up the majority of our sales and installations. Structural Railing Posts Depending on the type of railing system there may be a single type or many type of posts used to support the infill and top rail. Structural posts refer to those designed to sustain lateral and possibly tension loads within a railing system. An “end post” or a “corner post” within a cable railing system refer to structural railing posts. In comparison, a “spreader post” would not be considered a structural railing post as its purpose is not primarily structural and mainly aesthetic. A common spacing recommendation for structural railing posts is between 4 and 6 feet on center spacing. Cable railings require tighter spacing for structural posts than picket railings due to tension loads and spread. The most common recommendation for cable railing systems is 4′ on center, while glass panels might be 5′ on center, and various picket or rod infill systems can push to the 6′ on center spacing. These are generic guidelines as systems and municipalities vary. Installers should follow recommendations and current codes. Glass Boot and/or Base Shoe Support Systems Although not technically a railing post, base shoes are becoming more and more commonly used for glass railing systems. A “base shoe” or “boot” is secured to the deck surface and acts as a structural clamp and support for heavy duty tempered glass panels. Structurally, a boot system is one of the only secure ways to support glass panels without the use of railing posts. Base shoes are engineered for structural use and support, requiring grout or a special locking system to secure the panels and support system. Recent updates have called out the use of laminated glass more and more often for “no top rail” glass systems. A base shoe mount is a proven way to safely achieve this type of install. Railing posts of different types and sizes can also be used in lieu of base shoe for installing glass panels. Typically glass clips (small clamping mechanism) are attached to structural railing posts in order to secure glass panels for this type of installation. Additionally, there are full framed glass systems which utilize channel and/or full framed glass railing with top and bottom railings and structural posts every 4-5′. Intermediate Posts, Spreader Posts, and Slim Line Railing Posts Intermediate posts like the one photographed above are also called “spreaders” or “line” posts. This type of railing post is often utilized to increase a viewing window without the larger profile of a structural post. As photographed the structural posts are 2″ square while the spreader post is a mere 3/8″ wide profile. The intermediate (spreader) post provides some rigidity and prevents the stainless steel cables from spreading, without the need for the heavy wall or width of a 2″-4″ post. When dealing with cable railings, glass, and other low visibility systems; spread is key to opening the view. When utilizing spreader posts between structural posts, installers can achieve clear windows of 6-7 feet without fear of code compliance or stability issues. Additional Notes on Railing Posts and Terminology Consumers should note that railings and fencing are very different when it comes to spans and spacing. There are many photographs found online that illustrate posts, pegs, clips, and all different kinds of spacing that may or may not satisfy code requirements for a safety railing. Just because photos exist, does not mean it will satisfy an inspection. Windbreaks and fencing may not require the same safety measures as a second story deck. Railings with and without top railing members will often have different rules and code requirements. Our company (San Diego Cable Railings) has been furnishing railing kits to homeowners and builders nationwide since 2009. We furnish a variety of railing posts for cable, glass, rod, and horizontal panel systems. Our welded connections and high grade stainless posts have been engineered to satisfy loading requirements, and even our spreader posts provide unmatched strength and elegance for your home. If you have questions about any of our railing post types or would like to obtain pricing for a railing system, give us a call or visit the quote request form today.
Railings can be found throughout your home whether it be an interior stairway, exterior patio or barrier fencing. From time to time, especially in older homes the railing posts may need to be replaced. This is a good time to consider price and function for the new products as well as cost, maintenance, longevity, etc. Additionally, the aesthetics of the posts and/or new railing system will need to be considered as well as the possibility for future replacements of other indoor and outdoor railings and fences. Numerous other articles contained within our blog have discussed material types and functions for different railing systems. This article explains and highlights more about an all around favorite post choice based on cost, versatility, and durability. Multi Purpose Steel Railing Posts for Cable Railings, Glass Panels and Horizontal Slat Fencing San Diego Cable Railings multi purpose railing posts can be utilized for cable rail, glass clip, graspable rail and standard fencing applications. They come in standard sizes for both 36″ and 42″ railings and can be customized upon request. Posts can be purchased a la carte or included in a complete railing package. Usage examples for our steel and stainless steel multi purpose railing posts are as follows: Our customers and installers have utilized SDCR railing posts for the above listed and a multitude of other applications to include interior and exterior railing systems as well as commercial and residential applications. Our railing posts have passed hundreds of building inspections and can be found in hospitals, amusement parks, public businesses, parks residential homes and pedestrian bridges to name a few. High Quality Fencing and Railing Products Shipped Nationwide We believe our railing posts are some of the highest quality and most versatile railing posts available in todays marketplace based on the most important metrics- safety, durability and price point. As an all around railing component few products will compete or have been proven in such a wide variety of real world field tested and inspected applications. If you are interested in purchasing railing products for your next project; or have questions about which railing posts may be the right fit for you- give us a call at 844-277-7327 or visit the quote request form today.