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The Advantages of Using Cable Railings on Your Deck
There are many reasons why cable railings are an important part of the construction industry. Not the least of these are its modern, clean look, longevity, and safety. Cable railings have quickly become the best-known and most popular type of modern railing.
The posts of cable railings are also made of stainless steel. They are easy to install and have an attractive appearance. You can choose from different powder coatings and installation methods. Cable railings are perfect for indoor and outdoor projects because of their simple components and unique hardware.
1. Benefits of Cable Railings
Picking out a new railing system can be difficult. There are a lot of options out there, and each one looks different. Cable railing, on the other hand, is a simple alternative to modern railing systems. Many homeowners choose cable railing systems because the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.
1.1 Cable Railings Don’t Block Views
Cable railings are simple in form and therefore work better than other types of railings. Depending on the size, wooden railings may appear thicker and more obtrusive.
On the other hand, using cable railings takes up less space. Smaller decks look bigger and more open due to the open-sight lines. Wooden railings may block your view. But the slim material and design of cable railings give you an unobstructed view.
From a distance, it’s almost impossible to see the cable. That’s because the cable just disappears into the sky. If you are on the higher decks, then you can see the view below. Again, a glass deck can serve the same purpose.
However, if you don’t take good care of glass railings, dirt and mineral spots can form on them. Using cable railings will make everything look more natural and prevent dirt buildup. This way, you can enjoy the view from your deck better. This is great for taller patios and decks.
1.2 Both Aesthetically Pleasing and Safe
Cable railings look sleeker and more innovative than other deck railings. Glass railings on decks also give you an unobstructed view, but cable railings are more discreet. Cable railings are safe for everyone. This is because the materials used to make cable railings are strong and last a long time.
Interestingly, wire railings are also good for the environment. Birds fly over it and it’s fine. The best thing about glass railings is that they let in light. Birds can hurt themselves when they hit the wall because they can’t see the glass panels.
However, a bird can easily fly in through the wire fence. It won’t get hurt nor will it get in the way of your (or their) day. If this makes you nervous, don’t worry, it’s safe for kids and animals too.
When properly installed, cable railings are both safe for people and aesthetically pleasing. Provided, of course, that you follow the rules of proper wire railing construction and have it installed by a professional.
1.3 Cable Railings Can Match with Various Home Styles
The good thing about cable railings is that they can be installed in a variety of ways. No matter what style your home is, this type of railing will go well with it. One of the reasons for this is that these thin lines are hard to see from a distance.
A view of your house or the clear blue waters from your lawn or the beach will get the attention it deserves. It complements the background without drawing attention to itself.
You can also choose different finishes depending on the material used for the border. You can create a modern look with shiny metal finishes. You can also create a warm and cozy look with dark frames and mixed wood grains.
Cable railings can also be used with different kinds of furniture whether it’s modern or casual furniture, wood or metal. Cable railing systems go perfectly with other outdoor furniture.
To match the style of your house, you can also set your cable railings in a horizontal or vertical position. The horizontal setting may look like a ladder, or you may want to try something new. You can set it in a vertical orientation so that it still looks clean and stylish.
1.4 Easy to Install and Maintain
What makes cable railings easy to install is the way they are made. Because they are made up of individual pieces, it is easy to make them match your home during installation. You can also pair them with stainless steel top or bottom rails, vinyl post sleeves, composite posts, and even wood. These mix and matches can make for a sophisticated and elegant look.
Cable railings are easier to maintain than other types of railings. The wires stay in place under tension. So all that is needed is an occasional wrench to make sure they are secured in place.
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This keeps the wires under proper tension, allowing it to last longer. This seems simple because it is easy to maintain. Cable railing systems last longer compared to other railing systems.
Additionally, other railing materials are more prone to breakage or weathering. 316L stainless steel is commonly used to make cable railings, so this is not an issue.
Even in harsh marine environments, this material will not rust. Because they are so strong, cable railings will be stronger and last longer if properly maintained.
1.5 Increased Home Value
Cable railings are strong, durable, easy to maintain, flexible, and simple to design. Best of all, cable railings are a great option for your home in the long run.
When you’re trying to sell your home, people always look at decks, balconies, and railings to make sure they’re secure. With a cable railing system, you will be able to secure your deck and patio. The simplicity of the design will also make your home more valuable when it comes time to sell.
2. Disadvantages of Cable Railings
2.1 Building Codes Don’t Allow it
Some areas or cities have building codes that do not allow cable railings. Therefore, make sure you consult your local building department before installing a cable railing system. Of course, you can also ask professional contractors in your neighborhood who are equally knowledgeable about whether cable railings can be installed.
2.2 Installation Is More Time-consuming
If you are planning to install a cable railing system on your own DIY. Then it may take you a while to get the hang of it. And the process of installing cable railings is rather monotonous. Therefore, if you are not a handyman, it is recommended that you hire a professional contractor.
2.3 High Initial Cost
Cable railings usually cost more to install than wooden railings. However, cable railings do not require regular maintenance and upkeep and they last longer. Therefore, after you have used it for many years, the cost of cable railings is lower than that of wooden railings.
3. How Many Different Cable Railing Systems Are There?
For most cable railing systems, there are two ways to attach the railing: with or without crimping. These two terms describe how the cables are attached to the fittings to hold the cable railing in place or to make it tighter.
There are many different types of each option. The type of post is another major difference between wire railing systems. The uprights can be made of metal or wood.
3.1 Crimping Systems
Crimping is the most common way to connect cable railings. A force is applied to pull the joints tight so that the two are securely joined together. Different tools can be used in this process. You can use an easy-to-use hand-held wire crimper. Fittings made of stainless steel are “pressed” onto the cable and can withstand a lot of force.
3.2 Crimpless Systems
The second method of using a crimples connection is not commonly used. To use these cable railing systems, the cable must be placed into the fitting. The fittings have a locking mechanism that prevents the cable from being pulled out. In most cases, these are “off-post” fittings.
3.3 Metal Post Systems
Increasingly, metal posts are being used to support cable railings. In most cases, people choose a cable railing system because they want a modern fence. Railing posts made of metal wire have a sleek, modern look and are strong and durable.
You don’t have to worry about maintenance when using a cable railing system. And metal posts can be smaller than wood posts and still provide better stabilization.
3.4 Wooden Post Systems
Wood posts are often used to help modern cable railing systems fit in with more contemporary homes. Wood posts add warmth to a cable railing system. In most cases, wood cable railing systems are relatively inexpensive. However, if they are outdoors, they may need to be maintained once a year. At that point, the posts are larger and typically require 4 “x4” posts to pass code.
4. How Much Do Cable Railings Usually Cost?
Cable railings typically cost between $150 and $285 per foot.
People consider cable railings and post railings to be cheaper than other modern railing systems such as glass railings. This investment pays for itself in almost every way and is more aesthetically pleasing than standard railing systems.
However, we shouldn’t think of them as cheap systems. In most cases, metal posts are more expensive than wood posts. However, they last and work better than wood posts.
5. Summary
Deck railings, balcony railings, and stair railings are the three most common areas where cable railings are used. The beauty of cable railing is that it can be used anywhere. As long as you follow the regulations in your area, cable railings will look great anywhere they are installed.
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