Asked by: Flors Oettle
home and garden indoor environmental quality

What cable is used for deck railing?

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Choosing the Right Cable for Your Cable Railing
For cable railings, you want to use a cable that is as rigid as possible and does not stretch. For most applications, we recommend 1 x 19 construction, type 316 stainless steel strand (cable).


Similarly, you may ask, can you use galvanized cable for deck railing?

Grade of Cable: The lowest grade is a galvanized, which is not recommended for architectural railings as they will corrode quickly. A middle grade of stainless steel, which is typically used for indoor applications, would be the T304 stainless. A lot of people inquire about a PVC coated cable for a cable railing.

Additionally, how expensive is cable railing? The average price for a cable railing is $60 per linear foot. Installation runs about $25 per linear foot while materials make up most of the project cost at $35 per linear foot. A stainless-steel frame is around $110 per linear foot, while an aluminum frame is approximately $75 per linear foot.

Subsequently, question is, what is code for cable railing?

In most states, the residential code is 36” high. There are some exceptions though like in California the required height for residential railing is 42” . On the other hand, the commercial International Building Code requires the railing to be at a minimum of 42” height.

Do cable railings rust?

Cable railing is a minimalistic solution that requires little maintenance since all you have to do is wipe. Additionally, quality railings are able to withstand harsh weather and wear in addition to being corrosion resistant. They can also stand up to hundreds of pounds of force without breaking.

Related Question Answers

Sandalia El Aloui

Explainer

How far can cable rail span?

Our standard cable spacing is 3″ on-center running the length of each post. Cable railing requires support (mid posts) every 4 feet to maintain cable spans with minimum deflection. If you wish to maintain 3″ spacing for cable sections that span over 4 feet (max.

Chirila Huberty

Pundit

How do you tighten a cable?

How to Tighten a Steel Cable
  1. Unscrew the eyes on both end of the turnbuckle until they are as far apart as possible without falling out of the buckle.
  2. Slide two cable clips onto one end of the steel cable.
  3. Insert the cable through one eye of the turnbuckle.
  4. Fold the cable back on itself and slide the cable clips over the tail.

Yaakoub Greening

Pundit

Is cable railing safe for toddlers?

Vertical stainless steel cable is a safe, easy-to-clean railing style that's perfect for homes with children. There are also railing options that eliminate the risk of entrapment between railing balusters. But balusters aren't the only consideration when it comes to kids and railings.

Sherice Bokhoven

Teacher

Are horizontal railings legal?

This could pose a hazard for children and possibly pets, so if you're concerned about child-safe balcony or deck railings, choose a vertical baluster system. The IBC does not limit the use of horizontal infills, however, and if you don't have small children, this is likely a non-issue.

Saddik Novella

Reviewer

What is code for railing on deck?

What Is Code For Deck Railing Height? The IRC requires guardrails to be at least 36" in height measured from the deck surface to the top of the rail. Commercial decks attached to multifamily buildings regulated under the International Building Code (IBC) require 42" high guardrails.

Lula Rujitsky

Reviewer

What is code for railing spacing?

Balusters, the vertical guards that support the handrail, must be installed close enough that the space between them is no greater than 4 inches. Most city inspectors carry a 4-inch ball with them to test the spacing. Installed balusters should withstand 50 lbs. of pressure exerted over a 1-square-foot area.

Lica Granadino

Reviewer

What is the building code for deck railings?

The IRC requires guardrails to be at least 36" in height, measured from the deck surface to the top of the rail. Commercial decks attached to multi-family buildings, such as apartment buildings or businesses, are regulated under the International Building Code (IBC). The IBC requires 42" high guardrails.

Flaviano Timson

Reviewer

Can balusters be horizontal?

There is nothing that prohibits 2x6s from being used as balusters in a horizontal rather than a vertical orientation. You will end up with a railing that resembles a classic farm yard perimeter fence. You may be familiar with that look.

Maiol Desco

Supporter

How far apart should deck railing post be?

Maximum spacing of posts is 72 inches on center. Bolts should be vertically spaced no less than 5-1/8 inch apart. For a composite railing system, slide the post sleeve over the wood post, then the post sleeve skirt over the post sleeve; both should rest on the decking.