Installing cables for cable railing is a great way to add some visual interest and flair to your home. It’s a relatively easy process and can be done in just a few hours.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the steps involved in installing cables for deck railing. We’ll also provide some tips on how to get the best results.
So, if you’re thinking about adding cable railing to your home, keep reading! First, let’s take a look at the benefits of cable railing on your deck or in your home.
Benefits of cable railing
There are a number of benefits to installing cable railing on your deck or on the staircase in your home.
Here are just a few of them:
- Create a modern look
With cable railing, you’ll be able to create a modern, contemporary look that is sure to make your home stand out. Decks are an investment for any homeowner, so why not make it look its absolute best by installing a stylish and modern deck railing system. It will certainly be worth it in the long run.
- Maximize views
Deck railings are designed to be slim and sleek, so they won’t obstruct your view as much as a traditional railing system. This is great for homes that have spectacular views and want to keep them unobstructed.
- Increased safety
Cable railings offer stability and durability that other types of railings don’t. They are also less likely to wobble or become loose over time, which makes them the safer choice for families with children or pets who might lean on the railing frequently.
- Makes your home more attractive to potential buyers
If you’re thinking of selling your home, installing cable railings can be a great way to make it more attractive to potential buyers. Cable railings have become increasingly popular in recent years and many people find them an attractive feature for any home.
Now that you know why cable railing is such a great addition to any home, let’s look at how you can install it on your own!
Part 1: Purchase a Cable Railing System
First, you need to purchase the perfect cable railing system to suit your deck or stairway. Here’s what you need to do.
- Research and make sure you understand your local building codes for cable railing systems. This will ensure that you’re purchasing the right materials and installing them properly.
- Measure the space where you plan to install the railing system. You’ll need enough cable for each side of the area, so be sure to measure correctly!
- Choose the cable width that fits your needs. The wider the cable, the more secure it will be. You may want a more slim look though if it’s a more minimalistic feel you are going for. Chat with a reliable cable supplier who can help guide you here.
- Purchase enough cable to enclose the area you want to install the railing system in. You’ll also need a few accessories such as mounting screws and wall anchors for installation.
Part 2: Building the Frame
Once you have all your materials, you can start to build the frame for your cable railing system.
- Start by building a strong metal or wooden frame for support
When considering the frame, make sure it is thick enough to support the cabling system. Use aluminum or thick wooden posts that have been cut to a height that meets your local codes. If you are looking for a slimmer look, make sure you don’t go too thin as you may jeopardize the structural integrity of the system.
- Cut 4×4 and 4×6 posts to a height that complies with your local codes
Cut 4×4 and 4×6 posts and attach the posts to your deck or property line. Remember, make sure you research building codes for proper installation and safety guidelines.
- Create continuous double corner posts if your fence includes corners
These are specifically designed to provide extra support at each corner of your cable railing system. Make sure these are cut correctly and securely attached to the newels.
- Fasten the top guard rail to all posts
The top guard rail should be attached to all posts, ensuring that it is properly secured. This will ensure your cable railing system is safe and secure for years to come.
- Install a bottom rail, if desired
If you’d like a second railing, you can install a bottom rail below the top guard rail. Make sure it is securely fastened to all posts.
Part 3: Running the cables
Now that you’ve built the frame, it’s time to start running your cables. Here are the steps you’ll need to take:
- Make a plywood template to accurately drill holes for the cables
Creating a template will make it much easier to drill the precise holes you need for your cables. Make sure the template is aligned with the posts and the guardrails.
- Drill holes for the cable runs into your posts
Using the plywood template as a guide, drill holes in each post for the cables to run through. If you have wood posts, make sure that you use a carbide bit and drill carefully to avoid splitting or cracking the wood.
- Install cable fasteners according to your product’s manual
Your cable railing system should come with directions on how to properly install the cable fasteners. Make sure you follow all instructions carefully and don’t skip any steps.
- Run cables through the pre-drilled holes
Once you’ve installed all of the required hardware, it’s time to start running the cables. Start with one end of the cable and thread it through each hole, following your template’s pattern. Once all cables are run, you can tighten them up using the turnbuckles or other tensioning devices included in your kit.
- Use protective sleeves in wooden posts with angled transitions
If you have wood posts that have angled transitions or curves, make sure you use a protective sleeve to cover the cable at those points. This will help protect the cable from fraying over time and ensure that it looks its best for years to come!
Part 4: Finishing Up
You’ve almost completed your DIY cable railing installation! All you need to do now is secure any loose ends and make sure everything is tight.
- Pull cables tightly and line them up with the fasteners
Make sure you pull the cables as tight as possible, then line them up with the fasteners that you installed earlier in the process. This will ensure maximum tension to keep your cables secure.
- Slide the cables through the fasteners if necessary
Some cable railing systems may require you to slide each cable through its corresponding fastener before tightening it down. Make sure you read all instructions carefully so that you know exactly what needs to be done for your particular system.
- Cut excess cable
When all of your cables have been pulled taut, trim any excess length with wire cutters. This will give your railing a neat and tidy appearance.
- Attach the cables to the end connectors
Attach each cable to its corresponding end connector using whatever securing device is specified by your product’s instructions. Make sure these connections are secure and tight before moving on to the next step.
- Tighten the fasteners’ nuts
Using a wrench or pliers, tighten all of the fastener nuts until they can no longer be turned by hand. This will ensure that everything is held in place securely and safely for years to come!
- Trim excess threading and install end caps if necessary
If there is any excess threading sticking out of your fastener nuts, trim it off with a pair of wire cutters. Finally, if end caps are included in your kit, install these to complete the installation and protect your cables from wear and tear.
Congratulations! You’ve just completed the installation of your own cable railing system – you did great!
Enjoy the added style and security that this unique feature will bring to your home or business.
Purchase the perfect railing system for your deck or staircase with Maisy Railing
With Maisy Railing, you’ll get high-quality products at an affordable price, and installation that is made easy. Our products are top-of-the-line, backed by a best-in-class warranty and customer service team. Shop now and experience the Maisy Difference!
Browse our various cable railing products to choose the ideal system to suit your home.
In conclusion
Installing cables for cable railing is not as intimidating as it may seem!
With careful preparation and following instructions, you can easily create your own secure and stylish system. Make sure you purchase your rail system from Maisy Rail and follow all instructions carefully to ensure a successful installation.
Good luck with your project – happy building!