Installing cable railing

By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Things You'll Need. Related Articles. Part 1. Comply with your local building codes. Measure the space where you're building the fence. Use a measuring tape to measure the perimeter of the space you're enclosing.

For larger areas, such as a grazing paddock, lay out a length of string where you want to install fencing. Cut the string where the fence will terminate, then measure the entire length of string. Buy enough cable to enclose the area. Purchase a cable railing system online or at your local home improvement store.

Kits include the cables themselves, fasteners that connect them to posts and, depending on the manufacturer, other required hardware.

Decide how many cables runs your fence needs, and purchase enough cable to enclose your perimeter. Suppose your fence height will be 36 inches 91 cm. The fence will include top and bottom rails spaced 30 inches 76 cm apart, with cables running between them. You'd need 9 runs of cable, so you'd multiply your perimeter measurement by 9. Choose a cable width that fits your needs. The right cable width depends on your application. Check your local codes to see if you're required to use cables of a specific width.

Part 2. Build a frame using thick wooden posts to save money. Some cable railing kits come with prefabricated metal posts. If you opt for prefabricated metal posts, follow the kit's installation instructions. Cut 4x4 and 4x6 posts to a height that complies with your local codes. Alternatively, you could set 4x4 posts 6 feet 1. This could cut your costs while offering the necessary support and meeting the minimum 3 feet 0.

Be sure to meet your local height requirements. Keep in mind minimum height is measured between the ground or deck level and top of the guard rail. Mount the posts to your deck or property line, if necessary. For a cleaner look, use a miter saw to bevel the posts, or cut their bottom end at a 90 degree angle.

For extra support, sharpen the bottom end of each post into a dull point with a hack or miter saw. Create continuous double corner posts if your fence includes corners.

In a continuous corner, 2 posts are aligned on either side of the corner, and the cable runs continuously between them.

This is the preferred method and is usually more aesthetically pleasing. If you use only 1 post at the corner, the cables from either direction must terminate instead of running continuously. Fasten the top guard rail to all posts. After mounting the posts, run a 2x6 board along the length of the fence. Drive 3 inches 7. Install a bottom rail, if desired. A bottom rail can add additional support and may be required in your jurisdiction. Cut notches in each post deep enough to hold a deck rail fastener, which you can purchase online or at a hardware store.

Insert a fastener into each notch, and slide 2x2s through the fasteners to form the bottom rail. The rail height must also meet building codes. Depending on your jurisdiction, it should be 3.

Part 3. Make a plywood template to accurately drill holes for the cables. Measure 3 inches 7. Continue drilling holes down the center of the board in 3 inches 7. Drill holes for the cable runs into your posts. Clamp the template securely onto a post so the holes are centered.

Drill a hole into the post for each hole drilled into the template. Repeat the process until you've drilled holes for the cable runs into each post. The exact method depends on your product, so check your installation guide. Some fence cables have a bare end and a fastener already attached at the other end. The other fastener slides into the opposite end post, or where the cable will eventually terminate.

If necessary, check your instructions for the proper bore bit size. If both cable ends are bare, drive the fasteners that came separately in your kit into the posts where the cables will start and terminate. Run cables through the pre-drilled holes. You will also need some specialized tools for cutting and crimping your fitting onto the cable. In addition, you will use special fittings to tension the cable and to give intermediate posts a finished look.

At Viewrail, we sell a complete Cable Rail Installation Kit that has all the specialized tools you need to easily complete any cable railing project. The kit includes a cable cutter and cable crimper specifically designed to work with our cable railing systems.

It also has other tools for tensioning, inserts, etc. We also sell component kits that contain all the fittings you need to install cable railing with both wood and metal posts. Caring for your indoor cable railing system is similar to caring for the outdoor system. Be sure to regularly inspect and clean the outside of each post and infill.

To begin, polish your stainless steel rods, cables, handrails, and posts with the included Stainless Steel cleaning wipes. Next, clean your posts and handrail with an all-purpose cleaner and distilled water. While it may be convenient to use tap water, the minerals can leave streaks or spots. This is true regardless of the material — whether powder coated aluminum or brushed stainless steel.

If your handrail is made from wood, clean it with your favorite wood furniture cleaner. Finally, if you have wooden handrails, check the finish and reseal them as needed. How should I care for my outdoor rod and cable railing? You will want to inspect and clean the exterior of each post and line of infill about times per year.

Clean debris from the handrail brackets and post mounting area, lifting the foot cover if necessary. Inspect and retighten the handrail mounting screws, if needed. Periodically check your cable or rods to make sure adequate tension is created. No cable railing project is complete without the stainless steel cable! Cable Run 2 — 18ft. Cable Run 3 — 8ft. We normally suggest that you round up to be on the safe side unopened spools of cable can be returned.

Every successful DIY cable railing installation starts with a sketch. You will also want to know the handrail height. The info on this sketch will help you figure out exactly what you need to purchase and reduce any confusion about how the system comes together. Additionally, taking pictures of the space will help both you and the designer at Viewrail verify the necessary products for your project. In recent years, cable railing has become synonymous with modern designs and elegant solutions for a wide variety of railing needs.

At Viewrail, we continue to innovate products that will satisfy the creativity of our clients, while maintaining system strength and ease of installation. One of our standout examples is our Express DIY cable railing system!

At Viewrail, we sell a complete a Cable Rail Installation Kit that has all the specialized tools you need to easily complete any cable railing project. The kit includes both a cable cutter and cable crimper specifically designed to work with our cable railing systems.