Selecting the Appropriate Size of Cable Railing Hardware
Appropriate Size of Cable Railing Hardware
When designing your cable railing proj, it is essential to select the appropriate size of hardware. This includes posts, hardware fittings, and cables. Posts must be designed to meet the load requirements of a cable railing system and be able to resist bending deflection and lateral tension forces. In addition, all posts must be capable of supporting the axial load exerted on them by a taut horizontal cable run. In general, thicker posts are required to manage these significant lateral and tension forces that can be applied to cable railings that span longer distances.
In general, metal posts are much stronger than wood which allows for the use of slimmer posts than their wood equivalent. These smaller posts can help reduce the amount of visible obstruction in your cable railing hardware system. However, geometry and metal type play a large role in determining whether a post can hold the axial force of one cable run and still meet code requirements. To determine if the post you want to use can hold the required load, use a tool like a tension meter and apply the tool to the cable until you reach your desired reading.
Another factor that influences the size of a post is the length of a cable run. The shorter the run, the less of a stress is placed on the post. However, with a long run the post must be tall enough to support a full sized handrail while maintaining proper tension on the cable. For this reason, it is recommended that you always use the longest run possible while minimizing the number of turns in the cable run.
Selecting the Appropriate Size of Cable Railing Hardware
Lastly, the finish of the post is also a consideration. Stainless Steel offers an extreme level of strength and durability while Brushed Aluminum offers a classic look that is popular for many applications. The decision of which finish to choose depends on your intended ambiance and maintenance requirements. While polished finishes are best suited for areas that are regularly exposed to the elements brushed finishes hide imperfections and are perfect for many interior applications.
Building codes are a major consideration for any railing project and are especially important when it comes to cable railings. If you have any questions about the specific stipulations for your area, be sure to contact a local code enforcement official.
One of the most important issues with cable railing is ensuring that you are following code requirements for height and span. To ensure that your project meets the necessary standards, it is recommended to hire a professional contractor or engineer who can assess the requirements and make sure that your system is constructed to perform as expected when subjected to the forces applied by tensioning your cable.