The use of cable railing is becoming more and more common, giving the decks and terraces of today a contemporary touch. Cable railings are most frequently found in homes with views, gorgeous decks, and areas around business buildings. What makes the cable railing system so special? Is it an effective investment? Keep reading this article to learn everything you need to know about cable railing.
What is cable railing?
Cable railing is a substitute for conventional metal or wooden railing. Traditional newels and posts with cable railing connected can be used to produce cable railings. Wire tension is used for stability and protection. Alternatively, you might choose a more modern style by using metal pillars and handrails. When coupled with wood, it’s the key to a hybrid custom look. These are hand/guard rails that are made of horizontal cables rather than wood, mesh, or glass.
Advantages of cable railing
Here are some of the advantages of cable railing that make it a worthy investment:
- It’s simple to install and maintain cable railings
These railings are simple to install because of their design. Because they are a component system, you can easily customize them for your home for simple installation. For a polished and elegant look, you can also combine this with stainless top or bottom rails, composite posts, vinyl post sleeves, or even wood.
Cable railing is simpler to maintain than other railing choices. It only requires a wrench every now and then to ensure the cables stay in place because tension is used to hold them in place.
This would maintain the cables’ proper tension, extending the time that they can serve your home. It appears uncomplicated due to how simple maintenance is. As a result, compared to other railing systems, cable railings can survive much longer.
In contrast, other materials are frequently overly brittle, susceptible to breaking, and subject to weathering over time. This issue is conveniently avoided by the 316L stainless steel utilized in cable railing materials.
Even under harsh sea conditions, this material resists corrosion. With the proper care, railings will be stronger and last longer because of their durability.
- Cable railings are contemporary and safe.
Compared to other deck railing solutions, cable barriers offer a sleek and contemporary appearance. Unimpeded views can also be achieved using glass deck railing, but a cable fence is easier to blend in. Additionally, the material used to create cable railings is sturdy and long-lasting, ensuring everyone’s safety.
Surprisingly, cable barriers are also good for the environment. Birds can safely fly by. Birds can crash into the panels because they can’t see them, resulting in injuries.
On the other hand, with cable fences, birds can fly in effortlessly without harm and with little disruption to your day (or theirs). If this concerns you, though, be assured that both children and animals are safe using it.
Cable fences provide homes with safety and visual appeal when installed properly. Of course, only if you adhere to the correct cable railing construction standards and hire a pro to install it.
- Cable railings provide an unimpeded view.
The use of cable barriers has a minimalist design advantage over other types. Depending on the measurements taken, picket railings can appear thicker and more obstructive.
On the other side, using cable barriers takes up less room. Small decks start to appear bigger and a little more spacious as a result of the poor visibility. Its thin construction and design enable maximum view coverage, which picket railings block.
It is practically undetectable from a distance, with thin lines merely dissipating and fading into the horizon. Glass decks can offer the same advantage.
Glass decks, however, are vulnerable to dirt and mineral stains if they are not well cleaned. Using cable railings makes things look more natural and solves the muck accumulation issue. This makes it easier to observe the view from the deck, making it an ideal choice for raised decks and terraces.
- Cable Fences Increase Your Home’s Value
Using these railings offers ease of maintenance, toughness, adaptability, and a simple design. Therefore, cable railings are a wise long-term investment for your house.
Balconies, decks, and their railings are frequently scrutinized for structural stability when trying to sell a house. With a cable railing system, you can be certain that there won’t be any problems with your deck and balcony, and the easy-going design will increase the market value of your house.
How to maintain your cable railings to keep them in good condition
Your project may require little to no maintenance over time, depending on where it is located. A yearly maintenance check or touch-up of exterior wood products, tightening any loose cable or rod runs with an allen wrench, or clearing away dirt, or leaf accumulation against the product are a few regular system requirements.
Applying polish and sealant on exposed stainless steel, especially the cables because they have a lot of ridges and surface area, is recommended if you have an external project. The steel is now further shielded from the elements thanks to this.
You can often remove any buildup on your post or cables by wiping them down with a towel and some stainless-steel cleanser. The polish does a good job. Rust on the surface can sometimes be seen. This shouldn’t worry you at all; surface rust is exactly what it is—a condition that is only visible on the surface.
This does not imply that your post is degrading, and almost always, this can be eliminated. Simply use a stainless steel cleaner and a rag, and for the trickier parts, use a Scotch-Brite pad if that doesn’t entirely remove it.
A metal railing system doesn’t actually require maintenance other than this particular scenario. Knowing that your railing will provide years of worry-free, elegant use will give you peace of mind.
