Step-By-Step Buying Guide
1) PICK YOUR POSTS
Posts are the foundation of a cable railing system, supporting the top rail and bearing the tension of taut cable infill. We currently offer four material/shape options. Choose the one that appeals most to you:
Each post section contains several different types of posts, as well as post mounting hardware and top rail connection methods. Make sure to order everything you need for your specific project. While picking out your posts, keep these terms and options in mind:
- Deck Mount (posts attach to the top of a surface) or Fascia Mount (posts attach to the side of a surface)
- 36in (if local building codes permit) or 42in Final Height
- Drilled (pre-drilled prior to shipping) or Undrilled (for posts that don't need holes or need custom holes)
- Terminal (the first and last post in a run) or Intermediate (the posts between the terminals)
2) PICK YOUR TOP RAIL
The top rail, also called a cap rail, unites your posts into a complete frame. The top rail(s) you select will depend on your posts and personal preferences:
Be sure to include corner and connector pieces (in the above top rail categories) as needed. If supplying your own wood top rail, you may still want our Aluminum Post-to-Post Handrail to support it.
3) PICK YOUR CABLE
Marine-Grade Stainless Steel Cable is the core component of a cable railing system. With it, any open frame can become a cable railing. Our cables are made of 316L Stainless Steel, the highest tier of Marine-Grade Stainless, with increased luster and longevity. They are also electropolished prior to shipping.
4) PICK YOUR HARDWARE
Cable railing hardware is used to secure the ends of your cables. These unique pieces are called "fittings", an "assembly" of which contains two fittings total, one for each end of a single cable. Usually an assembly will include one fitting that allows you to tension your cables (called a tensioner or turnbuckle) and one that does not (called a terminal or end). Browse the assemblies below based on the needs of your project.
To-Post Assemblies for Metal
- Fittings that attach to the inside face of a metal post or other surface. Allow for single-post corners.
- Need a crimping tool (if not pre-swaged). See our video about crimping
- Includes our low-cost, stair-friendly Surface Mount Toggle Assembly, plus jaw options for tab and flat bar attachment.
You can also choose your end hardware and/or turnbuckles individually, if you need specific quantities of certain pieces or want to mix end options from different assemblies.
5) OPTIONAL RAILING PIECES
Beyond the railing itself, you may also need a gate and/or handrail depending on your project. If your railing includes stairs, you will likely need a handrail. Consult your local building codes for specific requirements.
6) INSTALLATION TOOLS & MAINTENANCE PRODUCTS
Now that the railing itself has been completed, all that's left are the tools to install and maintain it.
Wood Care Products
Includes end grain sealant and deep penetrating oil treatment to protect wood top rails and posts.