Stringing Stainless Steel
Feeney CableRail precut assemblies simplify planning and installation.
I installed a couple of stainless-steel cable systems on decks years ago using sailboat rigging fittings before deck-specific hardware was developed. We made do, but it was time consuming to rig a deck rail. So I budgeted three mornings for Derek, Ryan, and Nick to install Feeney’s CableRail on the FHB House deck.
When I checked on them after 75 minutes, Nick and Ryan had most of the cables run and Derek was tightening the previous sections up. Within two hours they had all the cables strung, tightened, trimmed, and capped.
I haven’t done a complete cost-analysis yet, but my gut tells me that stainless cable-guard infill is more economical than a composite baluster system when you factor in materials and labor.
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View Comments
I thought this system was no longer recommended as a child could use the stringing like a ladder to climb over the railing.
There was a short period of time 15+ years ago when the IRC included language prohibiting horizontal ladder-like guardrail infill. So depending on what version of the IRC your local code jurisdiction is following and what amendments they enforce horizontal cable infill may not be permitted.
The most common IRC versions (2006- 2015) don't prohibit horizontal infill.
There are so many hazards in and around a home that children can be injured by. Horizontal cable systems are low on my hazard list compared to others.
The choice to install one should certainly be weighed by the client and I review the concerns and other deck safety issues like keeping furniture away from any guard rail and outdoor fireplaces.
I suppose climbing could be an issue, but like many things around a house, you pick and choose based on the inhabitants. Cable systems are popular around here (Mid Atlantic region) due to improved sight lines and nautical flair.
I've installed 2 different systems and they both turned out stunning. The Atlantis cable rail system is a little more fussy as you have to swage ends, but there is very little SS cable waste since you cut the cable after each run--you purchase the cable in a spool, and play it out as you need it.
The Feeney system comes with pre-swaged ends, and the cables are shipped (based on your design) in increments of 5',10"15"20" and so on, you pull the bare cable end through the quick connects (as pointed out in article) and cut the cable. There is some waste with this approach, but it is easier to install.
Given the concern about little climbers, would it be feasible to run the wires vertically? An obvious argument to this would be the increased cost of the fittings, but if the wires were run in an up/down zigzag - like balusters - perhaps you could cut that increased cost down a bit and still meet code?