We need to redo our front porch steps (5 risers using a very rusty fake wraught-iron raling) and front walk way steps this year (12 risers using a hideous, faded, splintering 4×4 treated lumber railing).
I don’t want to use wraught iron or the common fake wraught iron railing and would prefer to go with something a tad more (or, well, a lot more) modern. A lot of condos around here are using a lot of galvanized square-tubed railing systems (along with galvanized I-beams to support the porches and such). Anyone familiar with these? Are these usually custom built or are there sources for them?
The consumer offerings for metal railing systems all seem rather bland and/or ‘old fashioned’ to me. Any suggestions for sources of more modern options or creative DIY solutions appreciated!
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"DIY solutions appreciated!"
Hey that's my queue. Get thee to cablerail.com if cable railing is your thang. They have stock aluminum posts and rails, or you can design and build your own for the DIYer experience. Very well documentation on all their products, so you could completely verify your design before placing custom (non-returnable) orders.
There are other cable railing vendors, but these guys have really good looking fittings and options. Beware, service you get from this place could vary depending on your salesperson.
I first got to David, who was professional and gave me contractor pricing. Then I called back and got Theresa, who couldn't care less about my business and talked down to me like a 5 year old when I wanted contractor pricing. I was buying over $2K of cable assemblies, for crying out loud. Called David back and he set me up. Long winded, but just doing my consumer part.
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A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Where are you located?
Can not steer you for "modern" railings, but as a part of your pursuits: Check your local building codes prior to purchasing any type of railings.
Will check the building codes, for sure, though somehow what I currently have passed muster (the house had to be brought up to code to get the VA loan approved...that was a big mistake...)I like cable systems, though these rails actually need to be practical...useful for the kids walking up the stairs and such.Calvin...what do you have there, wood posts + galvanized conduit? Looks nice (and sounds affordable!)Location = We're in the Twin Cities (MN)
yes, rigid and cedar posts.
Code allowed due to being under 30'' above grade. In many jurisdictions, horizontal rail is climable and not allowed.A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
I concur with the recomendation for cablerail.com. I plan to use them for my deck railing when I get around to installing it, but my contractor installed an interior system that looks great. The stuff isn't cheap (what is?) but very well designed and relatively simple to install. You should know that it took six weeks from time of order to delivery from California to Maine.
Calvins comments about climbing is indicatiive of code requirements. Also, there is an issue with decks being above 30" and needing to be structured such that a sphere (I can not remember the diameter requirement of the sphere) can not pass through (kids gioing thru rails). Some "modern" rails do not meet these requirements. Again, check you local codes.
The typical # used for the sphere is 4".
Disclaimer - Check local codes.
BTW - I can't stand cable railings, but they do look better than some of the railings that get cobbled together.
Don K.
EJG Homes Renovations - New Construction - Rentals
And it's not just 30" above grade. It's 30" above grade 5 feet out horizontally, too. At least that's how one of our local building departments interprets the IRC. Tipi, Tipi, Tipi!
http://www.asmallwoodworkingcompany.com
Thanks, that is what I thought, but I was unwilling to stick my memmory out there to be cut off.
THAT'S A BIG AMEN TO THAT BROTHER!
Popular question. You might want to do a search on the site (go to 'advanced search') for past discussions. I second the previous comments about code and horizontal rails too. And cable rails look great (in my opinion), but some jurisdictions have problems with them.
Speedrail - Aluminum pipe and fittings - DIY.
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Edited 6/2/2006 4:53 pm ET by TGNY
Here's one with a little bit of everything. The HO did all the metal work, and there's 3/8 glass in the parts that look clear<G>Everything passed final inspection, too. I need a dump truck, baby, to unload my head
Sheesh! I need a dump truck, baby, to unload my head
Hey Snort, are those just little eyelets in that first pic, where the cable is going up and over, and is that stainless cable? Seems like stainless wouldn't bend that much without kinking.
Hey Joe, yeah the HO welded on the eyes. Now that you mention it, I'm not sure if it's stainless cable, or some other kind...he did get pretty danged tight, though. I need a dump truck, baby, to unload my head
I bet you could use nylon line, like a real heavy fish line, if you wanted to. That will danged sure hold 200 lbs.Tipi, Tipi, Tipi!
http://www.asmallwoodworkingcompany.com