How to plan a cable railing project with timber posts? - Gauthier De LaPlante

How to plan a cable railing project with timber posts?

GauthierDeLaPlante offers a wide selection of hardware for cable railing projects.  Our products are made of top quality 316 stainless steel and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor projects.

 

4 easy steps
1 - Determine the # of sections (between 2 end posts)
2 - Determine the # of cable runs
3 - Choose the fasteners and tensioners (cable railing systems)
4 - Select the type of wood post and handrail

 

1 – Determine the # of sections (between 2 end posts)
A tensioner set allows a cable run to be tensioned between 2 end posts. The cable passes through the intermediate posts. Depending on the types of tensioners chosen, it is possible to make sections of up to 60 feet. 

Structure with 3 sections

 

Some patios may have more sections depending on their design. In many cases, there are stairs. Here is another common example of a structure that has multiple sections.

 

Structure with 6 sections : 4 straight + 2 oblique (stairs)

 

 

2 – Identify the number of cable runs
For greater safety and aesthetic, we recommend installing a cable run every 4 inches. If your railing is installed on a structure less than 6 feet, the height of the railing must be 36” high. If your railing is installed on a structure over 6 feet, the height of the railing must be 42” high.

Railing at 36’’: 7-8 cable runs
Railing at 42’’: 9-10 cable runs

 

3 - Choosing the fasteners and tensioners
Select a set according to your budget or desired design. The top 3 sets make straight lines exclusively. The bottom 3 sets can make straight lines and stairs.

 

 

Here is how to calculate the costs for a patio of 3 straight sections totaling 44 linear feet. You choose the $20,99 Nautica cable railing system – I (Needs a Cable crimper)

  • 3 sections x 8 cable runs = 24 kits = $503.76
  • 8 cable runs x 44 linear feet (LF) = 352 LF x .67$/LF = 235,84$
  • Total cable and tensioners: $739,60
  • Cable crimper and cutter (FOR RENT) : $: 49,99

 

4 – Select the type of wood post and handrail
End posts must be firmly anchored in your structure. The turnbuckles and fasteners will be attached to these posts and they will be subjected to a tension of more than 220 lbs (100 kg). We recommend at least 4” x 4” posts.

Intermediate posts
The intermediate posts are essentially used to support the handrail and to keep the cable on a perfectly straight line. It is recommended to install intermediate posts every 48”.

Handrail
The handrail helps to maintain the integrity of the structure and must be installed before tensioning the stainless steel wire rope.

NOTE : We do not sell wooden posts nor wooden handrails.