Horizontal Deck Railing FAQ, how to install deck railing wires, metal deck wire railing, wire balustrade
What types of surface can I mount cables to?
Dependent on the cable rail type you can mount to virtually any surface.
Our most popular balustrade cable systems are engineered to fit to flat timber or masonry surfaces and flat and tubular metal - commonly stainless steel tubular balustrades.
There's always a solution for mounting to awkward surfaces, give us a call and we'll talk you through the possible options.
What types of post should I use?
Any soft or hardwood timber baluster post would be suitable. You can mount cables to tubular metal balustrade posts and also flat steel surfaces.
You can also mount the cables to masonry brick walls which, dependent on your application, may eliminate the need for a post. See photograph below.
The diameter of the fixing socket is 25mm (1") so any post of more than 50mm or 2" will suffice.
How frequently should I install an upright post?
You should try and space upright posts every 1.5 to 2 metres.
How far can I run a cable?
Our wire balustrade system can run for around 10 metres and still achieve good tension. You can run the cable through intermediate posts with a clearance hole of just over 7mm diameter.
Will the cables run up staircases or steps?
Yes. Our popular cable railing system has a ball & socket joint which will articulate up to 42 degrees as you can see below. This is also the maximum allowable rake angle permitted in current building regulations.
The stainless steel wire rope also has a natural degree of flexibility to follow angles. In the example below the stainless steel wire rope is passing through the post and naturally following the angle of the steps.
Can run the cable railing round corners?
No. It is very difficult to apply equal tension when passing the cable railing through corner posts.
Shallow angles are possible as you can see below. The inclusion of a handrail will help to strengthen the balustrade as a whole and improve the opportunities to run cables through posts at shallow angles.
How many horizontal runs of balustrade wire should I have?
The ultimate answer is yours and is a common sense balance between safety considerations, aesthetics and cost . You should however make yourself familiar with local building or planning regulations if you have any doubts.
The sensible recommendation is to space your cables at 100mm centres - that is, every cable set 100mm apart.
Should I order ready made cables or self-assembly?
In 99% of cases the ready made cable option is the most efficient. Cheaper, neater and easier to install. This is where we prepare your cables to precise measurements given to us when ordering. Follow this link to the ready made cable rail Standard Timber Mount Deck Railing.
Self assembly cable products should be ordered only when it is impossible to take a site measurement.
We deliver ready made cables in around 48 hours to enable you to erect your upright posts - take site measurements - and then place your order with us without having to endure long delays.
What tools do I need to install?
Very few tools are required, the following list should cover most eventualities.
Prepare the surface
Measure out carefully ensuring that the sockets will be situated evenly on the surface. With timber it is advisable to drill a pilot hole prior to fixing. Masonry surfaces should be drilled and a plastic plug inserted for additional strength.
Mount the sockets
Once you have prepared the mounting point simply bring the socket to the surface and pass the stainless steel woodscrew through the centre of the socket and screw tight with a No.3 Posidrive screwdriver.
Attaching the cables
With the sockets in place simply clip the ball end into the socket.
Running cable rail through intermediate posts
The smaller, fixed end, of the wire assembly features a detachable ball. Once removed it reveals the slimmest part of the cable for passing through any intermediate posts.
The diameter of this fitting is 7mm - so you will need clearance holes of just over 7mm.
Adding tension to the cable railing wires
With the cables loosely in place at each socket, take one spanner and locate the spanner flats of the threaded fitting. Use the other spanner to hold the body and stop it, and the wire, rotating.
Twist the threaded part of the fitting to add tension.
Once tightened to sufficient tension, bring the lock nut up to the shoulder of the body.
How much tension should I apply to the deck cables?
There is no fixed rule here as there are many variables at play.
You are applying the tension by hand and can see and feel the results.
Take your time applying tension and keep an eye on what is happening. Keep going until you are happy with the tension.
Where are these cables made?
All the fittings are designed and manufactured here in the UK.
This gives you peace of mind that we can offer:
How strong are the deck railing wires?
The assemblies have been sample tested to a break load in excess of 500Kg. Which is approximately the weight of 6 or 7 people. When tested to this level the assemblies didn't break or show any signs of stress or fatigue.
Do they rust?
The lifespan of this product is obviously subject to many different atmospheres. For example, an installation by the coast will have a different lifespan to an inland rural location.
Marine grade stainless steel will not rust unless it is subject to a particularly harsh environment or abused.
You should expect many years of trouble free enjoyment.
How should I clean the wire assemblies?
Spray with WD40 or similar and rub down with a cloth.
Official publications referring to regulations
Building Regulations Part K 2000 download here
The Building Regulations 2000 - Protection from falling, collision and impact
Timber Decking Association Statutory Requirements download here
Timber Decking Association Technical Bulletin regarding the planning and building control requirements of Local Authorities applicable to timber deck structures.
Timber Decking Association: www.tda.org.uk
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