Posts and handrail construction is important for a successful and long-lasting cable railing system, so we’re gonna go over some of the best cable railing handrail construction practices.
Building a Strong Structure
Your wood or metal balustrade post and handrail structure must be strong enough to support the load and tension from the cables, since it’s the foundation to a long-lasting cable railing system.
The degree to which your cable railing system will function and perform properly is dependent on how well your post and handrail structure is built.
Since the termination posts and top rail in your system will be receiving much of the tension from the cables in your system, it’s crucial to ensure that the connection between the two is rock solid.
If possible, we recommend installing 2x4 bracing directly beneath your top rail that spans between the tops of your posts. Doing so will aid in distributing the load from the tension of your cables across the run and gives support to your top rail.
Proper Post Spacing
If you’ve watched our other videos like the basics of cable railing, and cable railing FAQs, you’re probably familiar with the concept of post spacing.
National building code states that your posts can be spaced no more than 4ft on center. At HAAS Stainless, we recommend abiding by this code if possible, however if you’re not required to abide by this code, the farthest that we recommend spacing your posts is no more than 6ft on center.
The reason behind this requirement, has to do with cable deflection. The closer your posts are spaced to one another, the less ability the cable has to be spread apart, which is key in creating a rigid balustrade.
A closer post spacing also will reduce the amount of tension that you’ll need to apply to the cables in your system, and in turn will reduce the amount of load being exerted on your termination posts: maximizing safety and minimizing damage.
Also, it’s not uncommon for wood top rails to bow downward over time as they age. More intermediate posts mean more support for the top rails as well.
Best Post Types and Sizes
As far as wood posts are concerned, 4x4 and 6x6 sized posts, in either pressure treated pine, oak, ipe, douglas fir, or cedar are excellent posts for installing cable railing into. Keep in mind though, that the softer the wood, the less strength and securement the post will provide when installing your cable railing system.
When sourcing your posts, we recommend avoiding big box stores, and instead source your posts from a local lumber provider where you likely can find stronger more durable posts.
For metal post systems, typically 2x2 powder coated aluminum, steel, or stainless-steel posts are used when installing a cable railing system. Just like wood posts systems, the termination posts in your metal post cable railing system will be receiving much of the tension from your cables. So it’s never a bad idea to user a heavier gauge wall thickness for your metal termination posts.
If you need any help planning out and ordering your cable railing system, click here to schedule a complimentary cable railing consultation.
