Technical Specifications

Intermediate
Posts:
Size all intermediate
posts as required for
top rail support
strength or for code.
Wood Blocking
Underneath the top
rail attach minimum
1”x 4” wood blocking
between posts to pro-
vide additional lateral
reinforcement to the
posts so that they
won’t pull out of plumb
when the cables are
tensioned.
Top Rail:
Always include a strong, rigid
top rail that is securely fastened
to all posts. Minimum recom-
mended size is 2x 6 wood.
Set railing height per
local code.
Spacing From Walls:
Always set end posts 3 to 4 inches away from the
house/wall face to allow access for attaching cable
end fittings.
End Posts:
Use minimum 4x 6 size wood, and securely
bolt or lag to joists or deck surface.
Double Corner Posts:
If possible use double corner posts to allow the cable to
run continuously through the corners without terminating
(also see single corner post option below). Securely bolt
or lag posts to joists or deck surface and use minimum
4x 6 size wood .
Maximum Post Spacing:
Space all posts and vertical
spacers
(see below) a maximum
of 3 feet apart to minimize any
deflection that may occur if the
cables are ever forced apart.
Bottom Rails (OPTIONAL):
Recommend minimum 2x4 size
wood spaced no more than 4
inches (or as per code) above the
deck surface.
Single Corner Post (OPTIONAL):
Cables must be terminated at the corners if single posts are used. Use minimum
4x 6 size wood and securely bolt or lag to joists or deck surface. Be sure to offset
the cable drill holes by at least 1/2” to allow internal clearance for the cable fittings.
Cable Spacing:
Maximum 3
inches apart.
MAX. 3 FEET
MAX. 3 FEET
Frames need to support the tension of properly installed cables.
They need to be designed and built strong enough for the end and corner posts to support a
load of approximately 300 lbs for each cable. Here are some basic guidelines to help you
prepare your railing frames for cable infill.
4X6 WOOD
3-1/2” wide, 5-1/2” thick
The Basic Frame Design
And Some Other Options
Cable Spacing:
Maximum 3
inches apart.
Vertical Spacers (OPTIONAL):
Slender spacers may be used instead of some of the larger intermediate posts to
achieve a more open railing design. These are non-structural members and are only
intended to maintain cable spacing and minimize deflection. Typical examples are
2” x 2” wood strips, or 1” copper tubing. Attach them to the top rail and either the
bottom rail, deck surface, or joists.
CONSTRUCTION CHECK-
LIST
Space cables maximum
3 inches apart
Space posts/verticals
maximum 3 feet apart
Use minimum 4 x6
size wood for all end
and corner posts
Securely fasten all posts
and top rails
Carefully plan all
termination and corner
posts for proper
clearance, positioning,
and maximum cable run
lengths
Straight runs of cable
(no turns/dips) should
not exceed 70 feet.
Runs with corner bends
(2 corner bends at most)
should not exceed 40 feet
IMPORTANT NOTE
Since building codes vary
by state, county, and city,
following these guidelines
may not ensure code
compliance in all areas.
Please consult with your
local building department
before starting your cable
project.
Wood Frame Requirements
Minimum Post Sizes
End and Corner Posts: The end and corner posts are the cable termination/transition
posts and support the full load of the taut cables; therefore, the minimum recommended
size for these critical posts is standard 4x 6 wood.
Intermediate Posts: The remaining intermediate posts do not support any tension
load since the cables pass straight through, so they can be sized as required for top rail
support or for code.
Design Ideas!
DesignRail
®
Aluminum Rail and Post Kits: These easy-to-use kits are available for both stair and level railings and are made of high quality aluminum for long lasting
beauty and low maintenance.