Cable rail systems are increasing in popularity. Shepley carries Atlantis Rail Systems with the patented RailEasyTM Cable Railing System designed to be used with existing or new wood (sometimes metal) posts. Make sure that all post material and attachments (rails) are constructed of approved materials per your local building code.
Post and Rail Installation Guidelines
End Posts and Corner Posts
A key factor in any successful deck rail application is always the attachment of the post to the decking. Municipal building departments usually provide specific drawings and example of preferred post attachment methods. Substantial end and corner posts are always necessary to prevent the posts from bending under the cable tension. If post material is not strong enough to withstand tension, it may cause the post to bow and the cables to sag. A minimum 4×4 (3 1/2” square) post is required. Cable components are required on each end of a cable run.
For straight cable sections using the RailEasyTM Tensioner at each end, you may run cable up to 48 feet in total length (mid post required as specified).
Mid Posts
Mid posts should be placed at intervals between end or corner posts as frequently as necessary to meet building code requirements. We recommend intermediate posts be placed every 4 feet to maintain cable spans with minimum deflection. Never exceed a spacing of 60” between posts. For each foot over 4 feet that you run cable, you must move your cable 1/4” closer together. For example, the cable spacing would be 2-3/4” for a cable span of 5 feet. If you wish to maintain3” spacing for cable sections that span over 5 feet, we offer a Cable Stabilizer Kit made from 1” stainless steel tubing. The stabilizer bar is mounted with simple brackets and will minimize cable deflection.
Rails
A top rail is always necessary when building a wood railing with cable railing infill. The top rail should always be installed to absorb and deflect the pressure applied when cable is tensioned. It is highly recommended to secure the top rails between the post rather than simply placing the rail on top of the posts. The addition of bottom rails will provide more support to any railing system and they allow for a foot rest when leaning on the railing.
For more information on Atlantis Cable Rail Systems visit their website or ask your Shepley sales representative!