If you’re building a deck and researching cable railings; you may be wondering what type of railing posts would be best for your installation. With so many products available online, it can be difficult to decide. We hope to make it easier with some information and recommendations about material selection and cable railing post types for all kinds of projects.
Using Wooden Posts to Construct Cable Railings
One of the most widely used and commonly known post type is a wooden 4″x4″. This is an inexpensive and widely available post option for most people. Wood posts are very easy to install. One drawback to using wood posts is sustaining cable tension. Softwoods like cedar and redwood can be the most difficult of all the cable railing post types. Wood swells and shrinks in different weather, making it difficult to maintain tension. We recommend the use of hardwoods like Ipe’ and Cumaru if wooden posts are your preferred choice. Hardwoods are stronger and behave more like a steel railing frame.
Steel and Stainless Steel Railing Posts
Coastal and harsh weather environments call for extremely durable railing materials. From a pure longevity standpoint, steel and stainless steel posts are some of our top choices. When salt is present, high grade stainless steel is a must. For non salt applications, galvanized steel will offer a 30 year lifespan. The addition of exterior coatings like epoxy paints can extend the durability to 50 years. Steel and stainless steel railing posts can satisfy many design styles. These materials also afford the ability for the most minimal railing profiles.
Spreader Posts and Specialty Railing Post Types
The use of “intermediate” or “spreader” posts is a popular method for reducing cable spread and also minimizing visible obstruction. These posts are low profile and usually made from flat bar or low profile tube steel. It’s important to remember that spreader posts are not structural. They should not be used as end or corner posts because of their light duty nature.
Aluminum Cable Railing Posts
Because aluminum is a lightweight material, it can require slightly larger posts or the use of top and bottom rails. Aluminum railing systems like Feeney Design rail, may utilize a combination of end posts and spreader posts to reduce cable spread. Aluminum is very durable, therefore making it a good choice for coastal railings and longevity.
San Diego Cable Railings offers all of the cable railing post types discussed in this article. Our company has a line of engineered cable railing posts as well as specialty posts like flat bar spreaders. If you are interested in our products, please give us a call at 844-277-7327 or visit the quote request page.
