What size stainless steel cable is right for my project?
Stainless steel cable sizing and braiding is typically standardized by project type and application. Most commonly, cable railing projects will fall in to one of three categories:
Residential- Likely the most common type of cable railing installation and customer. Residential cable railing applications include deck railings, fencing, interior railings, stairways, and bannisters. For residential cable railing projects, 1/8″ and 3/16″ cable diameters are both applicable. Customers who desire to maximize their views may choose the thinner 1/8″ cable. Those who prefer a sturdier appearance or desire to see more of the cable, may choose the slightly larger 3/16″ cable. Contractors or homeowners with large scale projects or high strength considerations may also choose a larger diameter cable. Price is a factor when it comes to cable sizing. Larger cable and hardware carries a higher price point. Additionally, more DIY options exist at the smaller cable diameter.
Commercial- Light commercial cable railing projects can include restaurants, shopping malls, office buildings, pedestrian bridges, parks, and some waterfront railing systems. Commercial cable railing projects have many times been designed by architects or subject to municipal planning departments that specifically call out for 3/16″ stainless steel cable. Due to the larger diameter of 3/16″ cable it will be slightly more corrosion resistant than 1/8″ diameter cable. A waterfront marina may choose the larger cable option for both strength and corrosion resistance. Strength with either cable type is not usually an issue. Conservatively, the breaking strength for 1/8″ stainless cable is around 1800lbs. Breaking strength for 3/16″ cable will exceed 4000lbs. If we consider between 10-13 cables per each railing system at these breaking numbers you will not likely encounter a stronger type of barrier railing.
Industrial- Parking structures, bridges and certain military spec. installations are good examples of industrial cable railing applications. Cable diameters for industrial cable railings will start at 1/4″ and get larger per the scope of the project. DIY hardware is not typically available for this type of railing, and cost will definitely be a factor. On occasion we have seen call outs for 1/4″ cable however this is usually done in error if we are designing a residential or light commercial cable railing system.
At San Diego Cable Railings we stock a large quantity of type 316 stainless steel cable in both 1/8″ and 3/16″ diameter. All of our cable is 1/19 braid suitable for architectural railing applications.
