When installing a cable railing system on your deck, navigating corners can be one of the trickiest aspects of the project. Corners introduce new angles that need to be carefully planned to ensure that the cables maintain their tension and spacing without sagging or becoming visually unappealing. Whether you’re working with a square or angled corner, the principles of installation are largely the same but require a bit of finesse.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of installing deck cable railing around corners, offer some tips and tricks to make the process easier, and explain why a well-executed corner can be the highlight of your cable railing system.
Why Are Corners Important in Cable Railing Systems?
Corners are structural points where the direction of your cables will change. If not installed correctly, the cables can sag, lose tension, or even fail to meet building codes. Properly addressing corners ensures that your deck railing system remains safe and visually appealing.
In most cable railing systems, corner posts act as tension points, distributing the force of the cables in multiple directions. For this reason, corner posts often need to be reinforced or placed closer together to maintain the proper tension.
Types of Corners in Deck Cable Railing Systems
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Square Corners (90-Degree Corners):
These are the most common types of corners on decks. The challenge with square corners is ensuring that the cables maintain their tension as they turn the corner without creating too much slack. -
Angled Corners:
Angled corners are often found on more uniquely shaped decks. These require custom planning, as the cable tension and spacing can vary depending on the angle of the turn. -
Curved Corners:
While less common, curved corners are becoming more popular in modern deck designs. These require specialized hardware and a bit more planning but can create a very sleek and contemporary look.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing Cable Railing Around Corners
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Plan Your Layout: Start by mapping out your deck’s perimeter and determining where the corner posts will be located. Make sure that you are accounting for both square and angled corners in your design. For square corners, plan for additional reinforcement as the cables will need to maintain tension as they turn the corner.
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Reinforce Corner Posts: Corner posts bear more stress than straight-line posts due to the tension exerted by the cables in different directions. For this reason, use heavier or reinforced posts in corners, and ensure they are securely anchored to your deck structure.
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Use Double Posts for 90-Degree Corners: When navigating square corners, use a double post system. This involves installing two posts close together at the corner, one for the cables coming from each direction. This allows you to maintain the proper tension without forcing the cables to bend sharply around a single post, which could cause slack or damage the cables.
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Choose the Right Fittings: Corners require specialized fittings and hardware to ensure smooth transitions. Swivels, eye bolts, and corner fittings are commonly used to navigate corners without compromising the tension of the cables. These fittings will allow the cables to pass through the corner post without excessive friction or wear.
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Tighten and Test the Cables: Once your cables are installed, ensure that each one is properly tensioned. Pay extra attention to the cables running through the corner posts, as these are the most likely to sag or lose tension. Use a tension gauge to check each cable’s tension and make adjustments as necessary.
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Check Building Code Compliance: After installing the cables, verify that the spacing meets local building code requirements. This is particularly important in corners, where tension can be more difficult to maintain, and the spacing between cables may increase.
Tips for Smooth Corner Installations
- Use Pre-Drilled Corner Posts: Pre-drilled posts for corners can save you a lot of time and hassle by ensuring that the holes are spaced evenly and correctly aligned.
- Consider Pre-Fabricated Kits: Many cable railing kits come with pre-fabricated corner posts and hardware designed for easy installation. Ultra Modern Rails offers comprehensive kits that include all the necessary fittings for a smooth corner installation.
- Test as You Go: Don’t wait until the end of the project to test cable tension. As you install each section, test the tension to ensure that the cables remain taut, particularly around the corners.
Why Ultra Modern Rails Is Your Best Choice
At Ultra Modern Rails, we understand that corners can be a challenge when installing a cable railing system. That’s why we provide easy-to-install cable railing kits with specialized fittings for smooth corner transitions. Our high-quality stainless steel components ensure that your cables will remain taut and secure, even around the most challenging corners.
Conclusion
Installing deck cable railing around corners can be tricky, but with the right tools and planning, it’s entirely manageable. By reinforcing your corner posts, using specialized hardware, and carefully planning your layout, you can create a railing system that is both visually stunning and structurally sound.
Need help navigating those tricky corners? Fill out our quote form here, and we’ll guide you through the process of installing your deck cable railing system.