STAINLESS CABLE

The stainless steel cable is the heart and soul of your stainless cable railing. It’s of utmost importance that it be the best quality and appearance so that it does not rust, stretch or break.

There are several different diameters and strand configurations available for stainless cables. The diameters will affect the appearance and visual aesthetic. The strand configuration affects the appearance and flexibility.

Stainless cable railing is commonly available in the following diameters.

  • 1/8 in (3.18 mm)
  • 3/16 in (4.76 mm)
  • 1/4 in (6.35 mm)

Choosing the correct diameter cable is the first step to installing your stainless cable deck railing. The diameter will determine the size of the hardware fittings, and tools that you need to buy. The hardware fittings are designed to only fit one specific diameter of cable. Therefore, you will need to purchase the same size hardware and fittings as the cable diameter.

The tools required to build the cable railing are also specific to the diameter of the cable that you are installing. Drill bit diameter, crimper die size, and cutter size will depend on the diameter of the cable.

Cost, appearance, and application will be the major determination for cable diameter.

For home use 1/8in diameter offers plenty of strength, is the least expensive size for the cable and hardware fittings, and offers the best view. The smaller diameter cables block less of the view through the railing and appear the most transparent.

Here’s a detailed comparison of the 3 most common sizes for stainless cable railing.

Stainless deck railing cable is available in a few strand configurations, 7×7, 7×19 and 1×19 (Spoiler, you only want 1×19, but I’ll compare them and explain why so you know).

7×19 And Why You Don’t Want It

7×19 strand configuration stainless steel cable has the most strands and is the most flexible. It would be a good choice if the cable needed to make very tight bends, like around a corner, pulley, or looped termination at a turnbuckle. None of these scenarios will occur in the installation of a stainless cable railing, therefore the flexibility is not required, and is even detrimental. The cable is a little bit weaker (less material), it stretches more, and it is not as aesthetically pleasing as a lower strand count cable like the 1×19 cable.

7×19 Stainless Cable Cross Section

7×19 Stainless Cable Appearance

Top Pick For 1/8, 1×19 Stainless Steel Cable

This is my top pick for 1/8in, 1×19 strand stainless steel cable. The quality is very high. It is made in South Korea (which is known for good quality products).

Be aware that this does arrive in 2 spools of 500 ft, not one 1000 ft spool. For deck railing use that is not an issue.

We will be happy to hear your thoughts

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DIY STAINLESS CABLE RAILING
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