Cable railings for deck. Problems coming loose?

9 years ago

We are getting ready to have a deck constructed, which overlooks a lake. We were scheduled to do horizontal cable railings. However, my contractor is now saying that his rep is telling him about frequent problems with the balusters coming loose after a few years and people being unhappy.

He wants us to use Invis-A-Rail, which is a stainless steel vertical poles system, rather than under tension cables. I can't find any reviews on this.

Does anyone have any experience with the latter? Or have you heard problems with the cable balusters? The deck project is quickly adding up in price, and I don't want to cheapen the whole thing if the invis-a-rail ends up looking like a cheap finish.

Thanks for any help!

Featured Answer

kath BRAD

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

Our deck is Azek Vintage Mahogany with a band board of Vintage Cypress. Our railings are cedar and my husband installed the railing without a top rail to preserve the view. It is a little more difficult this way, but he still did a 40 x 14 foot deck in a day. Stairs took longer because of the angles. Because the steel rods support the drink rail, you can do this which wouldn't be possible with cable. If you are interested in this system make sure you google Invis-A-Rail, not invisirail which is a completely different product.

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Comments (9)

PRO
Flo Mangan
9 years ago
Never heard of this problem. Could it be someone is getting kick back for selling a different product?
Bubblefish of Niceville
9 years ago
does the cable system not have a toggle for tightening? I could see if the deck and post are made from wood and when the cable is installed and the wood shifts over time the cable coming less taunt, but a toggle to tighten it periodically should do the trick? they even make the shielded. As for the toggle backing off, some thread lock or a look into a locking toggle. This is just some thoughts, I am not a deck builder and I have not installed cable balusters, but I am a mechanic and put in a cable across my patio for a curtain rod and its working out very nicely. That being said, my curtain cable isn't in any danger of being a hazard to children, which is one of the main reasons that it is very important to have the cables taunt.
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PRO
Ultra-tec®
9 years ago
Hi cschelzi,

We recommend that the cables are put under 225 pounds of tension each. You can refer to the resources we have available for designing and constructing an adequate frame out of wood or metal that will withstand the tension of the cables. Our cables are designed to be easily re-tensioned when necessary, which is not true of all cable infill.

View the wood framework resource

View the metal framework resource

You are welcome to refer your contractor to us to answer any questions he may have about cable railing. (800) 851-2961.
kath BRAD
7 years ago
We just used invis-a-rail on our deck. we had heard about issues with cable as well and didn’t want a horizontal product because of safety issues with young kids. I was nervous about invis-a-rail because of the lack of reviews but it is an amazing product. looks like cable but super easy to install. My husband did it himself in a day for our large deck. The stairs were a little trickier but doable. I would recommend this product over cable.
Chrissy Cates
7 years ago
Could you possibly share any photos? Maybe some before and after pics? Thanks! I'm very interested as well!
scottie mom
7 years ago
Following
HU-272112393
7 years ago
Hi. Your deck looks fantastic. I am thinking about using invis-a-rail in the same sort of context as you. Question - how tall are your railings? My only hesitation about the invis-a-rail system is that the vertical rods are only 30 inches, and my railing needs to be 42 inches for code. I don't love the idea of large top and bottom rail boards to make up the height.
Ann H
2 years ago
Has anyone else recently used the Invis-a-rail system? This is only review that i have found and it is now 2024. This system would be perfect for us. Their website does not give a phone number for questions. They make regular posts on Facebook, but no comments have been made pro or con.