Understand Cable Rail Layout and Code

What happens in this clip

Begin by understanding the critical code requirements for cable railing on stairs. The bottom cable must be installed low enough so that a 6-inch sphere cannot pass through the triangular space created at the riser. Additionally, the spacing between individual cable rails should not exceed 3 inches. Use a 3-inch wide board as a visual guide to ensure proper spacing and determine the correct angle for installing the cable run. The angle of the cable run dictates where the hardware will be installed on the posts. Depending on the manufacturer, the upper hardware might be installed below the center of the run, and the lower hardware above the center of the run at the base, to maintain a consistent line.

Goal: Ensure proper spacing and alignment for safety and compliance.

What's used

Tools

• 3-inch Wide Board
• A ruler or measuring tape combined with careful observation

About the full video

This project provides a concise overview of installing cable railing on stairs. It covers essential layout considerations, including code-compliant spacing, proper hardware installation techniques, cable cutting and seating, and the final tensioning process to achieve a secure and aesthetically pleasing railing system.

Step 4 of 11: Mark Cable Attachment Points

Determine the desired height for your cable runs. Typically, cables are spaced 3 to 4 inches apart. Using a tape measure and a pencil, mark the exact locations on each post where the cable termination hardware (like threaded terminals or swage fittings) will be installed. Ensure these marks are at the same height on all posts for a level and aesthetically pleasing cable run. For stair runs, mark points that follow the angle of the stairs.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in Cable Railing Installation

1. Step 1: Layout Post Locations

   • 6:04–7:34 Install Stair Posts
   • 0:34–0:52 Determine Post Positions
   • 0:09–0:56 Plan Post Placement and Gather Tools

2. Step 2: Drill Post Mounting Holes

   • 0:41–1:07 Pre-drill Mounting Holes
   • 1:54–2:34 Pre-drill Post Mount Holes
   • 0:05–0:09 Install Base Posts

3. Step 3: Attach Railing Posts

   • 6:04–7:34 Install Stair Posts
   • 2:06–2:45 Install Railing Posts on Stairs
   • 3:04–3:39 Mount and Secure Post with Through-Bolts

4. Step 4: Mark Cable Attachment Points

   • 0:10–0:35 Understand Cable Rail Layout and Code (this video)
   • 0:47–1:53 Establish Cable Spacing and Drill Pilot Holes
   • 0:21–0:32 Measure, Mark, and Install Eye Straps on Posts

5. Step 5: Install Cable Termination Hardware

   • 3:38–7:37 Install and Tension Cables with Lag Screws
   • 8:19–10:38 Feed and Crimp Cable (Fixed End)

6. Step 6: Cut Cables to Length

   • 2:23–3:38 Cut Cables and Plan Installation Order
   • 0:59–1:19 Cut the Cable
   • 0:53–1:00 Measure, Cut, and Insert Cable

7. Step 7: Attach Cables to Terminals

   • 8:19–10:38 Feed and Crimp Cable (Fixed End)
   • 0:16–0:32 Insert and Anchor Cable on First End
   • 6:21–7:49 Tension and Cut Cables

8. Step 8: Thread Cables Through Posts

   • 3:19–4:10 Thread Cable Railing
   • 0:08–0:09 Thread Cables Through Railing Posts
   • 0:09–0:29 Thread Cables Through Hardware

9. Step 9: Install Tensioners and Tension Cables

   • 1:09–1:18 Final Cable Tensioning
   • 0:44–0:51 Install and Tension Cable Strands
   • 0:29–0:46 Tension the Cables

10. Step 10: Trim Excess Cable

    • 6:43–7:27 Trim Excess Cable and Tighten Nuts
    • 0:24–0:25 Cut Cable Overhang
    • 0:46–0:54 Trim Excess Cable

11. Step 11: Final Inspection and Testing

    • 0:16–0:28 Perform Final Inspection and Safety Check