Installing Cable Railing on Stairs: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Do you love the modern clean lines and safety benefits of cable railing? No doubt about it – cable railing enhances and elevates any space in your home. If you're dreaming of installing cable railing on stairs, our step-by-step guide provides everything you need to know for a successful, stress-free result. 

Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a seasoned professional, find out how to install cable railing on stairs without fuss or frustration. Installing stair railing will go smoothly with our clear and practical tips. In fact, we'll share tip #1 right now! Before you begin, be sure to check that your project will comply with your local building codes.

Preparing for Installation

Work like the pros do – gather and organize all of your tools and materials before you start. Nothing wastes time (and causes frustration) more than having to stop work and go search for an essential item that's missing.

Tools and Materials Needed

In addition to your enthusiasm, you'll need specialized tools to complete your stairs cable railing project. Each cable railing manufacturer specifies the tools and materials needed for their particular systems, however, this is a tool list specific to the DIY installation of Cable Bullet Signature Series with metal posts.

Tools:

• Cut and Crimp Multi-Tool – cuts cable and crimps ends.
• Power Drill – for drilling pilot holes and driving fasteners.
• Cable Bullet Drivers for installing cable tensioners
• 4 drill bits (5/32 x 6”, 11/64 x 6”, 7/32 x 6”, and 3/16 x 12”)
• 3 power bits (3/32 x 6”, 5/32 x 6”, and T30 x 6”)
• 4 Allen wrenches (1/8”, 3/32”, 5/32”, and 3/16”)
• 2 taper taps (10-24 NC and 1/4-20 NC)
• Socket wrench with 7/16" socket
• Clamps
• Level
• Miter Saw
• Handrail Clamp for Line Posts 
• Handrail Drill Guide and Template

Materials:

• Stainless Steel Cable
• Posts
• Cable Bullet Tensioner Kits for Metal Posts
• Spare Parts 
• Reinforced Aluminum Handrail

Measuring and Planning

There's an old saying, "measure twice, cut once," emphasizing this preparation leads to better outcomes. To save time and materials, be sure to measure carefully before installing your stair railing. The most crucial measurement for stairs is the angle of the staircase—this will be a useful number when it comes time to install your handrail. 

We recommend watching this video as it will give you practical insights on how to plan post-placement on stairs.

Safety Precautions

As you work, focus on safety. Before you start the job, read and follow all product instructions and safety guidelines. Wear the following to protect yourself:

• Protective safety glasses – essential when working with metal. 
• Non-conductive gloves.
• Long sleeves and long pants.
• Closed shoes with non-slip tread.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Cable Bullet has invented a sleek, clean, hidden cable rail tensioning system that avoids complexity and unattractive turnbuckles and makes installing stair railings easy. Each step of the DIY cable stair railing process is detailed here so you'll enjoy a successful, safe, and attractive installation. Our series of installation videos provides exacting visual support. Our aim is to help you avoid the two most common issues when installing cable railing on stairs: leaving a gap between the handrail and the top of the post, and misaligned cables that will not run straight through your line posts.

Installing the Posts

The easiest DIY installation uses pre-drilled metal posts. Posts spaced too far apart will result in sagging cable. Many codes require 36" high posts so be sure to check your local building code specifications. 

When installing Cable Bullet’s Signature Series, follow the 20 | 8 | 4 guideline: properly tensioned cables can run 20 feet between tensioners (terminal posts). Handrail support (either a terminal post or line post) is needed every 8 feet. Finally, cable support (either a line post or spacer bar) should be placed at least every 4 feet to prevent cable deflection.

Follow these steps to level and secure the posts:

1. Place your posts in the desired position on your stairs. 
2. Reference this video to ensure your line posts are properly placed. 
3. Mark the exact post position on the treads and landings.
4. Hold the post in position and mark the drill holes.
5. Drill the pilot holes for the fasteners.
6. Loosely fasten the post to the tread or landing with fasteners.
7. Use the leveling screws to plum the post
8. Firmly tighten down the fasteners to secure your posts

Attaching Handrail

Cable Bullet’s handrails, splines, and hinges simplify the process of positioning, extending, and cutting your handrail for a flawless finish after installation.

Follow these steps to attach the handrail and hinges to your terminal and pass-through posts: 

Cut and Prepare Handrail

1. Measure and mark the cutting location on your handrail
2. Cut using a miter saw to make your cut
3. File away any burrs

Attach Handrail to Posts 

1. Place the Handrail Drill Guide and Template on your handrail. 
2. Insert the post top collar into the template in a square formation.
3. Drill one pilot hole.
4. Tap the hole.
5. Secure the post top with the Handrail Mounting Screw. 
6. Repeat steps 3-5 on the remaining post top collar holes. 

Secure Handrail Hinges for Stairs

1. Insert a Hinge into the end of your handrail.
2. Drill a 1” deep pilot hole about ½” from the cut edge on the bottom of the handrail. 
3. Tap the pilot hole and insert a set screw.
4. Set the handrail hinge angle to match the pitch of your stairs using an angle finder. 
5. Tighten the hinge nut to lock the angle in place.

Securing Tensioners and Running Your Cable

Cable Bullet’s Signature Series system comes with pre-drilled terminal posts. This ensures that you are code compliant and following the 4" Sphere Rule. This rule, a code standard for cable railing, states that a 4" ball can't pass through the cables. The 4" Sphere Rule prevents young children from getting hurt by trying to stick their heads through the cables. If you are drilling your own holes, we recommend spacing them 3” apart.

Follow these steps to attach the cable railing system to the installed posts:

1. Thread the tensioners into the metal post.
2. Lubricate the tensioners with a drop of Boeshield T-9 lubricant. 
3. To cut the cables: Measure your runs, allowing a few extra inches for each cut.
4. Slide on a crimp sleeve and lobed washer onto one end and crimp the sleeve with the Cut and Crimp Multi-Tool.
5. Insert the crimped cable end and lobed washer into the tensioner and use a set screw to hold them in place. 
6. Thread the un-crimped end of the cable through any pass-through posts and spacer bars.
7. Pull the cable hand-tight, measure 1" past the tensioner face, then make your final cut. 
8. Repeat steps 4 and 5 on the other end of the cable. 
9. Repeat the process for each of the cable runs.

Tensioning the Cables

Proper tensioning is important to ensure safety when installing cable railings on stairs. Once all cables are in place, begin the tensioning at the innermost cable, working outward. Alternate between upper and lower cables. The rule of thumb for adequate tensioning is that a 50 lb. load will deflect the cable ¼" per foot. Contrary to popular belief, a properly tensioned cable should feel more like a bass guitar string than a piano string. Cables shouldn't stretch more than 4" apart, but shouldn't be tightened excessively. Overtightened cables can stress posts and may be difficult to tension later on.

Finishing Touches

Before you sit down and celebrate a job well done, you'll want to inspect, test, and read the manufacturer's maintenance tips to keep the cable railing in perfect working condition. This will ensure your railing meets both safety and aesthetic standards. 

Inspecting and Testing the Railing

Once you've tensioned the cables, follow these steps to ensure the stair railing is safe and secure:

• Test cable spacing using the 4" sphere rule mentioned above.
• Lean against the cables at a point between two posts. The cables need to feel rock solid from top to bottom and from the top of the stairs to the bottom. 
• If you're unsure, use a tension meter to verify each cable is tensioned properly.

Maintenance Tips for Longevity

The beauty of marine-grade stainless steel cable stair railing is that it's virtually maintenance-free. Essentially all you need to do is periodically adjust the cable tension and wipe down the posts and cables with a sudsy solution and water. Just follow this simple cleaning and maintenance guide and then enjoy your fabulous cable stair railing!

Get Started with Cable Bullet Today!

Stair cable railing adds a sophisticated and eye-catching, yet elegantly simple design element to your home. Now that you know how to do cable railing on stairs, Cable Bullet is your #1 source for a well-priced, high-quality DIY cable rail system.