How to Install Venture Series Top Mount Cable Rail Posts
Installing Venture Series Cable Rail Posts
Watch this video covering installation instructions for the Venture series cable rail posts. The video also includes a basic overview of Venture series railing, how to install top and side mount posts, and add cable infill.
How difficult is this project?
This project is: INTERMEDIATE - ADVANCED
Installing Venture series top mount posts on level runs is straight-forward. Take special care to consider your post layout around stairs. Venture series posts are made from solid bar stock, so modifying or cutting posts down on site is not realistic.
Upgrade your space with industry-leading Venture series top mount posts. With a built-in tensioning system and clean design, Venture series posts offer a simpler installation and mount seamlessly to almost any surface.
Stainless steel railing is the preferred choice for cable railing projects in any coastal environment. If properly maintained, stainless steel railing can provide a lifetime of beauty and reliability. Read more on proper stainless steel care and maintenance here.
The sleek, modern aesthetic and durability in harsh outdoor environments make Venture series top mount posts a great choice for any railing project.
Download the installation instructions:
Structural Guidelines
The structure supporting your posts must be able to handle the transferred loads of the railing system (+150 lbs of tension per cable). It is the installer’s responsibility to make certain that the structure your posts are fastened to is capable of supporting the applied loads. Always install blocking underneath your post locations!
Handrail Selection & Support
Your choice of handrail material and thickness will ultimately determine your support post spacing. Handrails are also a structural component of cable railing and must be able to resist both the compression load of the cables, and the required perpendicular guardrail loads.
Does your project include stairs?
Check out the guide below for post placement recommendations on stair runs. Consider your project specifications and layout before starting your installation.
Materials List
Supplies:
- Post mounting screws (see Setup Guide)
Tools:
- Drill/impact driver
- Level
- Tape measure
- 3/16" Allen wrench (use with post-leveling screws)
- 3/16" Drill bit (pilot holes for mounting screws)
- T30 Star driver (driver for post mounting screws)
Project Guidelines
- End posts can be spaced up to 20 feet apart. To ensure adequate cable tension (150lbs), install additional end posts back-to-back to cover longer runs.
- For 90-degree corners use back-to-back end posts. To turn 45-degrees, consider using 2 structural intermediate posts.
- Add cable spacer bars or cable support posts every 42–48 inches to minimize cable deflection under load.
- Support your handrail as needed with tensioning posts. See Setup Guide for post spacing recommendations (handrail selection will determine structural post spacing).
PLEASE NOTE: All Cable Bullet recommendations and rail components are designed to comply with the International Residential Code (IRC). However, because building codes may vary it is the installer's responsibility to verify that the installed system complies with all applicable state and local building codes. For more information on Cable Bullet and building code standards, visit our terms page.
2 | Mark Post Locations
Determine the placement of your posts, and mark the location of each structural screw (4 per post).
PRO TIP: Use painter's tape to mark the edge and angle of your posts.
3 | Drill Pilot Holes
Set your post aside and drill four pilot holes with the 3/16" drill bit. The depth of your pilot holes will vary by project and foundation construction.
4 | Set Mounting Screws
Set each screw, but don’t tighten them down before leveling the post. Screw lengths and type will vary by application (see Setup Guide for structural guidelines). It is the installer’s responsibility to ensure there is sufficient blocking for secure anchoring.
5 | Advance Screws
Use 3/16” Allen wrench to advance the four set screws to plumb your post, then finish setting each screw. Repeat the process until all structural posts are set.
PRO TIP: The leveling feature is designed to work best on hard surfaces. On soft wood or composite decks, consider adding a post leveling plate or a #10 washer underneath each set screw.
6 | Attach Your Top Rail
Your project is now ready for top rail. Complete this process following How to Install Stainless Steel Handrail on Venture Series Posts.