Do you plan to install cable railing on your deck or terrace? Does it have a unique design and layout? Chances are, you’ll need to install cable railing around several corners. Doing this can require special techniques, such as incorporating corner posts using the double-post method at your corners to ensure your cable railing is safe and meets the required Code requirements. In this situation, the easiest solution would be opting for a cable railing system that includes pre-drilled 2-way corner posts.
How you install around the corners will depend on the angle of corners and cable railing system you’re working with. Let’s assume you have square, 90-degree corners and an aluminum cable railing system. Here’s what you’ll likely need.
Materials & Tools
How to Install Cable Railing Around Corners Step-by-Step
Step 1: Plan Your Corner Post Placement.
Carefully planning your post-placement is a must. Without mapping it out, you’re inviting several preventable (and unnecessary) risks. For one, you could install unevenly spaced posts or cable runs that sag, making them non-compliant and ultimately unsafe.
Step 2: Anchor Your Posts & Use Double Posts if Necessary.
You can imagine that your corner posts will field more stress than other posts on your deck because of the competing tension in the cable lines from different directions. Because of this, you’ll want to use high-quality and well-anchored posts.
Also, depending on the cable railing system you’re installing, you might need to install double posts at every corner or, ideally, pre-drilled 2-way corner posts. Such placement will effectively accommodate the cable runs coming from two directions, preventing the cables from sagging.
Step 3: Install & Tension Your Cable Lines
Once you’ve installed your post brackets and posts, cut your cable lines (or use pre-cut cables) and install them according to the directions. Once you do this, properly tension each cable line.
Pay close attention to the cable runs that meet at your corners, tensioning them to help minimize deflection.
Step 4: Test the Results & Ensure Code Compliance
Once installed, test your cable lines to ensure they’re properly secured, tensioned, and safe.
Also, ensure they comply with the International Residential Code and local building ordinances in your area.