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Tag: easy cable railing install

As a contractor, you operate as a “jack of all trades.” You are an all-in-one business owner, expert craftsman, and customer service agent. Some days, as much as you love what you do, you might feel like you’re on a continuous hamster wheel. At RailFX, we get it and are experienced in keeping your railing projects on schedule and within budget.

Working alongside contractors and installers for years, we’ve learned that the best way to help you grow your business is to focus on being a partner that provides reliable support and makes your job easier. We’ve intentionally designed our customer service practices, processes, and of course our products, with you in mind. Plus, we’re constantly evolving to serve you better.

Here’s what you can expect when you order from RailFX

RailFX Get a Quote

We promise to deliver a detailed quote, through your preferred dealer or lumberyard, within 48 hours. This fast turnaround helps ensure you can provide your client with a project estimate, so the job is yours.  We’ve made it easy with our online quoting systems.

Start with the RailFX Quote Request form

Available here  or, if you prefer, in-store. Our straightforward form walks you step-by-step through each part of the product selection process. From top and bottom railing options to height, color, mounting, and attachments, the Quote Request Form helps take the guesswork out of the process and provides you with a detailed materials cost estimate.

No architectural drawings or measurements?

No problem. Share a photo of the project area, sketch it out on a napkin, share a PDF of the plan and submit it with your quote request form. If the RailFX team has questions, we’ll even contact the project owner directly to identify the job specifications required to provide you with an accurate estimate.

The role of the lumberyard. An essential partner in this process is your supplier. Your supplier will only facilitate the purchasing and billing of your order, along with the delivery of your RailFX product to the job site. The rest is on us.

“If we quote it, we own it.” Unlike other cable railing or building products manufacturers that ask the contractor or supplier to be accountable for the details of their railing project quotes and orders, RailFX assumes responsibility from start to finish. We eliminate any liability from the supplier and ensure you have a turnkey project, price, and all the product you need, to finish the job. No surprise costs or unexpected delays.

“If one of our customers is on the job site and a cable is too short, or they’re missing a part, they can call us directly, and we’ll ship it to them immediately, so there are no delays,” said John Moss, product development director. “From a customer service perspective, we take ownership, so it’s not complicated for the supplier or installer, and ultimately the job gets finished, and the homeowner is happy.”

Ready to start your next railing project? Find out where to buy RailFX aluminum railing or our other cable railing solutions. Or contact our customer service team with your questions.

Today’s homeowners want to keep their spaces beautiful and maintenance-free, using durable and design-friendly materials. RailFX® engineers’ number one goal when designing products is how quick and easy it is to install. Our FlexFX cable railing solution is ideal for a quick-turn product that makes your vision a reality for outdoor living and interior functional spaces.

Cable railing checks all the boxes – it delivers an unobstructed view and classic aesthetic while requiring minimal upkeep and a long lifespan. Cable railing is the perfect choice for professionals with the goal of exceeding client expectations.

FlexFX Installation Simplified

Often, homeowner design choices translate to complex and time-consuming installations for the pro. The RailFX team understands that while satisfying your client is a top priority, extra time spent on a project can impact the opportunity to take on another.

With the pro installer in mind, our engineering and product development teams went to work to create an easier-to-install line of fittings. The result: The FlexFX product line.

FlexFX is a line of surface mount fittings that couples with a spool of cable available in 100- and 500-feet— allowing you to customize and build the cable railing solution needed to complete any job— whether it’s a new build or updating an existing railing.

To determine the fitting options you’ll need for your projects, follow these simple steps.

  1. Determine the post material where the stainless-steel cable will be installed.
  2. Measure your level and stair runs to calculate the number of fittings you will need.
  3. Add up the tensioners and non-tensioners.*
  4. Calculate total cable footage — plus 5 percent.

*Railings measuring 36-inches need ten fittings on each end for level runs and nine fittings on each end for the stair. Railings measuring 42-inches need 12 fittings on each end for level runs and 11 fittings on each end for the stair.

FlexFX uses the RailFX proprietary Push-Lock® fittings featuring a locking wedge system that securely holds the cable, making for a quick and simple FlexFX installation that requires no crimping or special tools. The Push-Lock fitting works seamlessly with any post material including, wood, metal, composite sleeve posts, and single and double-corner posts.

Keep in mind that FlexFX is not just for exterior projects like decks and docks. FlexFX stainless-steel fittings are also well-suited for finishing interior balconies and stairways. The only requirement? Each cable run must have one tensioning fitting on the end.

The End Result

FlexFX is a win-win for everyone. Homeowners are thrilled with the result: a low-maintenance product that offers enhanced open views, creating a space that feels bigger. The win for the pro? With FlexFX fittings, deck professionals and other contractors can complete each cable railing job more efficiently, enabling them to save time and take on more projects. And what does more time for projects mean? More happy homeowners are enjoying their view.

Learn more about our cable solutions

FlexFX easy install

According to The American Institute of Architects (AIA) 2021 Home Design Trends Survey the popularity of outdoor living spaces – such as decks and patios – has continued to dominate as a preference for homeowners by nearly 75 percent.  This is an increase by more than 20 percent from the prior year.  Likewise, blending indoor and outdoor spaces is important to more than half of homeowners surveyed. Identifying ways to make these sought-after spaces both beautiful and safe – ideal for socializing – is a top priority.

Check out these three tips for creating a picturesque outdoor living area that shows your guests you’ve thought of everything, including their safety. Get curb appeal without compromise. 

Tip #1 Ambient Lighting

Today’s outdoor living areas are multifunctional, complete with zones for cooking, dining and lounging. The right lighting can create an atmosphere, draw attention to your landscape and elevate the aesthetic of your space. What’s more, well-positioned outdoor lights can also ensure your safety and security. Stair and pathway lighting can help to prevent tripping and falling, while recessed or deck post lights create warm ambient lighting that will allow your guests to easily see the whole deck space. For added security, don’t forget to include lighting that is triggered by a timer or motion sensor for extra protection from trespassers. Check out these ideas from Bob Vila.

Tip #2 Boost your view

Whether the view from your deck is a coastline or skyline, or simply your own backyard, cable railing will allow you to put it on display. Get inspired by the design flexibility you can enjoy by choosing RailFX cable railing for your deck. Whether you prefer a classic architectural style or lean more towards the modern look, cable railing complements a broad range of design preferences and will allow you to successfully mix materials, textures and colors to create the custom-built outdoor living oasis you have always dreamed of. We offer beauty and so much more. Rest assured, you can have confidence in the strength and durability of the RailFX aluminum cable railing system. Check out this article on why cable railing is a safe railing option for homeowners.

Tip #3 Guard against the elements

Deck and outdoor living season can be synonymous with sun and summer.  While come can’t get enough Vitamin D, others search for a shady spot to bring relief from the heat. When designing a deck, it is important to plan ahead and create zones that deliver both fun-in-the-sun and opportunities to shield against the sun’s harsh effects and intense heat. From awnings and umbrellas to a trellis or roof, Fine Homebuilding shares great ideas for controlling the sun without sacrificing style. Check it out.

Bonus Tip!

Chances are, when choosing materials for your outdoor living space, you can be counted among the 60 percent of homeowners in the AIA survey who cast their vote in favor of low maintenance materials for their home exterior. After all, who wouldn’t prefer spending time enjoying their deck or patio, rather than maintaining it? Get curb appeal without compromise.  At RailFX, our aluminum cable railing system not only elevates the look of your home exterior, checks the safety boxes, it is also low maintenance. Simply complete a routine  cable tensioning inspection and general cleaning once every 12 months; then, spend the rest of the season reaping the benefits of your smart choice in deck cable railing.

We’re here to help answer your questions about choosing the right RailFX cable railing option for your deck or porch.  Contact us to get more information.

Before and After: Making the case for cable railing

If you’re a residential construction business owner — as a team of one or many — marketing your business may be low on the list or something you farm out for someone else to do. Word of mouth and repeat business may keep your project pipeline steady. Or your marketing may be high on the list if you lack a robust project schedule. With so many marketing options to consider — updated website, social media posts, Google my business, Google reviews, advertising, blogs, etc. — there’s one basic marketing tactic your customers and prospective customers love to see: project photos. Not just the completed projects photos, but before and after shots that make even the smallest projects look significant in transformation.

Before and after decking and railing projects

Consider a deck or railing transformation that may seem compulsory. Yet today there are so many material options to choose from, including the variety of colors, composite decking, to a variety of infill options for railings.

We’ve compiled several recent case studies that showcase a before and after makeover and rationale for choosing the products.

Ohio log home receives an update

After more than 20 years, Jill Wright’s log home’s deck transformed from a heavy log look with wood posts and wood railings blocking the beautiful view to more balance using different materials. When Jill sat on her porch, all she saw was logs. She installed a combination of posts, keeping the original wood posts in the front of the home, and RailFX black aluminum posts with the 1/8-inch cable infill. The finished project includes a wood top rail. Jill combined a traditional style with a modern approach to her railing project in an area that tends to use more traditional materials — honey oak, aluminum, and vinyl.


Wraparound deck with panoramic views

This wraparound deck and railing with panoramic views of the property needed replacing. Linda Evans’ client chose to replace it using composite decking in a vintage hue and added cable railings. Evans initially tried to talk the Greens out of using cable railing but soon lost the battle, and it proved to be the right call. Evans and her crew replaced the old wood railings on the second-story deck, including adding a stairway for accessibility. RailFX Aluminum Cable Railing System bronze posts, top rail, mounts, and 1/8-inch cable railing was installed.  To finish off the railing project, Evans used a RailFX cable railing custom gate in bronze. The client now enjoys the views of their 28-acres overlooking the valley where they raise their sheep, dogs and practice their green thumbs.


A complete decking project

Take this project from Berg Construction, where the original deck consisted of multi-levels. Shane Berg and his team demolished the whole thing and started over by making it one level. But they didn’t stop there. The composite decking material features contrasting colors — the body of the deck boards is gray with a picture frame board using a golden hue and a composite fascia to complete the project. From the fascia to the lighting and railing, a knowledge of the materials and how they perform helps your customers choose the proper decking material. They finished the deck with a RailFX aluminum cable railing system with bronze posts. 

In addition, Shane and his crew added a retaining wall with new landscaping to match the upgraded deck and railings along with Douglas Fir posts and beams and high-gauge, structurally rated connectors.


Photos are your signature of a job well done and one of the best marketing tactics that are low in cost and easy to execute. You can use your smartphone to take pictures or hire a local photographer specializing in real estate, home building, and architectural photography.

Case Study: Jill Wright of Contractors Building Supply

Project: Marietta, Ohio Residential Home

Project Summary: RailFX Cable Railing for Decks

In the southeast corner of rural Ohio sits Marietta, the oldest city in the state, also known as a riverboat town, just shy of the West Virginia border. Since 1997, family-owned Contractors Building Supply has been serving contractors and builders in the mid-Ohio valley. Their goal has been to give customers outstanding old school service with the highest quality products and competitive pricing.

Jill Wright, owner of Contractors Building Supply, built a log home more than 20 years ago out in the country. Each of the logs are hand peeled logs and fits right in for the area. Some were starting to rot, so it was time to give her home a facelift.

“I sat on my porch one day, and all I saw was logs,” said Wright. The look was heavy, and it was time to provide more balance. She began to explore options for cable railing for decks.

In early 2020, Wright was at FenceTECH and spoke to the staff at RailFX.

As I did more research, I kept going back to their product. ~ Jill Wright

Cable railing for decks is pretty unique in the mid-Ohio valley area; there’s typically a lot of aluminum and vinyl used.

“This area tends to be more traditional; honey oak is big, and it’s hard to break out of the cycle. There’s not a lot of demand for the modern look.”

Today, Wright is happy to sit on her deck and take in the view of the pond and the deer and relax. She’s hoping more of the trade will use cable railings to upgrade any home. Cable railings offer customers a seamless look by opening up an area without taking away from the design aesthetics of a home from traditional to farm to contemporary and modern designs.

RailFX Cable Railing for Decks
RailFX Cable Railing for Decks

Case Study: Linda Evans of L. Evans Design Group

Gaston, Oregon Residential Home

Project Summary: Wire Deck Railing

A general contractor and interior designer, Linda Evans, always makes sure she’s the right fit for each client, and it has served her well for the last 35 years. Based in the Pacific Northwest, her work has garnered repeat business over the years, which is the case for her latest project. More than 20 years ago, she renovated Carla and Michael Green’s home when they lived in Portland, Ore. A recent move to the country, the Green’s called Evans and her team once again for a major remodel.

Just 30 miles southwest of Portland is a small community called Gaston. The Green’s new home sits on a hill of 28-acres overlooking the valley where they raise their sheep, dogs and practice their green thumbs. Evans has spent three years on the project, remodeling the three-story home from top to bottom and working in phases.  From the new kitchen and bathrooms, to new hardwood flooring, metal roof, and structural elements, the last project was the deck and railing.

The deck wraps around the majority of the home, offering panoramic views of the property and a significant secondary deck below at ground level. The existing deck and railing needed replacing, and Evans’ team expanded the outdoor decking area slightly. The Green’s chose composite decking in vintage hue and wire deck railing.  Evans initially tried to talk the Greens out of using cable railing but soon lost the battle, and it proved to be the right call.

I have never worked with cable railing before. My supply company, Lakeside Lumber, said I should use RailFX. I worked through Lakeside Lumber and with a customer service representative from RailFX, and they helped me with everything from start to finish. ~ Evans

Evans and her crew replaced the old wood railings on the second story deck, including adding a stairway for accessibility, with RailFX Aluminum Cable Railing System using bronze posts, top rail and mounts, and 1/8-inch cable railing. To finish off the railing project, Evans used a RailFX cable rail gate in bronze. Below deck, Evans used a wrap product to provide a dry space for those well-known rainy days in Pacific Northwest.

The Greens are pleased with their new deck and wire deck railing. They can relax and enjoy the view of their sheep grazing on their property and the expanded valley. “Everything went together fairly quickly, and my client is thrilled with the result.”

BEFORE

Click for After

AFTER

BEFORE

Click for After

AFTER

Case Study: Joe Aulino of Corinthian Fine Homes

Project: Dublin, Ohio Residential Home

Project Summary: Aluminum Cable Railing

This farmhouse design inspired by Napa Valley architecture sits this contemporary mid-range home on 50-acres of farm property in Columbus, Ohio. Custom builder Joe Aulino and his business partner Kevin Koch own Corinthian Fine Homes in Dublin, Ohio, and they built the farmhouse to the architect’s plans.

The homeowners worked with an architect before Joe and Kevin started the build, and the vision was to design a home to fit the landscape: contemporary farmhouse architecture. Clean lines, metal roofs, retractable doors, and concrete porches are not generally specified in this area.

There are first and second floor balconies and an expansive outdoor living area with a swimming pool, outdoor patios, fire pit, and retaining walls with layered landscaping.

We have used a lot of cable railing in our projects. We heard about RailFX from one of our decking reps in town. We liked working with RailFX, the quality of the product, available options, and support staff. ~ Aulino

This home features interior and exterior aluminum cable railing, by RailFX supplied by Zuern Building Products and Design Center, in Allentown, Wisconsin. “In the last three to five years, we have used cable railing for interior use with interior design trends leading us down that path.”

For more than 27 years, Aulino and Koch have primarily built one of a kind homes on estate lots, golf course communities, and high-end residential areas. While farmhouse generally doesn’t shout estate or high-end, this one breaks with tradition.

Aluminum Cable Railing on deck
Aluminum Cable Railing

Case Study: John Kirch of Kirch Improvements, Inc.

Project: Richfield, Wisconsin Residential Home

Project Summary: RailFX Cable Railing System

Each year, Remodeling magazine publishes cost versus value report on projects that are likely to retain value at resale in more than 100 markets. Year after year, a new deck addition has always averaged a return on investment well above 60 percent and has been as high as 80 percent within the last five years. That’s no surprise to John Kirch of Kirch Improvements.

A family-owned and operated firm with more than 15 years of industry experience, Kirch’s company specializes in high-quality materials designed to be an extension of the home. Kirch Improvements builds decks, pergolas, screened-in areas, outdoor kitchens, and railing installations. Located in Brookfield, Wisconsin, just 15 miles west of Milwaukee and surrounded by area lakes, Kirch has built several stunning deck projects.

He and his crew recently finished building a deck at a lakeside home on Lake Five, a small spring-fed lake in the Richfield-area. It’s a second home for his customer, and they tore down a wood floor deck with steel framing and railings. The deck was more or less rusted and designed like a dock rather than a deck.

Kirch built a composite deck with an aluminum-based railing for longevity.

One of our customers specifically called out RailFX by name. That was our first job using the RailFX cable railing system. It’s a hardy rail and holds up well. ~ Kirch

Kirch installed the Aluminum RailFX Cable Railing System with a 1/8-inch cable infill. “RailFX layout sent to us, noting the components for each section of the deck, made it simple. We would use RailFX again, and we have a few projects coming up that it would be a nice fit.”

“We also continued the railing down to the water, so the customer has ease of access.” The homeowner loves the new deck and RailFX cable railing. They have added lights to the posts, and it is inviting and safe.

Kirch Lake railing
RailFX aluminum cable railing
RailFX aluminum cable railing

Case Study: Corbett Lunsford on Modern Cable Railing Systems

Project: Atlanta Homestead for Home Diagnosis T.V.

To watch the Lunsford installation process and learn more, watch our collaboration video.

Building to Last 100 Years

The Science Behind Modern Construction Methods

Inside Atlanta’s perimeter is a lovely rural oasis where a family homestead resides on two and a half acres of land 15 minutes from downtown. The homestead, owned by the same family since the 1930s, recently was sold to Grace and Corbett Lunsford, creators and producers of the Home Diagnosis T.V. series airing on PBS, which aims to demystify the science behind products and construction methods used in the home building process. “We describe it as This Old House meets C.S.I.,” said Corbett. They are building a high-performance home on the land and will be airing segments in season two.

The family of the original homestead sold it to us because they liked that we wanted to homestead it similar to what they did, instead of selling it to a developer who would then turn it into 20-plus houses. ~ Corbett

It’s the first time Corbett and his family have built a house from start to finish. And, as he describes, everything the Lunsford’s do is a family affair. Family is the T.V. show. The only things they didn’t do themselves are the top layer of the roof, drywall, electrical service, drain lines, finish flooring, and tile. Aside from that, 90 percent of the home, built by the family, including Corbett’s parents and their two young daughters cheering from the sidelines.

This 3,000 square foot home intends to explore and teach people the science of homes, including physics, chemistry, and microbiology. They’re building a home that is the ‘perfect character’ in the story of the science of homes. 

Traditionally, homeowners and builders build the way it’s ‘always been done.’ However, the Lunsford’s aim to change the conversation and start thinking more scientifically about homes — is building and using products that may be slightly different to achieve specific, often invisible goals for a high-performing home that will stand the test of time.

Product Selection: Maintenance Free and Durable 

Choosing beautiful and durable products that don’t require a lot of upkeep is vital for this home. The house is being built to last 100 years, and the products will need to keep pace. The Lunsford’s don’t want to have to worry about replacing things on a 10-year rotation, as many homeowners sadly do. 

I equate it to not wanting or needing laces for my shoes, now that we have that option. I want the same ease of use and low maintenance experience in the products I choose for this home. ~ Corbett

Although Corbett and Grace chose wood for the decking and siding, traditionally a high-maintenance material, he used a thermally modified wood product that is durable and doesn’t require sealing now or in the future. It can stand up to the climate of the southeast and is virtually maintenance-free. 

Other products include air sealing details to be as quiet as possible due to the proximity of one of the world’s busiest airports and installing a dedicated ventilation system to pump filtered outdoor air throughout the home. When they open the cupboards, they won’t smell the stored vinegar or cat litter box as a result. It is also obviously ideal in areas where wildfires and extreme humidity are a problem.

The home has even been ‘hurricane tested,’ creating a significant vacuum inside, and then pressure washing the house to force that water to penetrate inside the home if it can. After pinpointing the failures, they fixed them all, so the family can now withstand major storm events without worry.

Modern Cable Railing Systems: Clean and Classic Design

When it came to adding railings to the first and second-floor decks, the Lunsford’s wanted a classic and clean look. They chose cable railing because it enabled them to see the landscape’s beautiful views from inside the house and see the house from outside without obstruction. It offers a seamless panorama with it’s modern cable railing system.

The Lunsford’s found RailFX at an industry trade show in early 2020. After talking to several cable railing manufacturers, RailFX was most in line with what they were trying to accomplish. “RailFX was also the most excited about our project out of everyone we talked to,” said Corbett. 

Corbett’s parents installed RailFX in two different areas of the home. The ground floor and second-story decks. They commented that RailFX makes it very clear and straightforward to install. There was one slight field modification made, but it was easy to adjust. 

“I’ve taken deck safety courses in the past, and I find that it can get complicated, but RailFX makes it very clear,” said Corbett. 

The Lunsford’s installed RailFX’s black aluminum top railings, a surface mount, and posts with 1/8-inch stainless steel cable for the exterior decks. The next installation will be the interior stairway once the painting and flooring is completed. They will use custom wood top rails and silver fascia mount posts.

Because it's made in a state of the art facility, the railing system is perfectly designed and fit for our purposes. ~ Corbett

Forever Home Update: Interior Stairway Cable Railing Installation

Corbett is making the finishing touches to his Atlanta forever home and recently installed RailFX cable railing systems on the interior stairway. Corbett said the real difference for the internal cable run is the amount of use they will experience with three small children running up and down the stairs.

He opted for fascia-mounted posts on the stairway, which was a different attachment process than he experienced on the outside’s surface-mounted posts. Since the interior stairway is four feet wide, code dictated he install ADA compliant railings on each side. Corbett used RailFX’s ADA graspable handrail and RFX 400 top rail option in silver. He used pecan wood from Grace’s family’s backyard for the top rail for an upscale finishing touch.

“Now that the installation is complete and we’re living in the house, I love it,” said Corbett. “It feels very solid, and I love knowing that if it gets dirty, scratched, or anything, the fix is very easy.”

How disruption makes us better

This year has been anything but predictive. With a pandemic to multiple hurricanes and other weather disturbances to forest fires in the West, it has been a significantly unpredictable year. Manufacturers, dealers, distributors, builders, remodelers, and contractors were forced to look at how they do business and learn to manage their business differently. RailFX customer service continues to be a major focus for our business.

Some lasting effects and changes will live long past this year. Industries are changing to ensure everyone is safe and healthy. While the outlook is anything but crystal clear, one thing is sure, the building and remodeling industry continues to be a bright spot in the nation’s economic recovery.

With more homeowners working and playing from home, the need for specific products rose during the second quarter. Manufacturers able to pivot and adapt haven’t missed a beat. In our RailFX facilities, we made modifications to keep employees safe and healthy while supplying our customers and homeowners with products from the start of the pandemic to today, while also looking at the future.

Technology + Personalized Communication

Now, more than ever is the time to embrace technology. Whether it’s new or enhanced, technology like video conferencing, has replicated the face-to-face business transaction. We no longer need to be in the same room to have an effective meeting, and in some cases, we’re more effective and efficient.

Technology, coupled with practical communications skills — writing an email, social media, text messaging — has led to improved productivity. At RailFX, we made the transition seamlessly.

We make it easy to order with our simple online quoting form and step-by-step process. Faster lead times are possible with our aluminum railing systems, FlexFX, and, cable railing kits. Quotes are turned around in 24-48 hours, and products (stock colors) shipped within three to five days to all 50 states in protective packaging. 

RailFX Customer Service

There are many products to choose from and depending on the category, it can make the decision process difficult. You can rely on RailFX customer service and our expertise in the cable railing business. We do the work, so you don’t have to spend the time and dive into all the microscopic details.

Any company can say they have excellent customer service, but they may fall short somewhere between quote and final installation. At RailFX, we personalize each job for all our customer, from dealer, builder, and our DIYers. We offer support for all your technical needs in the field for a smooth installation.

Simple Installation

Our installation process is simple. Because of the way we manufacture our cable railings and accessories, RailFX products don’t require fabrication in the field. You only need to assemble the cable railings onsite. Generally, basic tools are all that’s needed to install our products.

Interior stair mount

Our website offers technical data support and installation documents and videos from simple to complex installations along with one-on-one technical support. Because our products are easier to install, our reorder, and satisfaction rates are excellent. See for yourself how stellar RailFX customer service is.

To learn more about RailFX and our turnkey cable railing solution, email us at sales@railfx.net or call our customer support team at 206.453.1123.

cable railing art

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