Cable Railing Installation Guide: Wood Post Fittings
Wood post cable railing systems seamlessly blend natural elegance with modern functionality, offering a visually striking solution for interior and exterior spaces. The slim stainless steel cables provide an unobstructed view, enhancing the sense of openness while creating a sleek, minimalist aesthetic that complements a wide range of architectural styles. Paired with the organic warmth of wood posts, these systems create a harmonious balance between traditional charm and contemporary design. Built to last, treated wood posts and corrosion-resistant stainless steel cables ensure durability, making them an ideal choice for weather-exposed installations.
A key advantage of wood post cable railing systems lies in their compatibility with various fittings, allowing customization based on specific installation requirements. Fitting options are available in four primary categories: swaged tensioning, swaged non-tensioning, swageless tensioning, and swageless non-tensioning. Examples include the Invisiware Receiver and Stud for clean, concealed tensioning and the Push-Lock Lag Clevis for simple, tool-free installation. Additional options like the Adjust-A-Jaw with Lag Eye or Adjust-A-Body with Hanger Bolt or Clevis provide versatility for unique setups, while fixed and clip-on jaws cater to projects needing added stability. This extensive range ensures the right fitting for every design challenge, supporting secure installations that balance safety, style, and performance.
Wood Cable Railing Installation Preparations
Treating Wood Posts
Treating wood posts for cable railing systems is essential to enhance their durability and ensure long-term performance. Pressure-treated or naturally rot-resistant woods like cedar or redwood are ideal for resisting decay, insects, and weather damage. Applying a high-quality sealant or stain protects the wood from moisture and UV rays and enhances its natural beauty, ensuring it complements the sleek stainless steel cables. Proper treatment extends the lifespan of the posts, making them a reliable and visually appealing foundation for your cable railing system.
- Select the Right Wood: Use rot-resistant species like cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated lumber.
- Prepare the Surface: Sand and clean the wood thoroughly to remove rough spots and debris.
- Apply Preservative (Optional): Brush or spray on a preservative to protect against mold and insects.
- Apply Seal or Stain: Use a UV- and moisture-resistant sealant or stain, applying thin coats in the direction of the grain.
- Add Protective Finish: Consider a clear top coat for extra durability in harsh climates.
- Cure and Maintain: Let the wood cure fully before use and reapply treatments every 1-2 years to preserve its look and strength.
Installation Tools and Materials
When installing cable railing fittings, having the right tools and materials ensures a smooth and efficient process. These tools and materials will help achieve a secure, professional-quality cable railing installation. Key items include:
- Safety Gear: Including gloves and safety glasses for protection during installation.
- Swager*: A Swager is a tool used to crimp fittings onto cables, ensuring a secure and permanent connection in cable railing systems.
- Drill and Bits: For creating precise holes and divots in wood posts.
- Level and Measuring Tape: To ensure accurate alignment and spacing.
- Wrenches: For securing fittings like threaded tabs or bolts.
- Cable Cutter: For cleanly cutting stainless steel cable to the required lengths.
- Cable Railing Fittings: Choose your fittings from those suggested below and calculate how many and how much cable you'll need.
*A Swager is only necessary for Swaged tensioning or non-tensioning fittings. Find installation tools including a Swager Rental Kit here: Installation Tools
Wood Cable Railing Fitting Options and Installation Steps
Invisiware Receiver with Invisiware Stud
- Tensioner Type: Swaged Tensioning
- Mount Type: Through-Post
- Run compatibility: Level or Pitched
- Cable Compatibility: 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", and 3/8" diameter 1x19 stainless steel cable
Installation Steps
- Measure and Mark Hole Locations: Use a measuring tape and level to mark evenly spaced, straight hole placements on the wood post. This ensures proper alignment.
- Drill Holes: Drill holes through the wood post at the marked points using the specified drill bit size.
- Insert Protector Tubes: Place protector tubes in the holes to prevent cable damage and ensure a clean finish.
- Swage the Stud: Use a swaging tool to attach the Invisiware Stud to one end of the cable.
- Feed Stud Through Post: Insert the swaged stud through the drilled hole in the wood post.
- Attach Washers: Place a washer onto the exposed end of the stud for added stability.
- Thread on Receiver: Secure the Invisiware Receiver onto the stud, tightening it with a wrench or hex bit as needed.
- Tension Cable: Rotate the receiver to adjust the cable tension to the desired level.
Installation Diagram
Adjust-A-Jaw with Lag Eye
- Tensioner Type: Swaged Tensioning
- Mount Type: Surface-Mount
- Run compatibility: Level or Pitched
- Cable Compatibility: 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", and 3/8" diameter 1x19 stainless steel cable
Installation Steps
- Measure and Mark Hole Locations: Use a measuring tape and level to ensure consistent spacing and alignment for the holes.
- Install Lag Eye: Screw the lag eye into the marked location on the wood post using a wrench or driver.
- Swage the Adjust-A-Jaw: Attach the Adjust-A-Jaw fitting to the cable using a swaging tool.
- Align and Connect to Tab: Position the Adjust-A-Jaw threaded tab with the lag eye and secure it with the mounting screw.
- Tension Cable: Use a wrench to rotate the Adjust-A-Jaw body and tighten the cable securely.
Installation Video
Adjust-A-Body with Hanger Bolt
- Tensioner Type: Swaged Tensioning
- Mount Type: Surface-Mount
- Run compatibility: Level
- Cable Compatibility:1/8", 3/16", and 1/4" diameter 1x19 stainless steel cable
Installation Steps
- Measure and Mark Hole Locations: Ensure accurate placement with a level and measuring tape.
- Pre-Drill Holes: Use the appropriate drill bit size for the hanger bolt and drill a pilot hole in the wood post.
- Install Hanger Bolt: Screw the hanger bolt into the pre-drilled hole using a wrench or hex driver.
- Swage the Adjust-A-Body: Use a swaging tool to attach the Adjust-A-Body fitting to the cable.
- Thread Adjust-A-Body onto Bolt: Securely attach the Adjust-A-Body to the installed hanger bolt, ensuring it’s aligned properly.
- Tension Cable: Turn the Adjust-A-Body with a wrench to tighten the cable and achieve the desired tension.
Installation Video
Adjust-A-Body with Clevis
- Tensioner Type: Swaged Tensioning
- Mount Type: Surface-Mount
- Run compatibility: Level or Pitched
- Cable Compatibility:1/8" and 3/16" diameter 1x19 stainless steel cable
Installation Steps
- Measure and Mark Holes: Mark and level hole placements on the wood post for proper alignment.
- Install Clevis: Attach the clevis to the wood post using screws or bolts, tightening securely with a wrench.
- Swage the Adjust-A-Body: Attach the Adjust-A-Body fitting to the cable using a swaging tool.
- Connect to Clevis: Align the Adjust-A-Body with the clevis and secure it with the provided pin.
- Tension Cable: Rotate the Adjust-A-Body using a wrench or hex driver to tighten the cable and achieve proper tension.
Installation Diagram
Invisiware Radius Ferrule
- Tensioner Type: Swaged Non-Tensioning
- Mount Type: Through-Post
- Run compatibility: Level or Pitched
- Cable Compatibility: 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", and 3/8" diameter 1x19 stainless steel cable
Installation Steps
- Mark and Level Hole Locations: Use a measuring tape and level to evenly space hole markings on the wood post.
- Drill Holes: Use the appropriate drill bit to create smooth, aligned holes in the post.
- Insert Protector Tubes: If specified, place protector tubes in the holes to prevent cable abrasion.
- Swage the Ferrule: Attach the Invisiware Radius Ferrule to the cable using a swaging tool.
- Insert Ferrule into Post: Slide the swaged ferrule into the drilled hole until it seats securely.
- Add Washers: Secure with washers for additional support.
- Tension the Cable: Tighten the cable from the opposite end using the appropriate fitting and tools.
Installation Diagram
Fixed Jaw and Lag Eye
- Tensioner Type: Swaged Non-Tensioning
- Mount Type: Surface-Mount
- Run compatibility: Level or Pitched
- Cable Compatibility: 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", and 3/8" diameter 1x19 stainless steel cable
Installation Steps
- Mark Hole Locations: Use a measuring tape and level to mark the spots for attaching the lag eye on the wood post.
- Install Lag Eye: Secure the lag eye into the wood post using screws or by driving the lag eye into a pre-drilled hole. Tighten securely with a wrench.
- Swage the Fixed Jaw: Use a swaging tool to attach the Fixed Jaw fitting to the cable end.
- Connect to Post Attachment: Align the Fixed Jaw with the lag eye and secure it using the mounting screw.
- Test Tension: Confirm the cable is taut and securely anchored.
Installation Diagram
Clip-On Fixed Jaw and Lag Eye
- Tensioner Type: Swaged Non-Tensioning
- Mount Type: Surface-Mount
- Run compatibility: Level or Pitched
- Cable Compatibility: 1/8" and 3/16" diameter 1x19 stainless steel cable
Installation Steps
- Measure and Mark Locations: Use a level and measuring tape to mark the correct placement of the lag eye on the wood post.
- Install Lag Eye: Secure the lag eye to the post using screws or by driving it into pre-drilled holes.
- Prepare Cable End: Ensure the cable is cut cleanly and ready for the fitting.
- Attach Clip-On Fixed Jaw: Snap the Clip-On Fixed Jaw onto the cable end securely.
- Connect to Post Attachment: Align the jaw with the lag eye and secure it with a mounting screw.
- Check Alignment and Tension: Ensure all components are properly aligned and the cable is tight.
Installation Diagram
Invisiware Receiver with Push-Lock Stud
- Tensioner Type: Swageless Tensioning
- Mount Type: Through-Post
- Run compatibility: Level
- Cable Compatibility: 1/8" and 3/16" diameter 1x19 stainless steel cable
Installation Steps
- Mark and Drill Holes: Use a level and measuring tape to mark and drill holes in the wood post for the fitting.
- Insert Protector Tubes: Place protector tubes into the drilled holes to prevent cable wear.
- Insert Cable into Push-Lock Stud: Push the cable into the Push-Lock Stud until it locks securely.
- Feed Through Post: Insert the Push-Lock Stud assembly through the drilled hole in the wood post with a washer to protect the post.
- Thread on Receiver: Attach the Invisiware Receiver to the exposed end of the Push-Lock Stud and tighten with a wrench or hex bit.
- Tension the Cable: Rotate the receiver to adjust the cable tension as needed.
Installation Diagram
Push-Lock Tensioner with Hanger Bolt
- Tensioner Type: Swageless Tensioning
- Mount Type: Surface-Mount
- Run compatibility: Level
- Cable Compatibility: 1/8" and 3/16" diameter 1x19 stainless steel cable
Installation Steps
- Mark and Drill Pilot Holes: Measure and level the placement of the hanger bolt, then pre-drill pilot holes in the wood post.
- Install Hanger Bolt: Screw the hanger bolt into the wood post using a wrench.
- Attach Push-Lock Tensioner: Thread the Push-Lock Tensioner onto the installed hanger bolt securely.
- Insert Cable: Push the cable into the Push-Lock Tensioner until it locks in place.
- Tension the Cable: Adjust the tension by rotating the Push-Lock Tensioner with a wrench.
Installation Video
Push-Lock Tensioner with Lag Clevis
- Tensioner Type: Swageless Tensioning
- Mount Type: Surface-Mount
- Run compatibility: Level or Pitched
- Cable Compatibility: 1/8" and 3/16" diameter 1x19 stainless steel cable
Installation Steps
- Mark and Drill Pilot Holes: Use a level and measuring tape to mark locations and drill pilot holes in the wood post.
- Install Lag Clevis: Drive the lag clevis into the pre-drilled hole using a wrench.
- Attach Push-Lock Tensioner: Secure the Push-Lock Tensioner to the lag clevis by threading it in place.
- Insert Cable: Push the cable into the Push-Lock Tensioner until it locks securely.
- Adjust Tension: Rotate the tensioner body to achieve the desired cable tension.
Installation Video
Push-Lock
- Tensioner Type: Swageless Non-Tensioning
- Mount Type: Through-Post
- Run compatibility: Level
- Cable Compatibility: 1/8" and 3/16" diameter 1x19 stainless steel cable
Installation Steps
- Mark and Drill Holes: Measure and level the hole placements, then drill through the wood post.
- Insert Protector Tubes: Place protector tubes into the holes to protect the cable.
- Insert Cable into Push-Lock Fitting: Push the cable into the Push-Lock fitting until it locks firmly.
- Test Connection: Pull gently on the cable to ensure it is secure.
- Check Tension: Confirm proper tension is achieved from the opposite end.
Installation Video
Push-Lock Lag
- Tensioner Type: Swageless Non-Tensioning
- Mount Type: Surface-Mount
- Run compatibility: Level
- Cable Compatibility: 1/8" and 3/16" diameter 1x19 stainless steel cable
Installation Steps
- Mark and Drill Pilot Holes: Use a level to mark and drill pilot holes in the wood post.
- Install Lag Screw: Drive the lag screw into the wood post using a wrench.
- Attach Push-Lock Fitting: Thread the Push-Lock Fitting onto the lag screw.
- Insert Cable: Push the cable into the fitting until it locks securely.
- Check Tension: Verify the cable is tight and secure.
Installation Diagram
Push-Lock with Lag Clevis
- Tensioner Type: Swageless Non-Tensioning
- Mount Type: Surface-Mount
- Run compatibility: Level or Pitched
- Cable Compatibility: 1/8" and 3/16" diameter 1x19 stainless steel cable
Installation Steps
- Mark and Drill Pilot Holes: Measure, level, and drill the pilot holes in the wood post.
- Install Lag Clevis: Secure the lag clevis in the post with a wrench.
- Connect Push-Lock Fitting: Thread the Push-Lock fitting onto the lag clevis.
- Insert Cable: Push the cable into the fitting until it locks into place.
- Tighten and Check Tension: Confirm the cable is tight and properly secured.
Installation Diagram
Pull-Lock
- Tensioner Type: Swageless Non-Tensioning
- Mount Type: Through-Post
- Run compatibility: Level or Pitched
- Cable Compatibility: 1/8", 3/16", and 1/4" diameter 1x19 stainless steel cable
Installation Steps
- Mark and Drill Holes: Use a level and measuring tape to mark and drill the holes in the wood post.
- Insert Protector Tubes: Slide protector tubes into the drilled holes for additional cable protection.
- Insert Cable into Pull-Lock Fitting: Push the cable through the Pull-Lock fitting until it locks securely.
- Feed Cable Through Post: Insert the fitting and cable through the wood post.
- Trim Excess Cable: Use a cable cutter to remove any excess cable extending from the Pull-Lock fitting.
- Check Tension: Check that the cable is properly tensioned and secure from the opposite end.
Installation Video
Precision is essential when installing a cable railing system to ensure safety, durability, and aesthetics. A frequent error is misaligning holes or failing to maintain uniform spacing, which can detract from the system's appearance and functionality. Neglecting to treat wood posts leaves them susceptible to moisture, rot, and UV damage, leading to early deterioration. Similarly, using incompatible fittings or improperly tensioning cables can create an unstable, unsafe structure. Additionally, failing to care for stainless steel fittings can lead to corrosion; using products like the Ultra-TEC Stainless Steel Cleaner and Protectant Kit helps maintain their integrity. Addressing these common mistakes ensures a secure and long-lasting cable railing system.
Wood post cable railing systems offer a perfect combination of natural elegance and modern design, making them an excellent choice for enhancing interior and exterior spaces. By selecting durable materials, treating wood posts properly, and utilizing the right fittings, you can create a secure and visually striking railing system tailored to your needs. With careful planning and attention to detail, these systems can provide your space lasting beauty, functionality, and safety.
If you have any questions about cable railing fittings for your SimpleCableRailings please do not hesitate to contact our helpful sales team. They are happy to help in any way they can!
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