Actually it is very easy to install and looks great.

But, it is also a safety hazard. Cables can act as a ladder for kids to climb.

Dooer hit the nail on the head. Just like the bullwire rail I use to install, no inspector will pass it. If you are out of a city & have no small children then go for it.

Al

I've seen them in a few sporting goods stores where they were installed in a way that prevented them from being used as a ladder, it was more of an up and down zig zag pattern. That may have a better chance of getting through an inspector.

Niagra,

There's a discussion about cable rails in the current deck builder magazine. It seems that they are still legal, and if you don't have kids...do it. I have a lakefront cottage, and I'm also thinking of installing a cable railing

You have a waterfall view? that wouldn't be niagra falls, would it?

steve

Boy Jas0n, I'd sure like to see one of those up and down patterns with cable rail. Don't suppose you could get us some pics to see??

They're still legal here in San Diego too. I've called the Senior Building Inspector to make sure.

Dear brooklyndecks, I looked for the deck builder magazine you mentioned but only found Best of Fine Home Building: Decks and Outdoor Projects, Summer, 2007. If that is not the one, could you let me know the exact name and even where to get it.
By the way, your decks are works of art. I've only seen your photos. I'd love to see them in the real.

The article in the Deck Builders magazine only mentions the verticle cable railing as being a pain in the ass. The article is actually about a alternative, 1/4" rods, either SS or powdercoated.

Dooer,
I was talking about the current Deck Builder. The editorial is about cable rails, and there are 2 letters from cable rails manufacturers defending them.

Niagra,
Deck Builder is only available online, and it's free...at least it was. http://www.deckmagazine.com/abstract/19.html
It's mostly ads (someone has to pay), and articles geared towards their advertiser's products...but I read it anyway.
Thanks for the compliment. I'd like to sit on your deck, and see your pond and waterfall. It's been so hot here in Brooklyn this week...I'd like to sit under a waterfall.
Are you in upstate NY?

steve

Steve,

I actually receive the printed edition of Deck Builder. The rod alternative was in the last issue. Looking at your link, there was a article on cable railing installation in the previous issue. Funny thing is that I never saw that issue. The magazine seems to comes out infrequently. Always a good day when I receive it.

Dooer,

I put that link up because it referred to cable railings :-)

I also get the Deck Builder in the mail. I signed up for the first issue. They were recently bought by JLC, and there was a shakeup. It's practically one big advertisement...but I get something out of it...and I use a bunch of the products
advertised within. Hey, you build decks, you read deck builder.

steve

I got a new issue today, all is well.