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Remodeling Design Dilemma DIY

Vertical Cable Stair Railing

5 years ago

Hello there! Can anyone give me some advice on how to install these vertical cable stair railings? I'm trying to find out how they are installed without drilling through my 3.5" beech wood treads and which fixtures to use so they don't look bulky or too big. Also, if you can suggest a company that makes the cables and fixtures that go with it that would be great! Thank you so much!

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PRO

Sina Sadeddin Architectural Design

5 years ago

You're not going to be able to DIY this. You need to hire a professional company that does this. Stairs have to meet a lot of safety codes, so start by checking your local code to see if this is even possible in your area.

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Comments (11)

PRO
Kristin Petro Interiors, Inc.
5 years ago
This is not a DIY project. There are many codes related to staircase design, including but not limited to rail spacing and handrail locations and height. I suggest you consult with a staircase specialist before proceeding.
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We originally saw glass on some high-rise patios near the ocean in California. For similar reasons of not blocking the view from our kitchen. When constructing a porch onto our patio, we installed tempered glass between the posts and below our railing rather than balusters. We used 3/8" glass, had a local glass shop cut to necessary dimensions and send them out for tempering. We also have a dog. Because ours is on an egress porch, not a full patio, there isn't much activity near the glass. As far as cleaning, it really has never been a problem. Maybe once or twice a season. Here's a photo. Look behind the pergola to the egress porch. Glass is below the railing - practically invisable.
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JDS, Because I like it and there are plenty of picture on the web with rail like that used inside a house. Also Ana White (now host of these big remodel tv show) has shown a house in Alaska with that application. It is a way not to have a visual "open space", the space looks bigger. There is plenty of headroom. This stairs are identical to the other 2 in the house. Not sure what you see in the picture but there are at least 5 feet of overhead space. I did not post in Building forum because I am remodeling. Virgil Carter, I have a building permit. I also mention what the code dictates. Thanks for your input
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Railing or no railing? Per code, I can do either.
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Comments (17)
Looks much better without the railing. I don't like how the railing cuts the view of the windows. I will like it even less when the black shutters go back up. Without the railing, the house looks more stately. Railing frou-frou detracts from a stately look. Slightly beefier posts would look nice but the ones you have look fine, too. Disabled, injured, elderly aren't going to want to negotiate the sidewalk & sidewalk steps to get to the porch so the argument that it is necessary for them doesn't hold water AFAIC. Great looking house. I like it very much.
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User
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
That inspiration pic is totally illegal and unsafe. Don’t trust pretty pics on the internet as being realistic or aspirational. Hire local design help to integrate appropriate safety measures and aesthetic considerations together. That kind of stair would look inordinately silly in a Center Hall Colonial or Tudor Revival, for instance.
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
5 years ago
That stair was started during the wall and ceiling framing. If you want one, that's where you'll have to start too. This is not a retrofit job under any circumstances. Big money too.
friedajune
5 years ago
I am curious why you would want that. It looks so treacherous.
User
5 years ago
No place to hide under the stairs. :-(
cohee6
3 years ago
I think it looks amazing ... keep hunting, you'll find someone to step outside the box.
User
3 years ago
Handrails are required by all codes? Can you imagine trying to use those stairs on crutches...
Jon Wilkes
last year
last modified: last year
This is absolutely a diy project. People saying otherwise are goofy. Hen to go as far as to say it's illegal and unsafe 😂😂
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
last year
Jon: Put me and my 40 years experience and 2 contracting licenses in the “goofy” category please. It is illegal and unsafe.
Jon Wilkes
last year
Joseph, don't worry, you were already there.

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