A returning client in PA loved the work we had done for them and came back with another project for us. They needed to add safety and beauty to their yard with a custom fence.
The railing design chosen was a cable railing created from stainless cables. The posts were decided to be created in a #4 brushed finish. The railing post size was the next decision to tackle, as the client wanted minimal size for aesthetic reasons, but for each post to be individually structurally significant. The client decided on the posts being approximately 3 ft apart, with no structural top rail. The top cable was simply the top of the railing, so that the entire railing was as inconspicuous as possible. Can you spot it in the pictures below?
The railing posts discussed were ½” x 1½” rectangular bars. However, with over half of the railing being on a slight radius, there was concern that the pressure from tightening the cables would place too much lateral pressure on posts of that size. So, the decision was made to increase the railing post size to ¾” x 1½” to maintain as little visual disturbance as possible, while providing strength.
We did the railing measure with our 3-D Disto laser and then designed everything in CAD to present to the client. Upon review, the client had concerns about the slight “bend” that the cable made at every railing post to conform to the radius. So, we explored the possibility of redesigning the yard railing with a stainless steel top and bottom structure. We would custom-form it to the radius of the yard’s retaining wall. Then, we would place the cable in a vertical position to provide fall protection.
This did 2 things:
- Significantly increased the railing member size requirements, thus making the railing much more obvious
- The railing cost increased as well
After consideration, the client reverted to the first design.
We completely created the railing at the shop, then transported it to the site. Then, we placed each individual post in its exact location with the precision of the 3-D Disto laser. Next, we strung each cable through all the posts. We designed the end posts from heavy-duty 2½” sq stainless to be strong enough to withstand the required tension.
This railing will have a very inconspicuous presence, yet meet code requirements and add beauty to this PA home for many years to come.
Do you want an inconspicuous yard fence of your own? Contact us to get your project started! Need more inspiration? Check out our other work on Pinterest or our galleries.
