This Old ask House

TOH GENERAL CONTRACTOR TOM SILVA: Railing systems made of taut, stainless-steel cables initially became popular as an alternative to traditional deck railings because they don’t obstruct the view. But today, these 1⁄8-inch cables are used in all kinds of applications, interior and exterior, including sloped railings for stairways.

For each cable run, there’s a fixed-connection fitting at one end, and an adjustable fitting at the other, which tightens the cable once it’s connected. Some fittings are easier to install than others. The Feeney system I like to use (see Pro Tip, opposite page) includes a variety of fittings that grab and lock on to the cable, simplifying installation.

All cable railing systems require a rigid framework of posts and top rails to resist the 200 to 300 pounds of tension that each cable applies. Solid-wood or composite-sleeved 4×4 posts are typically used on decks and other outdoor installations; I’d suggest a similar dimension for indoor uses. Rails and intermediate supports can be made from 2× lumber or similar stock. If such a framework doesn’t already exist, build it before installing the cables, and make sure that all posts are firmly anchored to joists or beams with lag screws or through bolts.

But before building the framework,