RailFX Common Questions (FAQ)

Unobtrusive

• Views are not obstructed
• Decks, stairways, and interiors appear larger and more spacious

Versatile

• Use indoors or outdoors

Upscale appearance

• Clean lines
• Attractive
• Adds value to home

Durable

• Virtually maintenance free - no painting or staining and no glass cleaner
• Weather-resistant 316 marine-grade stainless steel

RailFX cable railing kits are designed especially for the do-it-yourselfer. They are available in several combinations and can accommodate a variety of design situations.

Easy to install

• All kits come complete, ready to install
• No special tools needed for installation

Design flexibility

• Kits are compatible with wood, aluminum, stainless steel, or composite sleeve posts
• Invisiware fittings that hide inside the posts, or streamlined external fittings
• Standard lengths of 5' to 60' (trim to size)
• For new or retrofit applications

10-year warranty

RailFX's FlexFX is a simple and flexible railing option that improves any view and makes your space feel larger. RailFX stainless steel cable fittings have been used in stadiums, hotels, and homes throughout the United States to enhance style and maximize visibility. The FlexFX railing system allows you to incorporate these same benefits into any residential railing application with ease. Ideal for both interior and exterior projects, RailFX stainless steel fittings and cable are perfect for decks, docks, balconies, and stairways that use wood posts, metal posts, or composite sleeves. FlexFX features exclusive Push-Lock and Pull-Lock fittings that do not require any special tools for installation.

FlexFX is as easy as 1-2-3.

Benefits include:

• Visually appealing
• Sleek and smooth with no sharp edges
• Easy to install
• Easy to tighten - no loose or sagging cables
• Fittings attach to end posts only; cable passes straight through all intermediate posts for maximum visibility
• Features exclusive Push-Lock and Pull-Lock fittings
• 10-year warranty

RailFX's exclusive Push-Lock and Pull-Lock fittings are featured in their FlexFX system and require no special tools for installation. For Push-Lock fittings, simply push the cable into the fitting and it locks. For Pull-Lock fittings, simply pull the cable through the fitting and it locks. These fittings are engineered to be used with RailFX cable only.

RailFX offers FlexFX cable in two thicknesses: 1/8" and 3/16". Each option is available in 100' and 500' lengths.

RailFX cable railing kits compatible with wood posts:

224 Series (outside to outside mount)

• For level runs that have a minimum clearance of 3" between end post and struture
• More economical

FlexFX (inside to inside mount)

• For level runs that do not have a minimum clearance of 3" between end post and structure
• For stair runs or pitched runs

FlexFX XL (inside to inside mount)

• For composite sleeved wood posts

• Use minimum 4x4 wood posts to keep posts from bending when cables are tensioned.
• A top rail is required to support posts, while a bottom rail is optional.
• Cables are to be spaced at 3-1/8" on center.
• Cable must be supported every 48" (4 feet) to keep the cable from deflecting (stretching) over 4" to pass code.
• Cables are to be tensioned to a minimum of 225 pounds of tension.
• A 36" rail height typically uses 10 runs of cable; a 42" rail height typically uses 12 runs of cable.
• Lag style cable fittings are required for cable that's used with sleeved posts.
• If two posts are used on a corner of the deck, the cable can run through the corner by making a 45-degree turn through the posts with the use of post protector tubes.

RailFX Series 224 cable railing kits are compatible with RailFX 2-3/8" aluminum posts. If you have aluminum posts thicker than 2-3/8", please contact us to discuss special order options.

• Posts must be spaced no more than 60" on center.
• Cables are spaced at 3-3/16" on center to keep the cable from deflecting beyond 4" to meet code.
• Single or double posts can be used to create a 90-degree corner for surface mount posts.
• Two corner posts are required for fascia mount applications.
• Cable can either terminate at the corner or run continuously through a single corner.
• A top rail is required for all installations.

There are 3 styles of top rails that RailFX cable railing utilizes:

• Series 200 is a contemporary flat top rail most often used for level applications. It can also be used for stairs with the addition of a secondary handrail system. Available in Black, Bronze, Silver, White, and Walnut Woodgrain.
• Series 250 is a square profile that qualifies as a graspable rail and is most commonly used for stairs. Available in Black, Bronze, Silver, and White.
• Series 400 is a flat top rail that is designed to accept a wood or composite cap rail. Available in Black, Bronze, Silver, and White.

Yes, all RailFX exterior cable railing can be used for interior applications. Most posts that are used for cable railing inside a home or commercial building are aluminum or metal rather than wood. Cable railing with fascia posts can be used inside but are typically used as an outside option.

All exterior cable railing can be used for interior applications. Most posts that are used for cable railing inside a home or commercial building are aluminum or metal rather than wood. Cable railing with fascia posts can be used inside but is typically used as an outside option. There are some specific situations that normally are not seen on an exterior stair, such as a knee wall.