Blog Category : Cable Railings

Understanding Metal Railing Finishes

December 17th, 2019 Keuka Studios Editorial Team

Keuka Studios Railing Finish Options

When choosing the finish type for your railing system, you’ll want to consider your desired style, material, and location of the railing. Each material and finish combination offered at Keuka Studios has its unique advantages to consider before making your choice. Some materials and finishes can be used in combination to achieve your desired style. For example, using stainless steel posts and powder-coated steel stringers, or choosing a stainless steel top rail with powder-coated steel or aluminum posts. To select the materials and railing finish that’s right for your project, take a look at the following examples.

1. Powder-Coated

An advantage of powder-coating your railing and stair project is the wide variety of colors and textures of powder coats that are available. This allows you to customize your project to complement or contrast with the surroundings. Powder coat finishes can be flat, matte, glossy, textured, sparkles, and wrinkles. These finishes may be applied to a variety of materials including steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. We offer 6 standard colors, however, custom colors may be chosen at a slight price increase to complement your specific project. Powder-coated steel is great for indoor or outdoor projects. However, for coastal environments, we recommend galvanized steel, conversion coated aluminum or stainless steel that is powder-coated for better corrosion resistance.

Concrete Retaining wall with the Keuka Style Curved railing and round top rail

2. Brushed Stainless Steel

If you’re looking for a modern railing with a sleek and luxurious feel, consider stainless steel with a brushed or polished finish. Keuka Studios offers three stainless steel finishes that each require a different degree of labor to achieve and thus vary in cost. One of the most common options is the #4 polish, also known as a brushed finish. (Shown on the cable railing image below).

#4 fine-brushed stainless steel indoor railing finish.

Ithaca style interior stainless steel cable railing on staircase

We also offer the #6 polish, sometimes referred to as a fine-brushed finish. (Shown on the glass railing indoor project and outdoor cable railing project below).

#6 fine-brushed stainless steel indoor railing finish.

#6 fine-brushed stainless steel outdoor railing finish project.

Sleek Brushed Stainless Steel Cable Railing by Keuka Studios

In addition, we have the #8 polish available, which is often called a mirror finish. This has a highly reflective surface. Stainless Steel looks beautiful on both indoor and outdoor applications and is a great choice for coastal environments.

3. Clear Anodized Aluminum

Anodized aluminum is perfect for both indoor and outdoor applications. The process of Anodizing gives the metal a lustrous look and it does not chip or peel. This makes the clear anodized a nice alternative to stainless steel since it has a silvery metallic, brushed appearance at a lower cost than stainless steel. Anodized aluminum is a nice choice for coastal environments and indoor or outdoor locations.

4. Hot-Dipped Galvanized Steel

Keuka Studios offers hot-dipped galvanized steel that can stand alone or be powder-coated to achieve a specific color. Galvanizing steel provides it with additional corrosion protection. Galvanized steel has an industrial look that is on-trend with today’s industrial and rustic design styles. Many times the objective of a railing project will be to match the exposed galvanized steel beams in a space with open ceilings or the exposed steel structure under a deck.

Now that you have had a chance to review the many railing finish options we offer, our experts can further assist you with any additional questions you have to custom make the railing project you desire.

Request a Quote

View Gallery

September 15th, 2019 Jeanne White

What type of pool fence won’t block my view?

If you love the view beyond your pool and don’t want to block the view, consider a vertical cable railing pool fence. Cable railings around pools keep the view open beyond your pool. Most local building codes state that pickets on pool fences need to be vertical. Vertical cable railings can meet these requirements while preserving your view beyond your pool. Horizontal cable fence around pools can also be used as long as they are on top of a 48 inch high elevated surface. Cables are thin compared to larger wood or metal pickets. The wire cables around your pool will seems to disappear and allow you to enjoy the view whether it’s the sunset at your beach house, a sweeping mountain vista, or a backyard oasis.

What are Important requirements to consider for fences around pools?

Pool fences should be at least 48″ high to prevent unintended access by children. See illustration below. Gates should open out from the pool fence railing and should be self-closing and self-latching. The height of the gate latch mechanism should be set at 54″ high. Vertical cable railings

What type of material is best for a pool fence?

Since pool chemicals are corrosive, it is common to use non-ferrous metals for this type of application. Stainless steel, aluminum, and galvanized steel are the best choices. Stainless steel is much more expensive than aluminum and galvanized steel. Steel is stronger than aluminum, so the frame can be more slender.

Are vertical cable railings more expensive than horizontal cable railings?

Vertical cable pool fences are more expensive than other types of fences. There are several reasons for this. Since each cable assembly is short, there are many end fittings. These end fittings act as turnbuckles to keep the cables tight. End fittings are high grade (Type 316) stainless steel. Because there are more fittings, the costs can add up. In addition, the metal frames must be rigid to be able to handle the combined tension load of the cables.

Pool Fence ideas

Elevated pool fence — https://www.keuka-studios.com/5-ideas-for-infinity-edge-pool-railings/

Conclusion:

If your view from your pool is important then a vertical cable railing fence or a horizontal pool fence railing could be for you!

To see more about this ocean-view vertical cable pool fencing click here

Vertical and horizontal stainless steel cable railings.

At Keuka Studios, we custom fabricate residential and commercial stairs and railings to fit your style, space, and requirements. To learn more about how each project moves from vision to reality. Take a look at our custom railing design process. We take pride in building craftsman-quality residential and commercial-grade stairs and railings for interior and exterior applications. Contact us to get started on your project.

Request a Quote

View Gallery

Pool Deck Railing in the background view from the open living space with Pergola night lighting.

January 7th, 2019 Keuka Studios Editorial Team

If you own an oceanfront home, you understand the importance of intentional design that preserves the natural views. Moreover, you likely want these views to be the architectural focal point of the home. At Keuka Studios, we design and build ocean view cable railing systems that can add sophistication to any deck or balcony. Our railing systems use stainless steel infill cables that blend in with the ocean backdrop, creating unobstructed vistas. Also, our cable railings have slender posts and flat top rails don’t distract from the view beyond. Whether your beach house has a modern, nautical, or coastal design style, Keuka Studios can craft a custom railing system that blends seamlessly with your home’s existing architecture. For exterior design inspiration, check out these seaside railings we’ve designed for our happy customers.

Ocean View Cable Railing Inspiration

1. Hawaii Dining with an Ocean View

This Kauai Island home, aptly named “Hale Ike Mala” ( or “Love of the Garden”), incorporates our Kauai Style cable railing. The architect designed the Hawaiian mid-century modern home with seamless transitions from indoor to outdoor living spaces. Our Kauai Style railing aids these transitions with posts and top rail that match both the interior and exterior architecture. Furthermore, the railing provides unobstructed views of the ocean, flora, and fauna from the deck and within the home.

2. North Shore Natural Design

Located in the historic North Shore of Massachusetts, this harbor home sits on a natural cliff overlooking the ocean. Featured in Northshore Magazine, this home cohesively combines stone, steel, and wood. Both the deck and indoor staircase have Ithaca Style railing.

3. Turks and Caicos Private Villa

In Providenciales, Turks and Caicos you’ll find the luxury vacation rental of your dreams. The Villa Capri overlooks turquoise water perfect for snorkeling. Complete with an infinity pool, the villa has four king-size bedrooms, a 4,000-square-foot patio, and a private wood dock. To preserve the view of the azure ocean, Villa Capri installed Keuka Studios Ithaca Style railing on the seaside perimeter. The railings have solid aluminum posts and a silver powder-coated aluminum top rail.

4. Oceanside in Old Greenwich

The backyard of this Old Greenwich, Connecticut home has both horizontal and vertical cable railing. The horizontal Ithaca Style railing preserves the view of both the pool and ocean from the back porch. For added safety, we designed verticle cable fencing and a matching gate in stainless steel for the pool area. The property also includes Keuka Studios cable railing on an exterior staircase, second-floor balconies, and on top of a stone retaining wall.

5. Jersey Shore Outdoor Lounge

Perfect for suntanning and a swim, the deck on this Jersey Shore home features an Ithaca Style cable railing system. The railing surrounds an outdoor living space complete with a pool, lounge area, and bar. We crafted the railing posts with 6061 T6 clear anodized aluminum so it can withstand corrosion from the salty sea air. Similarly, we used IPE (Brazilian walnut) for the top rail because of its natural resistance to weathering.

At Keuka Studios, we custom fabricate residential and commercial stairs and railings to fit your style, space, and requirements. To learn more about how each cable railing project moves from vision to reality, take a look at our custom railing design process. We take pride in building craftsman-quality and commercial-grade stairs and railings for interior and exterior applications. Contact us to get started on your project.

Request a Quot

View Gallery

Maintaining IPE Decking

March 5th, 2018 Jason White

Famous "Glass and Wood" home with Ithaca style cable railing.

Maintaining the natural beauty of IPE decking requires some care when installing and during yearly maintenance. IPE is a natural material that moves with the elements, therefore, it is subject to checking (looks like cracking), twisting, warping, and cupping similar to other types of woods. Proper installation and maintenance are key to the long-term beauty of your deck.

There are many websites that you can access to obtain a variety of expert advice for caring for your IPE. Below are some helpful recommendations.

What are some helpful recommendations for IPE Deck Care?

Always seal the cut end (end grain) of the board with a paraffin wax, such as Anchorseal.
Do not install decking without an oil-based finish being applied to all four sides with sufficient rack time to dry.
Do not use film finishes such as a varnish

What type of finish should I use on IPE Decking?

Finish the IPE with a penetrating oil. We have had good experience using Penofins for hardwoods. When applying, use a brush, rag or sponge. Once applied,, wipe and remove all excess oil. DO NOT over apply as it will become sticky and tacky and my take a very long time to dry. IPE does not soak up the oil like a softwood does.

CAUTION: The rags (applicators used) are FLAMMABLE and must be disposed of properly – READ the manufacturer’s instructions for disposal.

How do I maintain my IPE Deck and Railing?

Our recommendations for maintaining IPE are to routinely clean off your deck by sweeping off leaves and hosing off spills and mud to help prevent staining. Depending on the amount of sun exposure the deck receives, you may need to thoroughly clean and re-oil your IPE yearly or bi-yearly. Thoroughly wash your deck with a product made for this application and allow it to dry completely before re-oiling.

Proper installation and care for your IPE deck and railings will greatly influence the beauty and longevity of your deck.

November 5th, 2013 Jason White

When purchasing a cable railing system, it’s important that you consider your railing system’s enviornment before chosing materials for the top rail and railing posts.

While the cables and fittings are usually made from stainless steel, we offer a wide selection of top rail and post materials. With so many different choices of railing materials, it can be very difficult to know what the best choice is for your railing. Here is a guide to help you understand the materials we offer and their advantages and disadvantages.

(more…)

Green cable railing posts with wood hand rail.

September 2nd, 2011 Jason White

Once in a while, I have a customer who contacts me and says, “I found your cable railings online and I love them!” They follow up with, “I have never seen a railing like this in my area, where can I find examples of your work?’

Since we manufacture and ship our railings all over the country, our work can be found everywhere. With that being said, there are certain areas in particular where cable railings are more popular than other areas.

(more…)

Blog Category : Cable Railings

Understanding Metal Railing Finishes

Keuka Studios Railing Finish Options

1. Powder-Coated

2. Brushed Stainless Steel

3. Clear Anodized Aluminum

4. Hot-Dipped Galvanized Steel

Pool fence blocking your view?

Pool Fence ideas

Conclusion:

5 Ocean View Cable Railing Decks