How to Install a Wire Rope Balustrade

If you’re looking for an easy and stylish way to finish your patio or decking, you can’t go far wrong with a wire rope balustrade. Versatile, hardwearing, and aesthetically pleasing, they can add value to any garden. But first, you have to master installation. So, what do you need to know?

Steps for Installing a Wire Rope Balustrade

1. Choose your kit

Wire rope balustrade kits come in various sizes. So, the first thing you need to do is to accurately measure your space and order the right kit. Our kits come complete with grade 316 stainless steel end posts with welded base plate and cover plate, eye bolts and fixed saddle, handrail tensioners, terminals, and a spindle of wire. You can choose from straight run, L-shape, U-shape, stair, and custom wire rope balustrade.

2. Get the right tools

To install your balustrade wire, you are going to need some basic tools. These include:

• Tape measure
• Drill
• Wire rope cutters
• Swage tool (if you are using swage fittings)
• Hand tools

3. Mark out your balustrade positioning

To comply with building standards, the posts of a balustrade should be positioned no further than 1,200mm apart. And the wire spaced at roughly 80mm intervals. Begin by assessing the overall length of your balustrade and working out post placement. Mark this out on your deck.

4. Prepare the posts

Before installation, you need to mark drill holes on each pole. Make sure that each post is correctly orientated so that they are all aligned and the wire can be passed through smoothly. A 4mm drill bit is typically used for post preparation. Begin with the end posts. With metal end posts self-tapping screws or rivets are usually the best option for attaching the saddles. You can then secure each post in position.

5. Run the wire

With the posts in position, you can measure and cut the wire. Making sure to cut each length long enough to secure it at either end. Set up one end loop of the wire, then feed the wire through the holes in each post. Connect both ends to saddles and secure in place. Repeat the process for each level of the balustrade.

Using wire rope clamps can make this process a little easier, as you can adjust the length and tension once the wire is in place.

Common mistakes to avoid when installing wire rope balustrades

Installing wire rope balustrades is a relatively easy process. However, there are a few common mistakes that you should try to avoid.

• Do not bend the balustrade wire around corners. This can weaken the wire and make tensioning very difficult.
  
• Don’t forget to properly align your drill holes in each post. No one wants a wonky balustrade! And as well as being aesthetically jarring, misaligned posts can lead to balustrade weakness. 
• Don’t over tension the balustrade wires. This can weaken the wire, and the strength of the overall balustrade. With the wire pulling on anchor posts and mounts, it won’t take too much external pressure to damage the balustrade, which may make it unsafe.

Wire rope balustrades can quickly and easily upgrade the safety and aesthetic of your garden. And if you install them properly, they can last you for decades to come.

Need help choosing the right balustrade for your home? Contact Origin Architectural.