When planning a cable railing system, one of the first decisions is how the railing posts will attach to your deck, stairs, balcony or other surface. Two common options are surface mount cable railing posts and fascia mount cable railing posts.
Both can create the clean, open look cable railing is known for, but they mount differently and can affect the appearance and layout of the finished railing. At Paul Kraft Custom Railings, we fabricate custom cable railing systems and components in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for residential and commercial projects across the country.
Not sure which type of post is right for your project? Here’s a closer look at the difference.
What Are Surface Mount Cable Railing Posts?
Surface mount cable railing posts attach directly to the top of a deck, landing, stair surface or other horizontal structure. A base plate at the bottom of the post is secured to the mounting surface, leaving the entire post visible above it.
Surface mounting is a popular option because of its straightforward design and versatility. It can work well for decks, balconies, stair landings and interior railing applications where there is an appropriate surface for securely mounting the posts.
Paul Kraft’s surface mount posts are fabricated from reinforced 2″ x 2″ heavy-wall aluminum tubing with predrilled cable holes. The posts use thick base plates and fully welded top plates for a sturdy, clean finished appearance. Powder-coated finishes are available in matte black and a variety of other colors.
Surface mount posts can be a good choice when:
- The deck or structure provides an appropriate top-mounting surface.
- You want a simple, clean post design.
- Mounting along the outside face of the deck isn’t practical.
- The railing design works well with posts positioned on top of the deck or landing.
The right mounting method ultimately depends on the construction of the space and the overall railing design.
What Are Fascia Mount Cable Railing Posts?
Fascia mount cable railing posts, sometimes called side mount cable railing posts, attach to the vertical outside face of a deck rather than mounting on top of the deck surface.
This mounting style can create an especially streamlined appearance because the posts sit outside the perimeter of the deck. It also keeps the post bases off the usable deck surface.
Paul Kraft fabricates his fascia mount cable railing posts from 2″ x 2″ aluminum with predrilled cable holes. Posts can be made with a 1-1/4″ offset to clear a decking overhang or with no offset when the deck edge has no overhang, allowing the post design to accommodate different deck configurations.
Fascia mount posts may be a good option when:
- You want to maximize usable space on the deck surface.
- The deck construction allows posts to be securely mounted to the fascia or outside framing.
- You prefer the appearance of posts mounted outside the deck edge.
- The decking extends beyond the fascia and requires an offset post.
Because every deck is constructed differently, the mounting location and supporting structure should be considered when choosing a fascia-mounted railing system.
Surface Mount vs. Fascia Mount Cable Railing Posts
The biggest difference between the two styles is simply where the posts attach.
Surface mount posts are secured to the top of the deck or other horizontal surface. Fascia mount posts are secured vertically along the outside edge.
That difference can have a noticeable effect on the finished railing.
A surface mount system offers a traditional top-mounted installation with the post bases visible on the deck. A fascia mount system moves the posts outside the deck perimeter, which can preserve a little more usable deck space and create a different visual profile.
Neither mounting method is automatically better than the other. The right choice depends on the structure, available mounting locations, decking overhang, railing layout and the look you want to achieve.
Which Cable Railing Post Type Is Right for Your Project?
You don’t necessarily need to know the answer before contacting Paul.
Cable railing systems often include corners, stairs, changes in direction and other conditions that influence post placement and mounting style. Existing framing and the way a deck or stairway is constructed can also determine which solution makes the most sense.
That’s one advantage of working directly with an experienced custom railing fabricator rather than trying to piece together a railing from generic components.
Send Paul a simple sketch with rough measurements and a few photos of the space. He can review the layout, determine what components are needed and provide an itemized quote for the railing system.
Custom Aluminum Cable Railing Posts Made in Minneapolis
Paul Kraft Custom Railings isn’t simply reselling stock railing posts.
Paul’s cable railing components are fabricated in Minneapolis, with the design, fabrication, powder coating, top rails and custom cable cutting and fitting handled specifically for his railing systems.
Both surface mount and fascia mount posts are available in multiple powder-coated finishes, including popular options such as matte black, oil-rubbed bronze, white, silver and gray. Post heights and system configurations can also be fabricated for different project requirements.
For complete railing systems, Paul can provide the posts, top rails and necessary mounting hardware first. Once the posts are installed, the final cable measurements can be taken. The stainless steel cables are then cut to the required lengths and the fittings are machine-swaged to the cable ends.
That eliminates much of the cutting and hand-fitting of cable hardware at the project site and makes a custom cable railing system more manageable for homeowners, contractors and builders installing Paul’s systems around the country.
Looking for Cable Railing Posts Only?
Already know exactly what you need?
Paul also sells individual surface mount cable railing posts and fascia mount cable railing posts through his Kraft Steel Works Etsy shop.
The posts are a good option for customers who are handling other portions of their railing project themselves but want custom-fabricated aluminum posts rather than an off-the-shelf railing component.
However, if you’re unsure about post quantity, placement, mounting style or the other components you’ll need, contact Paul before ordering. A rough sketch and a few measurements can help him determine the right setup for the project.
Start Your Custom Cable Railing Project With Paul Kraft
Whether your project calls for surface mount railing posts, fascia mount railing posts or a combination of custom components, you don’t need to design the entire cable railing system yourself before getting started.
Send Paul Kraft a sketch of your railing area, rough measurements and a few photos. Paul can help determine the appropriate post style and layout and provide an itemized quote for the components needed to complete your cable railing system.
Ready to get started? Contact Paul Kraft Custom Railings for a custom cable railing quote.
