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function calculateCableRailing() {
var totalLinearFeet = parseFloat(document.getElementById('totalLinearFeet').value);
var numberOfSections = parseInt(document.getElementById('numberOfSections').value);
var railingHeight = parseInt(document.getElementById('railingHeight').value);
var postSpacing = parseFloat(document.getElementById('postSpacing').value);
var resultDiv = document.getElementById('result');
if (isNaN(totalLinearFeet) || isNaN(numberOfSections) || isNaN(postSpacing) || totalLinearFeet <= 0 || numberOfSections <= 0 || postSpacing 10 runs
// A 42″ post has ~40.5″ of clear space. (40.5 – 3 initial gap) / 3 spacing = 12.5 -> 12 runs
var cableRuns = (railingHeight === 36) ? 10 : 12;
// Calculate total cable length with a 10% buffer for waste and tensioning
var totalCableLength = totalLinearFeet * cableRuns;
var totalCableWithWaste = totalCableLength * 1.10;
// Each section has a start and end, requiring one tensioner and one terminal per cable run
var tensioners = cableRuns * numberOfSections;
var terminals = cableRuns * numberOfSections;
// Estimate number of posts
// Total end posts are where sections terminate. Each section has 2.
var totalEndPosts = numberOfSections * 2;
// Estimate intermediate posts. For each section, divide its length by spacing.
// We use total length as an approximation.
var totalPosts = Math.ceil(totalLinearFeet / postSpacing) + numberOfSections; // Add numSections to account for the "extra" post at the end of each section
var intermediatePosts = totalPosts – totalEndPosts;
if (intermediatePosts < 0) {
intermediatePosts = 0;
}
// Protector sleeves are needed for every hole in an intermediate post
var protectorSleeves = intermediatePosts * cableRuns;
var resultHTML = 'Cable Railing Material Calculator
Estimate the essential materials for your DIY cable railing project. This calculator helps you determine the required length of cable, number of fittings, and other key components based on your project's dimensions. Ensure you always consult local building codes before purchasing materials or starting your installation.
36″ (Standard Deck)
42″ (Commercial/Stairs)
How to Use the Cable Railing Calculator
To get an accurate estimate, you need four key pieces of information about your project:
- Total Railing Length (Feet): Measure the total linear distance your railing will cover. For a 'U' shaped deck, add the length of all three sides.
- Number of Straight Sections: A section is a continuous straight run of cable. A simple 40-foot straight deck is 1 section. If that deck has a 90-degree corner and continues for another 20 feet, it has 2 sections. Each section requires its own set of tensioning hardware.
- Post Height (Inches): This determines the number of cable runs. 36 inches is standard for residential decks, while 42 inches is often required for commercial properties or elevated surfaces.
- Spacing Between Posts (Feet): This is the distance from the center of one post to the center of the next. A spacing of 3 to 5 feet is typical to ensure proper cable tension and prevent excessive sag. We use this to estimate the number of intermediate posts.
Understanding Your Cable Railing Components
The calculator provides an estimate for the following essential parts:
- Cable: Typically 1/8″ or 3/16″ diameter stainless steel cable. Our calculation includes a 10% buffer for waste and tensioning slack.
- Cable Runs: The number of horizontal lines of cable. This is determined by the post height and a standard 3-inch spacing between cables to meet code requirements.
- Tensioner Fittings: These fittings attach to an end post and are used to tighten the cable to the required tension. You need one for each cable run per section.
- Terminal Fittings: These fittings anchor the other end of the cable to an end post. They can be simple swageless terminals or other non-tensioning ends. You need one for each cable run per section.
- Intermediate Posts: These are the posts located between your main end/corner posts. Their primary job is to support the cables and prevent sag.
- Protector Sleeves: When using wooden posts, these small stainless steel or plastic inserts are placed in the holes of intermediate posts to prevent the cable from chafing the wood.
Example Calculation
Let's imagine a rectangular deck that is 20 feet long and 10 feet wide, with railing on three sides.
- Total Railing Length: 20′ + 10′ + 20′ = 50 feet.
- Number of Straight Sections: This layout has two corners, creating 3 distinct straight sections.
- Post Height: We'll use a standard 36″ height.
- Post Spacing: We'll plan for 4 feet between posts.
Entering these values into the calculator will estimate the total cable needed (around 550 feet, including waste), the number of tensioners and terminals (30 of each, for 10 cable runs across 3 sections), and the number of intermediate posts and protector sleeves required to support the cables.
Important Installation Considerations
Post Material & Strength: End and corner posts bear the full tension of the cables (which can be hundreds of pounds). They must be structurally sound. A 4×4 wood post is a minimum, but metal posts or reinforced wood posts are often recommended, especially for longer runs.
Building Codes: Always check your local building codes. They dictate minimum railing height, maximum spacing between cables (typically a 4″ sphere cannot pass through), and post spacing requirements.
Maximum Run Length: A single run of cable should generally not exceed 50-70 feet to achieve proper tension without specialized hardware. For longer distances, you should terminate the run and start a new section with a double post.
Your Estimated Material List
'; resultHTML += '- ';
resultHTML += '
- Total Estimated Cable Needed: ' + Math.ceil(totalCableWithWaste).toLocaleString() + ' ft '; resultHTML += '
- Number of Horizontal Cable Runs: ' + cableRuns + ' '; resultHTML += '
- Required Tensioner Fittings: ' + tensioners + ' '; resultHTML += '
- Required Terminal Fittings: ' + terminals + ' '; resultHTML += '
- Estimated Intermediate Posts: ' + intermediatePosts + ' '; resultHTML += '
- Estimated Protector Sleeves (for wood posts): ' + protectorSleeves.toLocaleString() + ' '; resultHTML += '