Cable Railings in Vancouver – Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1

Are cable railings allowed by the BC Building Code in Vancouver?

Accepted Answer

Yes – cable railings can be designed to comply with the BC Building Code when they’re engineered and installed correctly. The key is that no opening in the guard should allow a 100 mm (4”) sphere to pass through under load, and the top rail and posts must meet guard height and strength requirements. We design and tension our cable systems specifically to respect these BC code performance rules for decks, balconies and stairs in Metro Vancouver.

Question 2

Where can I use cable railings around my home or project?

Accepted Answer

Cable railings work well on exterior decks, balconies, rooftop patios and some stair applications where you want a clean, open view. In Greater Vancouver we often use stainless cable systems for North Shore decks, Richmond rooftops and modern infill homes that face the ocean or green space. During design we review your layout, structure and local code requirements to confirm where cable infill is the right choice and when another guard style might be better.

Question 3

Do cable railings block the view from my deck or balcony?

Accepted Answer

One of the main advantages of cable railing is how little it blocks your sightlines. Slim stainless cables and posts keep the guard safe while letting you see through to mountain, city or water views. We pay attention to post spacing, cable pattern and handrail profile so the system still feels solid and code-compliant, but visually light. For most Vancouver decks and balconies, cable guards feel much more open than solid pickets or privacy panels.

Question 4

How do cable railings perform in Vancouver’s rainy, coastal climate?

Accepted Answer

Vancouver’s mix of rain, salt air and freeze–thaw cycles is hard on exterior metalwork, so we design cable railings with that in mind. We typically use marine-grade stainless cable and hardware, robust end fittings and posts that are detailed to shed water. On North Shore and coastal projects we also think about drainage, fastener choice and access for cleaning. With basic rinsing and periodic inspection of tension, a properly built cable system holds up very well in Metro Vancouver’s climate.

Question 5

What kind of maintenance do stainless cable railings need?

Accepted Answer

Cable railings are relatively low-maintenance, but they’re not zero-maintenance. For exterior projects in Greater Vancouver we recommend occasional rinsing to remove salt and dirt, a mild soap wash if needed, and a quick visual check that cables remain tight and hardware is secure. Stainless components may benefit from a light stainless cleaner or passivation over time, especially in coastal zones. As part of our handover we explain a simple maintenance routine so your railing keeps looking sharp and performing properly.

Question 6

Can you retrofit cable railings onto an existing deck or balcony?

Accepted Answer

In many cases we can retrofit cable railings onto an existing structure, but we always start by checking what’s there. The posts and framing have to be strong enough to handle cable tension and guard loads, and the layout needs to work with BC Building Code guard height and opening limits. On Vancouver-area retrofits we often reuse sound framing, upgrade posts and top rails, and then install new stainless cables. If your existing deck isn’t suitable, we’ll explain the options to reinforce or rebuild it.

Question 7

How is a custom cable railing from LOUEI Metal Arts different from a kit system?

Accepted Answer

Off-the-shelf kits are built to cover many generic conditions, while our cable railings are designed around your specific deck, balcony or stair in Greater Vancouver. We model the layout, post spacing and connection details, then fabricate in-house so welds, terminations and transitions are clean. That lets us balance three things at once: code compliance, view lines and long-term durability in our coastal climate. The result usually feels more solid, better integrated with your architecture, and easier to live with over time.

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Metro Vancouver & Lower Mainland

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