A two-level deck. A turning staircase. An open view of the garden. LOUEI Metal Arts delivered a matte black stainless-steel cable railing for Stuart's North Vancouver home, with approximately 47 linear feet in the revised project scope.
47 ft
revised scope
3D
design preview
July
completion confirmed
The design brought the upper deck, stair flights and landing together in one dark frame, with cable infill that keeps the backyard visible. Stuart reviewed the 3D design before choosing a stainless-steel frame in place of the original aluminum proposal.
The project ran from May to July 2026. Follow the homeowner's questions, material selection, design views and feedback on the finished railing below.
Project specifications
| Location | North Vancouver, BC |
|---|---|
| Client | Stuart — homeowner |
| Scope | Upper deck and exterior stairs — approximately 47 linear feet in the revised written scope |
| Layout | Horizontal cable deck railing with a turning staircase and mid-landing |
| Frame selection | Stainless steel; proposal specified 1½″ × 1½″ posts and a 1″ × 2″ top rail |
| Finish | Matte black powder coat |
| Mounting | Fascia-mounted posts, as shown in the installation photos |
| Design | 3D views and dimensioned corner and stair drawing excerpts |
| Timeline | May–July 2026; completion confirmed July 15 |
A deck worth looking out from
The upper deck overlooks a planted backyard. Cedar pergola posts and a glass canopy frame the space; the exterior staircase turns through a mid-landing before reaching the lawn. The railing needed to follow those changes in direction without making the deck feel closed in.
The visual goal was a dark frame that worked with the home's charcoal siding and cedar details, while keeping the garden visible through the railing. The installed photos show that relationship across the deck and stairs. Explore our cable railing design and installation service for similar layouts.
The three questions Stuart asked before signing
The next day after the May 19 quotation, Stuart asked three practical questions before making his decision:
- “How high are the railings, 42″?”Guard height was part of the discussion from the start. A proposed dimension still needs to be checked against the actual deck, stair geometry and applicable requirements.
- “What's the spacing between cables?”Cable spacing was discussed again during design. A requested spacing is not, on its own, proof of compliant clear openings or performance after installation.
- “Confirming they are fascia mounted posts?”The installation photos show fascia-mounted posts at the deck edge, leaving the top of the deck free of post base plates. Structure and connection details remain specific to each deck.
A measurement visit was arranged for May 23, and a further check of measurements and angles was requested on June 1 before fabrication. For the considerations behind mounting and cable layouts, see our top-mount vs fascia-mount guide and our deep dive on whether horizontal cable railing is legal in Vancouver.
From an aluminum quote to powder-coated stainless
The project was first quoted as a black powder-coated aluminum cable railing. Then Stuart saw the 3D design and asked the question that changed the build: what would it take to do the posts and top rail in stainless steel?
The stainless-steel proposal specified 1½″ × 1½″ posts and a 1″ × 2″ top rail. Stuart wanted stainless steel and a black finish: he confirmed that choice on May 28. The revised scope the following day recorded approximately 47 linear feet, including supply and installation. Learn more about our stainless steel railings for Metro Vancouver or explore the look of black cable railing for a deck or stair project.
“Let’s do all powder coated stainless.”
Modelled in 3D before any metal was cut
On May 28, LOUEI sent Stuart the 3D design. He responded positively that morning and asked about the stainless-steel upgrade. The views below show how the deck guard, stair flights and landing were brought together before fabrication.
“Design looks great !! Thanks”
Existing 3D design views for this project. These are design renderings, not installation photographs.
Working through the corner and stair geometry
The two drawing excerpts already published for this project show the transition from the level guard into the stair run, plus the angled top rail and cable positions. Sheet A-105 annotates the 144°, 126° and 36° angles. These are drawing values, not a claim that the installed geometry was independently measured.
Published drawing excerpts, not an as-built survey or inspection certificate.
| Item | Documented detail | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Frame members | 1½″ × 1½″ posts; 1″ × 2″ top rail | Written stainless-steel proposal |
| Corner transition | Level guard meets the stair run | Published drawing excerpt A-103 |
| Top-rail angles | 144°, 126° and 36° annotations | Published drawing excerpt A-105; design values, not site measurements |
| Installed layout | Deck edge, turning stair and landing | Existing completed-project photographs |
Project updates, a final follow-up, then completion
Stuart received project updates while the railing moved through fabrication. His June 5 reply to the project update was short and enthusiastic:
“Pretty slick, thanks Ash!”
The railing was reported ready on June 22, but that was not the end of the project. On July 8, Stuart asked when the last piece would be installed. LOUEI acknowledged a crew scheduling delay and proposed July 13 for the remaining piece. Completion was confirmed on July 15, followed by Stuart's positive feedback the same day.
The project timeline — May to July 2026
- 01
May 19–23 — Quote & questions
The initial quote proposed an aluminum frame. The next day, Stuart asked about guard height, cable spacing and fascia-mounted posts.
A measurement visit was arranged for May 23 so the deck and stair layout could be reviewed.
- 02
May 28–29 — Design & material choice
Stuart responded positively to the 3D design and chose stainless-steel posts and top rail with black powder coat.
The revised written scope recorded approximately 47 linear feet of railing, including supply and installation.
- 03
June 1–22 — Preparation & installation planning
A further measurement check was requested before fabrication. Project updates followed, and the June 8 correspondence confirmed that cutting was already complete.
On June 22, LOUEI reported the railing ready and arranged installation. Readiness and a scheduled visit are not the same as final completion.
- 04
July 8–15 — Remaining piece & completion
Stuart followed up about the last piece on July 8. LOUEI acknowledged a crew scheduling delay and proposed a July 13 installation visit for that piece.
On July 15, LOUEI confirmed that the railing was finished and installed. Stuart replied with thanks for the workmanship and permission to use the railing photos on the website.
The finished railing
Feedback from design to the finished railing
“Design looks great !! Thanks”
May 28 · On the 3D design
“Pretty slick, thanks Ash!”
June 5 · On a project update
“Really happy with how everything turned out! Huge thanks for the high quality workmanship !!”
July 15 · After completion
Quoted from project correspondence with the homeowner's first name only.
North Vancouver cable railing FAQ
How long did this North Vancouver cable railing project take?
The documented project ran from May to July 2026. The first quote was sent on May 19, the 3D design and stainless-steel selection were confirmed on May 28, and the railing was reported ready for installation on June 22. A remaining piece required a July follow-up; completion and the homeowner’s satisfaction were confirmed on July 15. This is this project’s history, not a promised lead time for another build.
Can I use this project’s dimensions for my own deck?
No. Guard height, cable openings, connections and mounting details need to be assessed for your own deck, stairs and applicable requirements. The drawing excerpts here show this project’s design geometry; they are not a standard detail to copy or an inspection certificate for the installed railing.
Why choose powder-coated stainless steel instead of bare stainless or aluminum?
For this project, Stuart chose stainless-steel posts and a stainless-steel top rail while keeping the black powder-coated appearance. The original quote had proposed an aluminum frame. The final choice combined his preferred frame material with the dark finish he wanted for the house and deck.
Are fascia-mounted posts better than top-mounted posts for a deck like this?
The installed photos show posts mounted to the vertical deck edge rather than base plates sitting on the deck surface. Whether that approach suits another deck depends on its structure, edge condition and connection design. It should not be treated as a universal waterproofing solution.
Start with your deck or stair project
We fabricate and install custom railings in North Vancouver and across Metro Vancouver. Tell us what you are planning and share photos or drawings if you have them. For work in Vancouver itself, explore our Vancouver custom railing team service. If cable is on your shortlist, our guide to cable tension and sag explains the maintenance questions worth asking before choosing a system.
Prefer a conversation? Contact LOUEI Metal Arts.