DIY Network

Cable Stairway: Putting the Rail Framing Up From "Weekend Handyman" episode WKH-310

	In this week's episode of Weekend Handyman, host Paul Ryan will show you how to take out a knee wall (seen here), repair the damaged floor and wall and ...
	then install an extremely urban style cable-and-rail system that will ...
	keep the space open ...
	and give a fun, contemporary look to the home!

Time: 14 hours over two days.
Difficulty Rating: This project rates a 4 out of 5 on the Weekend Handyman difficulty scale.

Materials:

For Demolition of the Knee Wall --

Hammer
Nail set
Pry bar
2 x 4
Level
Pencil
Reciprocating saw
Pliers
Screw gun
Safety glasses
Gloves

For Patching the Wall and Floor --

Screw gun
3" deck screws
Pin nailer
Reciprocating saw
Wood chisel
Drywall
1-1/2" drywall screws
Joint compound

For Installing Metal Framework --

Fabricated metal railing frame
Cordless drill
Screw gun
Tape measure

For Attaching Cables --

Stainless steel cables and hardware
Phillips screwdriver
Tape measure
Cable cutter
Hand crimper
Padded vice grip
Tension gauge

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Installing Metal Framework

Note: This was not a one-stop shopping experience to put this unique stairway together. The stainless steel cable and turnbuckles were purchased from one company and the frame was fabricated at another company (see Resources, below, for details on the products). The homeowner went with a metal frame, and once our host, Paul Ryan, came up with the dimensions the fabricator made a cad drawing (figure A), got approval from the homeowners and fabricated the frame.

Safety Alert: Any time you put up a stair-rail system, there are safety and code considerations. Be sure to talk with a professional before installation begins to make sure all safety codes will be met.

1. Put the railing frame in place and measure to ensure it's centered and plumb.

2. Mark for holes and then pre-drill the pilot holes and finally secure the frame to the wall and floor with 3" stainless steel screws (figure B).

In the final segment the cables and fasteners are attached.

Figure A

Figure B

RESOURCES :

Linders Abrasive Belt Copper and Custom Metal Fabricating
Brand name: Linders Specialty
Where available: Visit the Linders Specialty website, link below.
Linders Specialty Co., Inc.
432 Atwater St.
Saint Paul, MN 55117
Toll-free: 800-441-0152
Fax: 651-488-1883
Website: www.lscmetalfab.com

Appliance Epoxy (Rust-Oleum)
Brand name: RUST-OLEUM Specialty
Model #: 7887-830
Where available: Visit the Rust-Oleum website, link below, or the www.paintideas.com site.
Rust-Oleum Corp.
Website: www.rustoleum.com

Hardware and Tools (Johnson Architectural Hardware)
3/16" Jaw Smooth Line Turnbuckkle Hand Crimp (Model #: 27-715)
3/16" Toggle Jaw Hand Crimp (Model #: 27-415)
3/16" Stainless Steel Cable -- 1 x 19, 250' spool
Hand Crimp Installation Tool (Model #: 53-215)
FELCO Cable Cutter (Model #: 53-220) Color for all: Stainless steel
Where available: Visit the Johnson Architectural Hardware website, link below.
Johnson Architectural Hardware
PO Box L
East Haddam, CT 06423
Phone: 860-873-8697
Toll-free: 800-874-7455
Fax: 860-873-8589
Website: www.csjohnson.com

GUESTS :

Shane Kretsinger
Vice President, Operations
Autumn River
We apologize no contact information is available.

Vincent Linders
President
Linders Specialty Company
432 Atwater St.
St. Paul, MN 55117
Phone: 651-488-0528

Curt Johnson
President
Johnson Architectural Hardware
PO Box L
East Haddam, CT 06423
Phone: 860-873-8589