Views are a big deal here along the Wasatch Front. If you’ve got a deck in Salt Lake, Davis, or Utah County, you probably want the mountains and sunsets—without bulky Railing in the way. That’s where RailFX comes in. It looks clean and modern, it holds up to snow and sun, and it keeps you and your crew safe. At Utah Deck Supply, we stock RailFX and help both homeowners and contractors get projects across the finish line—fast and tidy.
Why RailFX hits that sweet spot
Cable railing can look delicate. It isn’t. RailFX blends slim sightlines with real strength, so you get both the view and the performance. The system uses Aluminum posts and rails with marine-grade stainless Steel cable. Hardware tucks away cleanly, so you don’t see a mess of fittings. You see straight lines and a clear horizon.
It’s flexible, too. Residential heights at 36 inches? Covered. Need 42 inches for a commercial space or a tall second-story balcony? Also covered. Everything is engineered to meet code when installed right. And the posts can be surface-mounted or fascia-mounted, which helps you claim a little more deck space when you need it.
Colors aren’t an afterthought. Matte black is a favorite in Daybreak and Draper for that modern farmhouse feel. Bronze warms up a cabin look in Alpine or Bountiful. White frames a lake view without shouting. Silver plays nice with contemporary stucco and glass. It’s style that doesn’t fight the house.
Built for Utah weather (and the view)
Winter is no joke here. Neither is UV at our elevation. RailFX posts and rails are made from Structural 6000‑series aluminum with a tough AAMA 2604 powder-coat finish. That means color that stays put—less chalking, less fading, less headache. The cables are 316 stainless steel, the same grade used on boats, which means they shrug off snow, slush, and spring storms.
Freeze-thaw cycles? The system holds tight when temps swing. The hardware is designed for repeatable tension, so panels don’t sag. And because it’s aluminum and stainless, you skip the rot and splinters you’d get with wood. Wash it with mild soap once in a while, and call it good.
Here’s the thing: cable spacing matters if you want that safe “kid test.” RailFX layouts keep cables tight and close enough so a 4-inch sphere can’t pass through when it’s built to spec. That’s code, but it’s also peace of mind when a snowball fight breaks out on the deck.
DIY-friendly, contractor-ready
If you like building things yourself, RailFX won’t punish you. Posts come pre-engineered, and field trimming is straightforward. Brackets line up cleanly. Cables feed through without a wrestling match. You’ll want a good level, a torque or tension gauge, and quality cable cutters. We can set you up with all of it—and yes, we offer tool rental for cable cutters if you only need them for the weekend.
For contractors, the system speeds up installs. Pre-drilled layouts keep spacing consistent. Stair solutions handle odd angles without a fabrication shop on speed dial. Fewer steps in the field mean fewer chances to miss something, which means fewer callbacks. You know what? That also means happier homeowners and tighter schedules.
At Utah Deck Supply, we handle takeoffs, color matching, and deliveries across Salt Lake, Davis, and Utah Counties. Need a Friday pickup for a Saturday build? Tell us. We get it.
Style choices that play nice with your home
RailFX doesn’t lock you into a single look. Prefer a chunky top rail you can actually set a mug on? Choose a flat rectangular profile. Want something smooth and continuous? Go round for an easy-grip rail. If you love the warmth of wood, pair the system with a Cedar or hardwood top cap. Metal below, wood above—clean, classic, and a little custom without going overboard.
Mounting styles matter more than people think. Fascia mounting keeps the deck surface wide open and visually light. Surface mounting is simple and strong, especially on composite or wood-framed decks with solid blocking. We’ll help you choose based on framing, waterproofing needs, and the look you want.
Installation snapshot (without the fluff)
Let me explain the flow. Layout drives everything. Mark post locations, check for framing below, and confirm your run lengths with a tape you trust. Add solid blocking where needed—especially at corners and stairs. Once posts are solid, rails go on, then cable runs.
- Keep post spacing at or under 6 feet for a crisp, tight run.
- Run cables from one end and tension as you go, bottom to top or top to bottom—just be consistent.
- Alternate tensioning so posts don’t pull out of plumb.
- Check deflection as you tension. It should be snug without bowing posts.
Stairs can look scary; they’re not. Adjustable fittings handle typical pitches. Keep that “4-inch triangle” at tread, riser, and bottom rail in mind—that’s an inspector favorite. And please don’t over-tension. It’s tempting. You’ll thank yourself later when everything stays straight through a hot July and a cold January.
Final pass? Trim cable ends clean, cap hardware, and give the system a wash. It’s oddly satisfying.
What it costs—and what it saves you
Numbers help with planning. Material costs for aluminum cable railing usually land in the $85–$140 per linear foot range, depending on height, mounting style, and finish. Installed by a contractor, many projects land between $150–$250 per linear foot in our market, again depending on stairs and site details. If your deck has complex angles, expect the higher end; a straight run with a single stair can be more friendly.
Here’s the quiet win: low maintenance. No staining. No replacing spindles. No rust cleanup. Over a few seasons, that adds up. RailFX also carries strong manufacturer warranties on the aluminum finish and components. So you pay once, then enjoy the view.
Code and safety: the quick version
Most homes in Salt Lake, Davis, and Utah Counties follow the IRC. That means a 36-inch guard height on decks more than 30 inches above grade. Commercial and some multifamily spaces follow the IBC at 42 inches. Openings can’t allow a 4-inch sphere to pass. On stairs, watch the triangle at the bottom of the rail—it can’t allow a 6-inch sphere. And rails need to resist load (inspectors often reference a 200-pound point load at the top rail).
All that sounds stiff, but it’s straightforward. RailFX systems meet code when installed per instructions. If you’re unsure, bring your plans in or call your local AHJ. We’ll help bridge the gap so your inspection is a non-event.
Questions we hear at the counter
Will the cables stretch? A little, right after install. Plan a quick re-tension after the first season. Then they settle in.
What about “tea staining” on stainless? It’s rare here, but near pools or where road salt travels on shoes, you might see a light film. A stainless-safe cleaner takes care of it.
Can kids climb it? Any horizontal rail system can be climbed—so can chairs and planters. If you’re worried, we can talk about spacing or add vertical accents at key spots. Honest answer, tailored setup.
Snow shovels and cable railing—friends or foes? Use a plastic shovel edge and you’re fine. Metal blades can scratch aluminum posts on a rushed morning. Ask us about touch-up kits if life happens.
Do I need special tools? Not many. Level, drill/driver, bits for your anchors, good cutters, and a tension tool. We’ll kit you out, no fuss.
A local note: make the most of your view
RailFX shines in places like Herriman with long valley views, Bountiful’s east bench sunrises, and Saratoga Springs evenings over the lake. Cable railing pulls the horizon right into your living space. It’s subtle, but you feel it every single day. That’s why so many homeowners switch from chunky pickets to RailFX when they rebuild a deck—they want the air and the light back.
Ready to build? Utah Deck Supply can help
Whether you’re a weekend builder or a full-time installer, we’ll help you design, quote, and get RailFX on site—correct, complete, and on time. Call us at 385-993-5492 or Request a Free Quote. Tell us what you’re building, what you want it to feel like, and when you want to start. We’ll handle the rest so you can enjoy the view.
