Blog Archives : 2024

Elevate Your Entrance with a Modern Staircase

Open floating staircase allows natural light through the spindles in a home entrance.
March 10th, 2024 Keuka Studios Editorial Team
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Crafting an exquisite entrance staircase requires a combination of artistry, functionality, and engineering. Your home’s entry staircase is more than just a means to transition between floors, it is also a statement of your personality and style. By blending elements like glass, cable, metal, stone, or wood you can create a variety of staircase styles including modern, contemporary, minimalist, rustic, and formal.

A well-designed staircase not only facilitates vertical movement but also optimizes space utilization. The ergonomics of the staircase, including the rise and tread dimensions, handrail placement, and overall layout, play a pivotal role in ensuring user comfort and safety.

Regardless of whether the staircase adopts a curved, spiral, straight, bifurcated, or multi-level configuration, it must intricately interact with the architectural framework of the building to provide the necessary support for the stairs. As stair builders, we consider your unique existing site requirements during our design process.

Explore several staircases designed and fabricated by Keuka Studios for your next project.

Entrance staircase located in an open concept home that curves from the front door to the upper level. Adorned with cable railings and wood treads.

Open Concept Curved Foyer Stair

The objective of this home remodel was to eliminate the traditional closed-in stairwell by implementing a gracefully curved mono-stringer staircase. We creatively designed and fabricated the curving mono-stringer staircase to be complemented by our cable railing system creating an open spacious atmosphere with light flowing throughout.

The result is an entrance with a minimalist and sophisticated ambiance.

Grand entrance bifurcated staircase that leads to both ends of the upper level living space.

Grand Entrance Split Staircase

This home’s architecture showcases a contemporary central entrance with a split staircase that provides access to the living spaces situated at opposite ends of the home’s second story and the open great room. We built this mono-stringer staircase with our curved Keuka-style cable railing system. The metal stringers and railings complement the exposed structural steel while the thick White Oak treads and handrails add some warmth to the design.

Framed staircase cable railing in the entrance of a modern rustic home.

Refined and Rustic

A Blend of natural and rustic materials with a refined finish creates an inviting ambiance in this home’s entry. The knotty wood floors strike a pleasing balance with the hardwood door and ribboned wood stairs. Keuka Studios fabricated a surface-mounted framed cable railing system that complements the wood staircase as it wraps its way up the stairs.

Framed glass railing wraps the staircase and balcony of a modern home entry.

Modern Minimalist Entry Stair with Glass Railing

Sleek and minimalist, this staircase features slim metal framed glass railing posts and a wooden handrail that gracefully wraps along the stairs and across the balcony. The handrail creates a cascading effect from the top to the bottom of the stairs. The railing posts are ultra-thin and surface-mounted on the thick white oak wood treads. All of the hardware is completely concealed creating a seamless aesthetic.

Grand foyer with symetry, elegance and a center staircase.

Contemporary and Formal Grand Entry

A contemporary home entry features a central staircase. Combining the glamour of glass with symmetry in the architectural design and interior decor. This magnificent foyer combines high ceilings and architectural details creating a modern, refined, and stylish entry. The client requested that the floating stair and railing posts be finished in a color that looks like copper to accent the interior decor.

Modern and artistic vestibule with simple lines and artistic furniture

Modern and Artistic Vestibule

In the seamless fusion of clean lines and simplicity, an artistic and creative ambiance is meticulously crafted. The entrance exudes a captivating sense of symmetry, accentuated by the front door and cable railing system that come together in an aesthetically pleasing harmony. The design narrative unfolds with an exquisite interplay of bold patterns and meticulously crafted artistic furniture, serving to elevate the space.

The cable railing is our Ithaca style with black cables and fittings.

Elegant stair with travertine stone and glass railing.

Elegant Stone and Glass Entrance Stairs

The travertine stone seamlessly conceals the steel support structure of the staircase. Furthermore, a glass railing with hidden hardware enhances the illusion of the staircase appearing to float.

We custom-built the steel support structure to accommodate the stone and glass.

This design results in a contemporary and artistic home entrance characterized by sleek lines.

Grand foyer wtih polished wood floors, mon stringer stair and cable railings.

Formal and Refined Foyer

This formal foyer exudes a warm and welcoming ambiance. Featuring polished Brazilian cherry floors that harmonize with the stair treads and handrails. The high ceilings introduce architectural intrigue as one steps into the home. The open staircase and cable railing allow natural daylight to stream through the windows bathing the two-story foyer in a luminous glow.

Modern floating staircase with spindle railings in grand entrance of moder home.

Modern and Simple Spindle Style

The entrance staircase gracefully juxtaposes against the pristine white walls, creating a stunning visual contrast and an open, inviting atmosphere. The minimalist stair design with clean and uncluttered lines was achieved through meticulous engineering and attention to detail. Clever solutions were implemented to make sure the stairs and railings flowed elegantly like a ribbon while discreetly concealing the hardware.

If you like this blog you may also like these:

Zig Zag stair stringers with LED lighting and stainless steel cable railing
Custom Stair Designs
Floating stairs with spindle railings
Stair and Railing Design Ideas
Floating stair and landing with cable railings and wood treads located adjacent to a large window
Popular Floating Stair Styles

At Keuka Studios, we custom fabricate residential and commercial stairs and railings to fit your style, space, and requirements. To learn more about how each railing project moves from vision to reality, take a look at our custom railing design process. We take pride in building premium craftsman-quality and commercial-grade cable railings for interior and exterior applications. Contact us to get your project started.

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Inspiring Hamptons Stair and Railing Projects

Living room with modern floating spindle stairs and window wall
October 10th, 2023 Keuka Studios Editorial Team
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Modern stairs and railings crafted for Homes in the Hamptons

The Hamptons located on Long Island is made up of a variety of beach towns and award-winning vineyards with a rural atmosphere, and historic charm. Widely known as an exclusive summer destination to escape from the city, and viewed as a summer playground, or a place to relax and enjoy the pristine waters. The architecture of the area boasts a variety of charming homes from traditional colonial styles to modern mansions. We have designed and fabricated a variety of stairs and railings for homes in the Hamptons.

These projects will inspire your next renovation or new build. See something you like? Contact us for a quote.

East Hampton

Floating Spindle Stair and Railing Project

Quarter turn stairs and railing project with pencils spindles

A work of art this floating staircase flows elegantly between floors with a continuous oak handrail. The steel stringers appear as if they float in thin air, and each spindle is perfectly placed. This streamlined railing is constructed of powder-coated steel with thick white oak treads and handrails.

Floating stairs with pencil railings.

Placed directly in front of a two-story window the vertical lines of the staircase balustrade blend beautifully with the modern aesthetic of this cube-style home.

Deck Cable Railing System

Deck Cable Rail System made with slim posts on modern beach house

This beach house was designed with a low profile, and clean lines to sit in harmony with the natural surroundings. The Ithaca Style cable railing system was chosen for this project since it perfectly complements the simplistic lines of this modern beach house. The posts and top rail are made of matte black powder-coated aluminum. The cable railing system is custom-made to transition along the deck, second-story decks, and stairs up to the crow’s nest.

Bridgehampton

Black Cable Railings

Timber frame structure with floating staircase and cable railings in center of home.

A truly unique stairwell design combines rustic and refined elements in this modern farmhouse. The reclaimed wooden beams add a weathered texture, contrasting with the smooth white oak treads and handrails. The cable railing is made with black cables and fittings. The Ithaca Style railing posts are a custom powder-coat color to match the home’s window trim.

Modern farm house with black cable railing system on floating stairs and balcony.

Striking in its simplicity the slim straight balusters and linear design of the railings accent the home’s neutral pallet.

Stainless Cable Railing

Covered master bedroom deck with stainless steel cable railing system and gray posts overlooking pool area.

The crisp clean lines of the master bedroom balcony railing with thin railing posts provide the required functionality while seeming to disappear from the view. The cable ends are attached to the home’s structure with our unique fittings eliminating the requirement for additional posts. The same railing style is used for the interior and exterior creating synergy in the design of the indoor and outdoor spaces.

Westhampton

Floating Stairs and Landings with Cable Railings

Open dining room with large windows and floating stairs.

This Westhampton residence was meticulously planned to feature spacious, interconnected rooms with a seamless flow and plenty of natural light. Therefore, they chose an open stair design that includes floating stairs and landings with open risers and the Ithaca Style cable railings.

Montauk

Exterior Stair and Balcony Cable Railings

Cable railings for entrance stairs and upper level balcony.

The design objective of this modern home with floor-to-ceiling windows and a distinctive wide main entry stair was to maintain the open views. Cable railings were chosen to ascend the stairs and wrap the porch and balcony. The Ithaca Style railing is made with thin posts and a wood top rail which maximizes the views.

Glass Interior Stair Railings

Glass railing balustrade on floating stairs.

A free-standing modern straight staircase with glass railing balustrades and metal posts gives this railing a transparent appearance. Placed adjacent to the window it seamlessly brings the outdoors, indoors and allows for streaming sunlight throughout. The posts include escutcheon plates to hide the mounting hardware. The glass balustrade is mounted to the posts with stainless steel clamps.

If you liked these ideas, see the links below for more ideas!

Cable Railing system on deck as seen from the home looking toward the water
6 Deck Styles with Cable Railings
New jersey Cable Railing and Stairs
Beach House Cable Railings
Floating Stair Ideas

At Keuka Studios, we custom fabricate residential and commercial stairs and railings to fit your style, space, and requirements. To learn more about how each cable railing project moves from vision to reality. Take a look at our custom railing design process. We take pride in building craftsman-quality and commercial-grade stairs and railings for interior and exterior applications. Contact us to get started on your project.

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6 Popular Cable Railing Color Options

May 26th, 2022 Keuka Studios Editorial Team
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At Keuka Studios, we provide endless options for cable railing customization. We offer five signature railing post styles and an array of post and top rail materials. Once you’ve selected the design of your railing system and your desired materials, you can also choose your finish. If you opt for a powder coat, you can select one of our standard colors or a customized shade.

When choosing a powder coat for your cable railing system, you should consider a few important factors. You can read more about these considerations here. If you need some design inspiration, take a look at our six most popular cable railing color options: “Raven Black,” “Sparkle Silver,” “Dazzling Pewter,” “Oil-Rubbed Bronze,” and “Gamblers Gun Grey”, and “Texture White”.

1. “Raven Black”

With both interior and exterior applications, many of our clients pick a classic black powder coat for their cable railing system. Our “Raven Black” option matches virtually any natural setting, interior design scheme, and top rail material. In the photo below, the railing features black powder-coated steel posts paired with a maple wood top rail. The dark railing posts create a striking contrast with the home’s white walls and Douglas fir exposed beams.

Interior cable railing and double stringer staircase and maple treads. The cable railing post and stringer color is Raven Black.

2. “Sparkle Silver” Powder Coat

If you’re looking for a cable railing system with a modern edge, consider the “Sparkle Silver” shade. This lustrous, soft silver powder coat adds a reflective and metallic look to any railing and mimics the look of stainless steel without the added cost. The owner of this luxurious home chose a “Sparkle Silver” powder coat for their steel Chicago Style cable railing system. Both the silver posts and light wood top rail contribute to the sleek monochromatic aesthetic of the home exterior.

Modern railing system on rooftop deck with the cable railing color sparkle silver

3. “Dazzling Pewter” Cable Railing Color

“Dazzling Pewter” is a matt dark grey shade with a slight sandpaper-like texture for a more industrial feel. The rustic barn pictured below features a floating staircase and cable railing system with “Dazzling Pewter” powder-coated stair stringers and railing posts. The color contrasts nicely with the antique Oak treads and handrail without being overpowering.

Interior of rustic party barn showcasing stairs in a channel style with cable railing post color dazzling pewter.

4. Cable Railing Color Option: “Gamblers Gun Grey”

“Gamblers Gun Grey” also has a metallic look but a more muted appearance than “Dazzling Pewter.” This powder coat shade is particularly popular among clients who have contemporary taste and want a cable railing system that harmoniously melds with its surroundings. Our clients in Martha’s Vineyard chose “Gamblers Gun Grey” powder-coated aluminum posts and a white oak top rail for their rooftop deck cable railing system.

Modern rooftop deck with view of the water in Martha's Vineyard and cable railing post color Gamblers Gun Grey

5. “Oil-Rubbed Bronze”

The “Oil-Rubbed Bronze” cable railing color option is particularly popular for exterior applications. The deep brown shade has a natural look that seamlessly blends with natural landscapes. For example, Keuka Studios designed and crafted this cable railing for the observation deck at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. The “Oil-Rubbed Bronze” powder-coated aluminum posts and top rail complement rather than distract from the sprawling natural scenery.

Expansive view of the river beyond can be seen from this observation deck with cable railing post color oil rubbed bronze.

6. “Texture White”

White powder-coated railings have a clean, simple, and sophisticated look. Many of our clients in coastal areas who want to achieve a nautical aesthetic opt for a white powder coat. Keuka Studios crafted the cable railing system shown below for a hotel lobby that was designed to resemble a ship deck. The railing features steel posts, a teak wood top rail, and stainless steel infill cables.

Hotel lobby relaxing area iwth texture white cable railings posts.

Close Up of Color Chips

An image of the 6 colors is shown below to help you visualize your projects. Since monitors display colors differently these color chips are available upon request for Keuka Studios projects.
Contact us at 585-487-6148

Six metal color chips with showing the popular cable railing colors up close.

Don’t see the cable railing color that’s perfect for your project? While these are our most popular powder coat options, we offer a much larger selection than what’s shown above. If you don’t see exactly what you’re looking for in our cable railing gallery, contact us and ask about powder coat color customization.

If you found this helpful, you may also like:

An Ithaca style cable deck railing on this upper level deck.
5 Considerations for Choosing Railing Color
Zig Zag steel stringer stairs with wood treads
Powder Coating Steel and Aluminum
Open living space showing kitchen, living room and entry with center entry curved floating stairs
10 Cable Railing Interior Design Ideas

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Screen Porch Cable Guardrail Solutions

Cable guard on screen porch.
May 23rd, 2021 Keuka Studios Editorial Team
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Adding a screen porch to your home extends your outdoor living lifestyle. Whether your screen porch is used as a dining porch, sleeping porch or just to relax. It allows you to enjoy the fresh air and outside environment without dealing with unwanted bugs and critters.

When deciding on your screen porch design, it is important to understand the building codes in your municipality. Typically, a guardrail is required for an elevated porch of 30 inches or more above ground level. In addition, if the screens extend to within 24 inches of the floor or walking surface, a guard rail is required. Cable guardrails add an extra level of safety to the screens, especially for toddlers and pets that could push through a screen. A cable guardrail maintains the open airy feel while preserving your view and providing an added level of safety protection. Residential guardrail requirements that do not act as handrails are required to be a minimum height of 36 inches.

There are a number of ways to add a cable guardrail to your screen porch while maintaining your view. They include adding it to the outside of your screen porch, to the inside, or using cables lagged into the wood columns. See some unique approaches below.

What is a Screen Porch Cable Guardrail?

A guardrail made with cable or wire rope that wraps the screen of the porch from the walking surface to a height of 36 inches or more. The guardrail must adhere to required safety codes, and provides a barrier from falls through the screen.

Screen Porch with Exterior Cable Guardrail

Raised Deck and screen porch with cable guardrail

The cable railing guardrail for this home was made to complement the architecture and wrap the outside of the porch. The exterior of this home marries a variety of materials including wood, steel, and stone, with modern crisp architectural lines. The desire to enjoy the outdoors and extend the season led to designing a variety of multi-purpose exterior spaces. The covered screen porch was added to this home’s design to provide a functional space that could be used year-round.

The home’s floor plan was designed to easily transition from the interior to the screen porch that overlooks a beautiful pool and golf course. The cable guardrail wraps the exterior of the screen porch and matches the deck and stair railings creating symmetry across the facade. We fabricated this railing in our Ithaca style with an aluminum top rail and powder-coated it oil-rubbed bronze.

Screened Sun Porch with Interior Cable Guardrail

Sun room with guard rail on windows screens

A coastal sunroom is a great place to relax and take in the beach views while enjoying the ocean breeze. With floor-to-ceiling screens, this project required the addition of a guardrail. To maintain the views the owners chose our Ithaca Style cable railing system. We fabricated the cable railing posts to fit in-between the interior of the home’s screened window columns. The posts are anodized aluminum, with the addition of escutcheon plates to cover the hardware and create a more refined look. The cables and fittings are made of 316 stainless steel. To maintain consistency the same cable railing system is used on the exterior deck and boardwalk.

Cable Guardrail Attached to Porch Columns

Screen Porch with floor to ceiling window and cable guardrail

This cable guardrail protrudes through then lags into the existing wood columns, so it does not require additional posts. Living near the forest is a wonderful place to enjoy the serene tranquility of nature. Since the objective was to bring the natural outdoor environment closer to the living space, a screen porch was a perfect choice. To maintain a minimal aesthetic and implement the required guardrail this customer chose a cable lag system. Our unique cable railing fittings are available with lag hardware that screw directly into the wood columns. The deck railings on the exterior of the home feature our curved Keuka Style cable railing system.

At Keuka Studios, we custom fabricate residential and commercial stairs and railings to fit your style, space, and requirements. To learn more about how each cable railing project moves from vision to reality. Take a look at our custom railing design process. We take pride in building craftsman-quality and commercial-grade stairs and railings for interior and exterior applications. Contact us to get started on your project.

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Rooftop Deck Cable Railing

Contemporary Martha's Vineyard summer home with complete cable railing system
January 26th, 2021 Keuka Studios Editorial Team
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Whether you live oceanside, in a bustling city, deep in the woods, or at the peak of a mountain, the best way to achieve a 360-degree view from your home is with a rooftop cable railing deck. Cable railing is nearly transparent and has a modern aesthetic. If you have a flat rooftop, you can utilize cable railing and turn your roof into the ultimate outdoor living space. A rooftop deck makes a great addition to your home or business.

Why Cable Railing?

What’s the point of a rooftop deck if the required railing blocks the view? Cable railing solves this dilemma. At Keuka Studios, we design railings with 1/8-inch or 3/16-inch diameter stainless steel cable infill that blend right in with their surroundings and are easy for the eye to ignore. When it comes to railing post design, our Ithaca Style railings, in particular, pose minimal interference to your panoramic views.

Another option is our Keuka Style post with its curved form that adds an artistic feel as it beautifully wraps a curved or rectangular roof top. Our railing posts paired with a flat top rail allow for an unimpeded view of your surrounding cityscape, landscape, or waterfront.

Need Ideas for Your Rooftop Deck?

Now that you’ve decided on cable railing for your rooftop deck, you might need a little inspiration for how to make the most of your new space. Rooftop decks are perfect for lounge areas, dining areas, outdoor kitchen, bars, gardens, and even pools.

1. Martha’s Vineyard, MA – Modern Rooftop Lounge

View of ocean from Martha's Vineyard rooftop deck

2. Huson, MT – Garage Rooftop Railing System

Deck railing over a garage.

3. Portsmouth, NH – Apartment Complex Recreational Rooftop

Apartment Complex Recreational Rooftop

4. Sea Bright, NJ – Oceanfront Rooftop Deck

New jersey Cable Railing and Stairs

5. Danbury, CT – Modern Rooftop Deck

Roof top deck cable railing over glass porch on cube style home.

At Keuka Studios, we take pride in building craftsman-quality residential and commercial-grade cable railing systems. Every Keuka Studios custom railing is built specifically for your space. As a result, our products fit perfectly with your home or business’ existing architecture, both in terms of structure and style. To learn more about how each project moves from vision to reality, take a look at our custom railing design process.

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7 Mountain View Cable Railing Decks

December 21st, 2020 Keuka Studios Editorial Team
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A home tucked away in the mountains that overlook vast forests and valleys is any nature lover’s dream. With an organic mountain vista all around you, the architecture of your home shouldn’t stand in the way of the view. Rather, it should enhance it. By installing cable railing on your deck or patio, your mountain home can have both a modern design and a natural, unobstructed view.

Keuka Studios has created cable railing systems for homes in mountain ranges across the U.S. To name a few, we’ve designed railings for clients in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, the Rocky Mountains of Montana, and the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts. Also, we’ve designed railings for clients in Canada. For example, we crafted a custom railing for a client in the Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia. All of our railing systems arrive at their destination ready for assembly.

If you need design ideas for your future railing system, take a look at these cable railings we’ve crafted to help maximize aerial views.

Mountain View Cable Railing Inspiration

Timber deck with cable railing

1. The Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina

Located near Biltmore Lake, this mountain home with a large timber frame incorporates Keuka Studios Ithaca Style railing. The railing has “Raven Black” powder-coated steel posts and a Brazilian walnut top rail.

San Francisco deck with dining table and cable railing

2. San Francisco, California

For our client in San Francisco, we designed a cable railing that preserves this amazing overlook. When they dine on the deck, the homeowners have a panoramic vista of the whole city. The railing features a wood top rail and steel posts powder-coated in “Raven Black.”

Close up of silver powder-coated post and aluminum top rail

3. Bear Mountain, California

Keuka Studios designed cable railing for a California home that looks out on Big Bear Lake. This home near the popular Bear Mountain ski resort features a concrete curved deck with our Keuka Style cable railing. The photo below is a close up of the railing’s “Silver Vein” powder-coated steel posts and matching aluminum top rail.

 

Slate deck with cable railing

4. Soquel, California

Our Ithaca Style cable railing preserves the view from this slate deck overlooking a California hillside. The railing features “Dazzling Pewter” powder-coated steel posts that match perfectly with the slate. In order to create contrast, the homeowner chose Brazilian Walnut (IPE) for the wood top rail.

Keuka Studios cable railing on deck that faces snowy Vermont mountain

5. Central Vermont

Located near one of central Vermont’s majestic ski mountains this modern craftsman chalet has our Kauai Style cable railings on the interior and exterior.  The vision for this deck was to have a place to entertain and enjoy a drink and the view after a fun day of skiing. So we integrated an aluminum shelf into the deck railing.

Deck Railing with mountain view

6. Carson Range, Nevada

Located in Clear Creek near the eastern slope of the Carson Range this home is surrounded by millions of acres of forest. The dramatic mountainside setting creates a perfect mountain retreat. Since the objective of the project was to maintain the view, our curved Keuka Style cable railing was chosen to complement the architecture, steel channel structure, and curved rooflines of the home.

Expansive modern dining room with views of Lake Tahoe through the Keuka curved wire rope railings.

7. Sierra Nevadas

For our client’s home in South Lake Tahoe, we crafted a cable railing system that allows for magnificent views of the Sierra Nevadas. Whether relaxing by the fire or dining with friends and family the cable railing system allows for clear lake and mountain views. Solanna Design envisioned our curved Keuka Style cable railing system wrapping the exterior decks, stairs, and pool that perfectly complemented the architecture of the home.

At Keuka Studios, we custom fabricate residential and commercial stairs and railings to fit your style, space, and requirements. To learn more about how each cable railing project moves from vision to reality. Take a look at our custom railing design process. We take pride in building craftsman-quality and commercial-grade stairs and railings for interior and exterior applications. Contact us to get started on your project.

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5 Considerations For Choosing Railing Color

Cable railing image in the evening light.
December 19th, 2020 Keuka Studios Editorial Team
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Part of planning your outdoor deck project is thinking about what the railing color should be. This can be perplexing or lots of fun! Your home color is a personal choice, and your railing color will be a personal choice too.

Here are some things to consider when selecting your cable railing colors.

Which is more important to you?

Is it the look of your deck and railing from the outside of your house, or how it will look from the inside of your house?

deck railing color from inside and outside
Looking at the home from the outside vs. from indoors.

Which railing color will best blend in with your view? 

Dark colors generally blend in better with a forest view and stand out against a water view. Lighter colors blend in better with ocean and lake views.

deck railing with forest view railing color blends in
Notice how the dark color of the railing posts blends in with the trees.
cable railing color on deck with water front view
Light-colored posts blend in with the water view.

What type of experience do you want while enjoying your deck?

One way to think about railing color is to establish a theme for your deck space. Should your space provoke a specific feeling or mood? Do you want it to feel Zen-like, nautical, rustic, or modern?

More passive or neutral colors can give a soothing Zen-like feeling to your outdoor space. Silvers, whites, and stainless steel can look more nautical or modern. Browns and greens can feel more rustic and blend in better with a backyard garden space.

Did you know light conditions can greatly affect the appearance of railing color?

It is important to look at color samples in the area where they will be used. Whether you’re planning an outdoor deck railing project or an indoor staircase, look at color samples in natural light. Direct sunlight is best. Observe the railing color sample during the daytime and evening. Observe the railing color in the environment that the color will be used. The eye perceives color differently on vertical surfaces than it does on horizontal and curved surfaces. If the color is being applied to a vertical surface, be sure to look at the sample on a vertical surface. This will give you a better perspective on how the color will actually look.

Should the railing color match the outside of the house or accent it?

Many times we are asked by customers, “should the railing color match the house color, window trim, or accent color?” These are important things to consider. Contrasting colors can be used to accent or draw attention to the railing, making the railing a focal point. Similar colors can make the railing posts appear to blend in with the home. See these example images below showing different railing color variations. These images may help you visualize how your completed project will look.

wood rail vs metal rail
Wood top rail vs. metal top rail.
matching the trim or the siding
Railing matches siding vs. trim.

Why choose just one color for your railing?

You can create contrast or similarity depending on the aesthetic and architectural style you are trying to achieve. The top railing can be powder-coated in a contrasting color to the railing posts, or they can be the same color to create more uniformity.

Deck with railing top rail different than post as compared to Deck with top rail the same as the posts
Railing contrasting top rail color vs. railing with uniform post and top rail color.

I hope this has helped you to make your railing color choice easier, so have fun with your project! For more color options see this page on our 6 signature colors. There are thousands of custom colors available for metal railings so you can create a style you’ll love.

At Keuka Studios, we custom fabricate residential and commercial stairs and railings to fit your style, space, and requirements. To learn more about how each cable railing project moves from vision to reality, take a look at our custom railing design process. We take pride in building craftsman-quality and commercial-grade stairs and railings for interior and exterior applications. Contact us to get started on your project.

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5 factors to consider when selecting a top rail for your deck railing

Keuka style corner post with IPE wood top rail.
December 19th, 2020 Keuka Studios Editorial Team
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When choosing the right top rail for your railing project, there are many factors you should consider, including:

Style

Shape

Material

Color/Finish

Lighting


What is a railing top rail?

A top rail is a horizontal member across the top of the railing system that is typically affixed to the vertical posts and acts as a cap to the railing. The top rail is different than the handrail (which is meant to be graspable)

What style top rail do you want for your deck railing?

When you’re thinking about the style of your top railing consider the style of your home and your personal taste. Do you prefer the simplicity of a square or rectangular top rail for a modern touch?  Or a rounded profile that is smooth to the touch and rounds out the hard edges of the deck design? 

Take a look at these projects for ideas on how this can work with various home styles.
Log Style, Modern Craftsman, Contemporary, Modern, Tropical, Colonial

What to consider when deciding on the shape?

The variety of the shapes of the top rail are reliant on the type of material to be used. Wood has the most flexibility of shape as we can custom mill it to nearly any shape and size. There are however limitations on how small the cross-section can be in order to maintain the structural integrity.

Metal rails are available in a somewhat lesser variety of shapes due to the relative difficulty in machining shapes into them. Typically metal top rails are made from tubing, extrusions, flat bars, and pipe.

Another consideration is whether you want the shape to act as a shelf allowing for guests to set their drinks on it?  Or maybe you would prefer the top rail to be rounded to discourage items from being placed on the railing?  
Is the view the most important aspect to you, then maybe a thinner top rail is the best choice to be the least obstructive to your view.  

Some examples of wood and metal rail profiles shown below:

What type of top rail materials are there?

When choosing a top rail for exterior applications there are many wood and metal options. Wood is the easiest material to install since it’s the easiest to cut drill and miter. Since the top rail is the only section of the railing you will consistently put your hands on, wood is typically softer to the touch than metal. Wood will not fluctuate in temperature as much as metal. Metal rails can get very cold in the winter and hot in the summer. If choosing wood we typically recommend IPE (Brazilian walnut) for your outdoor application. IPE (pronounced ee-pay) is a very strong wood that is considered to be part of the “ironwood” family. IPE requires some maintenance and should be oiled once or twice a year. 

A metal rail is, of course, the lowest maintenance selection.  There are solid or tube metal options available in steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. We provide a splice plate system that easily attaches to the railing posts for finish fitting on location.

What color or finish should I choose for the top rail?

For metal railings, there are a variety of finishes available. All metal rails can be powder coated in a wide variety of colors. If you find choosing a color daunting see these links for help.
5 considerations for choosing color
6 Popular cable railing color options

Steel railings have the option of being galvanized before painting or if you prefer the look of galvanized metal this could be the option for you. Stainless steel rails add glitz and shine to your railing system without paint, and has the added benefit of standing up well in a coastal environment. And yes, stainless steel can also be painted. Aluminum is a great choice and can be anodized to have a more natural look, or can be powder coated also.

The first image below shows an aluminum top rail powder coated to match the railing post.
The second image below shows our curved Keuka style railing post powder coated black with an aluminum rail powder coated sparkle silver.

Do you want LED lighting built into your top rail? 

If you think concealed LED lighting is the way to go, we recommend a tube (round or square, or rectangle) type top rail that can easily hide the electric wires within it. Hiding the wires in the post as they run back to the LED drivers can be a bit more challenging, however, we have options to accomplish this.
See more pictures of the Sequoia project with concealed lighting here.
image

Whichever top rail material and style you choose for your railing applications, please make sure it works with the type of railing you have chosen. If you have a cable railing system there are force factors involved that most railings do not have. Therefore, it is imperative that the top rail be very sturdy since it’s a key component of the entire railing system.

In addition to the top rail, your project may also need handrails that comply with ADA requirements and ideas. Handrails are required on commercial projects and add an extra element of safety to any stair railing. See this link for more information on ADA compliance requirements

If you still need help, our team of experts can advise you on the available options, to reach your desired result.

At Keuka Studios, we custom fabricate residential and commercial stairs and railings to fit your style, space, and requirements. To learn more about how each cable railing project moves from vision to reality, take a look at our custom railing design process. We take pride in building craftsman-quality and commercial-grade stairs and railings for interior and exterior applications. Contact us to get started on your project.

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8 Creative Curved Deck Ideas with Cable Railings

rooftop pool deck with curved cable railing
September 13th, 2020 Keuka Studios Editorial Team
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Adding curves to your deck and outdoor landscape softens the hard edges of the architecture and creates a zen-like oasis for you to relax and take in the surroundings. Whether your dream deck includes outdoor dining, hot tubs, pools or simply lounging, curved decks combined with cable railings create beautiful spaces for any gathering. Our railing designers have the creativity, talent, and attention to detail to create railing systems that seamlessly transition along curved decks, stairs, and bridges resulting in beautiful entertaining spaces.

Considering cable railings for your curved decks and need some inspiration? Take a look at our clients completed curved deck projects.

1. Curved Raised Deck

Looking down on Curved Ipe deck with cable railing system

What could be better than sitting on your deck and enjoying the view or just soaking up the sun? Our client desired a curved deck with a cable railing to allow for the best-unobstructed views of the patio and distance lake vista. A deck doesn’t have to be large to be able to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. The decking is IPE with our curved Keuka Style railing and stainless steel cables.

2. Contemporary Deck Renovation

contemporary deck railing on multi-level home

This home was renovated to include a large outdoor deck area for dining and relaxing. The upper-level master bedroom deck railing harmoniously curves along with the architecture of the home, creating lounging areas to enjoy the expansive ocean views beyond. The railing style is our Ithaca with its slender posts made of anodized aluminum. We custom fabricated the shorter posts to surface mount on the upper-level wall to meet required railing heights.

3. Curved Deck Timber Style

Timber style home with curved deck and cable railing there is rain chain used for water drainage

Exposed timber columns support this partially covered outdoor curved deck creating a rustic, woodsy and peaceful place to relax. The rain chain adds to the ambiance while sitting undercover and listening to the summer rain. Our Keuka Style cable railing was chosen for this deck for its curved styling. The railing is powder-coated steel and fascia mounted to the deck. This combination of wood and steel complements the natural forest surroundings and the cables allow for the best-uninhibited views.

4. Curved Bridge

Curved deck bridge railing in our Chicago style with industrial styling

This industrial-style bridge was designed to create a curved walking space to relax and unwind while listening to the sounds of the waterfall. The railing posts are fascia or front-mounted to the structure below the decking, thus creating a streamlined appearance. Our Chicago style railing was chosen for this bridge project since it marries well with the exposed deck structure and concrete supports.

5. Curved Treehouse Raised Deck

curved raised deck in the forest with IPE decking.

It is absolutely breathtaking to sit on this deck that overlooks a beautiful lake and yet, it is raised to a level that makes you feel like you’re in a treehouse. The subtle curve of the deck with the curved cable railing post system blends well with the natural curves found in nature. The Keuka Style railing was chosen for this project with IPE wood top rail and stainless steel cable system.

6. Curved Pool Deck Railing

Curved pool deck railing oceanside

Adjoining a contemporary beach home this oceanside curved pool deck is in sync with the home’s architecture. The raised deck allows you to enjoy the view of the ocean surf while swimming, relaxing in the hot tub, or sipping a drink on the chaise lounge. For this project, the homeowners chose our Ithaca style cable railing post for its sleek slender lines that allow for maximum views of the ocean.

7. Curved Commercial Cable Railings

multi-lvedl condominium curved decks with the curved Keuka style railings.

Located in the historic seaport of Portsmouth, NH we fabricated our Keuka style cable railing for this multi-level luxury condominium with curved balconies. The railing was designed to meet commercial railing requirements at a 42-inch height. By Fascia mounting to the curved decks and rooftop pool deck, it allows for more useful deck space. To maximize the views while relaxing on the condominium deck or around the pool our clients chose cable railings.

8. Curved Railing with Stone Pillars

For anyone concerned about whether cable railings can complement traditional architecture, this photo shows how beautifully the styles work together. Combining curved stone archways, curved windows, and curved decks with our curved Keuka cable railing system is absolutely stunning. It is important to select the best cable railing post design to blend with your home’s architecture. Keuka Studios has many designs to choose from. Taking cues from this home’s design elements, the curvilinear design on the “Keuka Style” cable railing fits perfectly on this expansive deck.

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Pool fence blocking your view?

Stainless steel pool fence.
September 15th, 2019 Jeanne White
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What type of pool fence won’t block my view?

If you love the view beyond your pool and don’t want to block the view, consider a vertical cable railing pool fence. Cable railings around pools keep the view open beyond your pool. Most local building codes state that pickets on pool fences need to be vertical. Vertical cable railings can meet these requirements while preserving your view beyond your pool. Horizontal cable fence around pools can also be used as long as they are on top of a 48 inch high elevated surface. Cables are thin compared to larger wood or metal pickets. The wire cables around your pool will seems to disappear and allow you to enjoy the view whether it’s the sunset at your beach house, a sweeping mountain vista, or a backyard oasis.

Vertical cable railings
What are Important requirements to consider for fences around pools?

 

Pool fences should be at least 48″ high to prevent unintended access by children. See illustration below. Gates should open out from the pool fence railing and should be self-closing and self-latching. The height of the gate latch mechanism should be set at 54″ high. Vertical cable railings

What type of material is best for a pool fence?

 

Since pool chemicals are corrosive, it is common to use non-ferrous metals for this type of application. Stainless steel, aluminum, and galvanized steel are the best choices. Stainless steel is much more expensive than aluminum and galvanized steel. Steel is stronger than aluminum, so the frame can be more slender.

Are vertical cable railings more expensive than horizontal cable railings?

 

Vertical cable pool fences are more expensive than other types of fences. There are several reasons for this. Since each cable assembly is short, there are many end fittings. These end fittings act as turnbuckles to keep the cables tight. End fittings are high grade (Type 316) stainless steel. Because there are more fittings, the costs can add up. In addition, the metal frames must be rigid to be able to handle the combined tension load of the cables.

Pool Fence ideas

Elevated pool fence
https://www.keuka-studios.com/5-ideas-for-infinity-edge-pool-railings/
sunken pool and cable wire fence
https://www.keuka-studios.com/case-studies/ithaca-style/loveladies-new-jersey/
Curved pool cable railing around pool
Slim stainless steel pool railing
https://www.keuka-studios.com/case-studies/custom-work/old-greenwich-connecticut/
Vertical cable pool fence on lawn
Infinity edge pool cable fence
https://www.keuka-studios.com/case-studies/ithaca-style/solid-aluminum-railing/

Conclusion:

If your view from your pool is important then a vertical cable railing fence or a horizontal pool fence railing could be for you!

To see more about this ocean-view vertical cable pool fencing click here

Vertical and horizontal stainless steel cable railings.

At Keuka Studios, we custom fabricate residential and commercial stairs and railings to fit your style, space, and requirements. To learn more about how each project moves from vision to reality. Take a look at our custom railing design process. We take pride in building craftsman-quality residential and commercial-grade stairs and railings for interior and exterior applications. Contact us to get started on your project.

Request a Quote

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Contact Us

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