Cable for Avalon Railing by RDI
What Avalon Cable Is
Avalon cable refers to the 316-grade stainless steel infill cable used with RDI Avalon railing to create horizontal, modern-style guardrails with minimal visual obstruction. The cable runs through holes in pre-drilled posts and is tensioned between posts to provide a safe infill that still lets views and light pass through.
Cable Specs & Options
Cable Size
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1/8″ (0.125″) stainless steel cable — a common size for residential cable railing that balances strength and visual thinness.
Cable Lengths
Avalon cable is available in pre-fitted lengths with factory swaged ends, including:
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10 ft
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20 ft
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30 ft
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50 ft
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70 ft
(each with fitting attached) so you can pick the lengths closest to your railing run and minimize waste.
Fittings Included
- One end of the cable often has a factory-swaged fitting — this means the fitting is pressed on at the factory for a secure, corrosion-resistant connection.
- On the other end, you’ll typically use tensioning hardware such as a threaded stud or “Pull-Lock®” style fitting to tighten the cable between posts during installation.
How Much Cable You Need
For standard Avalon cable installations, RDI’s guidelines suggest:
- 36″ finished height: ~10 cables with fittings per section between posts
- 42″ finished height: ~12 cables with fittings per section between posts
For stair runs, generally fewer lengths are used but stair posts are arranged differently (stair spacing and tool use are in the installation instructions).
Installation Overview
- Posts with Pre-Drilled Holes: Use Avalon posts that are routed for cable so that the cable runs straight through the post holes.
- Threading: Cable is fed through the holes in the posts using a lacing needle (sold separately) to make it easier to pull each run through all the intermediate posts.
- Tensioning: The long end of the cable gets tensioned at the end post using the included end fitting and tensioning hardware. RDI recommends around 225 lb of tension per cable for best performance (from Avalon cable FAQ guidelines).
- Spacing: Typical hole spacing for level cable is about 3-1/8″ on center — this plus the number of cables helps keep openings within modern code requirements.
Accessories & Tools
To help install Avalon cable, RDI also offers useful accessories:
- Cable Lacing Needle – helps push and pull cable through aligned holes.
- Cable Gripper / Tension Tool – tool to help grip and tension cable ends during install.
- Cable Release Key – used to release cable tension for adjustments or removal.
- Cable Cleaner/Protectant – for year-round maintenance and corrosion protection.
Why Avalon Cable
- Modern look: Cable infill creates a clean, almost unobstructed view, perfect for decks with scenic vistas or contemporary architecture.
- Durable: Made from 316-grade stainless steel, which offers excellent corrosion resistance for outdoor environments (especially coastal settings).
- Customizable lengths: Several length options make it easier to match your railing run without excessive excess.
- Strong and safe: When installed correctly with proper tension and pre-drilled posts, cable rail can meet typical guardrail safety requirements.
About this product...
Factory swaged 316 grade stainless steel cable fittings are pre- attached on one end and cables come in lengths of 10', 20', 30’, 50', and 70'. 10 cables are needed for 36" finished height, and 12 are needed for 42" finished height. 9 cables used on stair posts for 36" rail height and 11 cables are used for 42" rail height. A through-the-post configuration is the ideal scenario to use the Classic threaded stud cable kits. The threaded studs are a functional fitting, not a hide-in-the-post solution. A brass hex nut and some metal thread (both covered by an end cap) will extend beyond the back of the post on one end. A Pull-Lock® fitting is installed through the other end. The tensioning device is a 2-7/8” long threaded stud which installs on the back side of one end post. When taking cable railing through a corner, do not bend the cable past 45⁰ at any one time.
DETAILS:
- Cable Size ~ 1/8"
- Pre-Packaged Lengths
- 316 ss
- Fitting attached to one side
- Each package includes 1-cable with fittings
