Railings by Trunk Slammer

“We can purchase those railings for half your price.” It’s a comment we hear from time to time. While cost is always a consideration, safety and functionality must come first. Here is an example of how a “lower” bid became a homeowner’s nightmare. In this case, the ironwork contractor underbid our proposal by 50%, a savings that understandably appeared too attractive for the homeowner to decline.

 The shortcuts taken to win the bid are evident: cables that were not securely fastened, the absence of isolation bushings between the aluminum frames and stainless steel cables, poorly executed sharp joints, and posts that were flange-mounted on damaged brick, often with a single screw, instead of being core-drilled and grouted. In addition, there were excessive gaps between posts, inadequate wall connections, and a low-quality painted finish.

While some of these deficiencies are cosmetic—such as poorly executed joints, peeling paint, and bricks damaged during the removal of the old railings—the more critical concern is the apparent disregard for occupant safety and for compliance with applicable local and state building codes. 

The Florida Building Code requires railings to be a minimum of 36" in height for single-family residences and 42" for multi-family and commercial buildings. Openings in the railing system must be small enough to prevent the passage of a 4" sphere. Cable infill must be installed at 3" on center and properly tensioned.

The FBC also mandates that railings support a minimum uniform load of 50 pounds per linear foot and a concentrated load of 200 pounds applied in any direction at the top rail. Infill and intermediate components are required to resist a uniform load of 25 pounds per square foot. All materials must be corrosion-resistant for coastal environments and must comply with state wind load requirements.

When crafted by skilled professionals, the results are not only beautiful and safe, but also built to stand the test of time. My grandfather always said, “Always buy the best and you will never be disappointed.” At Edwards Ornamental Iron, Inc., this principle remains our guiding motto. Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality in ornamental and architectural metalwork.

Edwards Ornamental Iron, Inc. Craftsmen of  Distinction since 1947