Installing stainless steel cable railing on a coastal deck or dock takes the right system and the right hardware. Atlantis Rail Systems are one of the most trusted brands for marine-grade cable railing, and at Builders Stainless we carry their two most popular systems — RailEasy™ and HandiSwage™ — both engineered for long-term coastal durability.

This guide covers everything you need to install both systems correctly, whether you're a seasoned contractor or a DIYer tackling your first cable railing project.

Why Choose Atlantis Cable Railing?

Atlantis cable railing systems offer a premium combination of durability, clean aesthetics, and ease of installation — making them ideal for coastal and marine environments where corrosion is a constant concern.

• Marine-grade 316 stainless steel construction

• Designed for coastal durability — no rust or staining

• Code-compliant strength with a clean, modern look

• Compatible with wood, metal, or composite posts

• Easy installation with minimal tools and training

Whether you're pricing out a new deck railing project or replacing corroded hardware, Atlantis systems are a smart long-term investment for any coastal build.

Shop our full line of stainless cable rail systems built specifically for coastal and marine environments.

What's the Difference Between RailEasy™ and HandiSwage™?

System Cable Size Mount Style Best For

RailEasy™ 5/32" Cable Surface-mount Simpler installs, exposed hardware, decks

HandiSwage™ 1/8" Cable Through-post, low-profile Clean, minimal hardware, stairs, modern decks

Both systems are built from 316 stainless steel and are available exclusively at Builders Stainless: RailEasy™ Tensioners & Swivel Ends and HandiSwage™ Studs, Lag Studs & Turnbuckles.

Tools & Materials You'll Need

For RailEasy™:

• RailEasy™ Tensioners

• RailEasy™ Swivel Ends

• 5/32" 316 stainless steel cable

• Drill + Atlantis Drill Guide

• Stainless cable cutter

• Wrenches

• Atlantis Rail Care Kit

For HandiSwage™:

• HandiSwage™ Studs or Lag Studs

• HandiSwage™ Turnbuckles (for adjustable tension)

• 1/8" 316 stainless steel cable

• Hand swager tool

• Drill + bits for through-post installation

• Cable cutter

• Atlantis Rail Care Kit

Step-by-Step Installation

Step 1: Plan Your Layout

Before you drill a single hole, map out your railing run carefully.

• Post spacing: Maximum 4 feet

• Cable spacing: Maximum 3 inches vertically

• Rail height: Typically 36–42 inches — always verify local building code requirements

Proper planning prevents wasted cable and hardware. Measure your total run length and count your intermediate posts before ordering.

Step 2: Install Posts

Secure wood, metal, or composite posts at planned intervals. End posts and corner posts must be structurally reinforced to handle the significant tension of a full cable run — don't underestimate this step.

For securing posts to decking framing, use stainless lag bolts rated for coastal exposure. If you're anchoring posts to a concrete surface such as a dock or patio slab, our 316 stainless masonry anchors are built to hold up in saltwater environments where standard anchors fail.

Step 3: Drill Holes

Use the Atlantis Drill Guide for accuracy — straight, consistent holes are critical for cable alignment and tension.

• RailEasy™: Drill only for tensioners and swivel ends (face-mount on end posts)

• HandiSwage™: Drill straight through all intermediate posts and end posts for clean cable runs

When using HandiSwage™ with wood posts, install post sleeves or grommets at each cable hole to protect the wood and preserve the clean look of the through-post design.

Step 4: Attach Fittings

RailEasy™ System

• Mount Swivel Ends on one end post.

• Mount Tensioners on the opposite post.

• Connect with 5/32" cable, cut to length.

No swaging required — RailEasy™ is ideal for quick surface-mount installs with a clean, hardware-visible aesthetic.

HandiSwage™ System

• Swage Studs or Lag Studs onto the ends of 1/8" cable

• Use Turnbuckles on one end for adjustable tension

• Through-post installation creates a cleaner, low-profile look

Ready to order your hardware? Shop RailEasy™ and HandiSwage™ systems at Builders Stainless — in stock and ready to ship.

Step 5: Run & Tension the Cable

Run the cable through all posts and hardware. Use stainless cable cutters to trim cleanly. Use wrenches to tension:

• RailEasy™: Use tensioners to tighten the 5/32" cable

• HandiSwage™: Use turnbuckles to evenly tension the 1/8" cable

Pro Tip: Tension from the center outward to keep forces balanced.

Code Reminder: Cable spacing and tension must prevent a 4" sphere from passing through any part of the railing — verify this before final sign-off on any permitted project.

If you're also framing or replacing the deck structure, our stainless deck screws and stainless joist hangers are built to the same 316SS coastal standard and are available for same-project ordering.

Step 6: Protect the Finish with the Atlantis Rail Care Kit

After installation, apply the Atlantis Rail Care Kit to maintain the finish and extend the life of your railing:

• Removes fingerprints, grime, and tea staining

• Adds a corrosion-resistant barrier for harsh environments

• Keeps stainless steel polished and looking like new

This step is especially important in high-salt coastal environments where even 316SS can show surface discoloration over time without periodic treatment.

Order the Atlantis Rail Care Kit

Why Builders Stainless Recommends Atlantis

We stock only RailEasy™ and HandiSwage™ because they consistently deliver for our customers — contractors, dock builders, and serious DIYers who build in environments where the hardware has to perform year after year.

• Engineered specifically for coastal durability

• Flexible installation options for any post type or project style

• Sleek, upscale appearance for decks, docks, and stairs

• Backed by decades of proven performance in marine environments