Choosing the proper stainless steel wire rope is a critical factor in the successful completion of a balustrade. The right wire construction is important since a wrong one can result in sagging cables, inspection failures, or a stale cable balustrade within a few years.
Two wire rope constructions dominate the Australian market:
- 1×19
- 7×7
Here’s a simple comparison of 1×19 and 7×7 stainless steel wire ropes, including the pros and cons of each construction. Miami Stainless supplies 316 marine-grade products of both types and also stocks the wire balustrade supplies and fittings necessary for trade and DIY orders across Australia.
Why Wire Rope Construction Matters for Australian Builds
Hardware exposed to the outdoors in Australian regions faces very harsh conditions. Besides general wear and tear, salt air, UV exposure, and heavy rain will contribute significantly to the deterioration of poorly specified cables.
Strength, flexibility and fatigue resistance all depend on wire rope construction. It will also help determine whether a balustrade is compliant with the wire balustrade regulations under the National Construction Code and relevant Australian Standards.
If the construction is selected correctly, then this will be a good selling point for the reputation and the long-term value of the property. In fact, a superbly designed wire balustrade system is capable of transforming the architectural design of any outdoor living space.
1×19 vs 7×7 Stainless Steel Wire Rope: Key Differences and Compliance
Such numbers simply specify a wire rope’s configuration: strands x wires per strand.
1×19 wire rope consists of one strand made up of 19 individual wires. Steel wire ropes are very stiff, maintaining a straight line and hardly stretching when under load. These characteristics have led to its elevated status as the typical selection for balustrade wire infill, where a perfect, neat race of the wires is essential both for safety and from an aesthetic point of view.
7×7 wire rope consists of seven strands of seven wires each. It is more flexible, can be bent around small fittings, and is also a bit more resistant to fatigue caused by repeated movement. They are used mostly in shade sail hardware, catenary wire lighting kits, and rigging work.
Typically, 3.2mm, 1×19, 316 stainless steel wire rope is the normal specification for most wire balustrade systems.
Best Stainless Steel Wire Rope Solutions from Miami Stainless
In addition to balustrades, rigging and shade structures, Miami Stainless supplies trade-grade stainless steel wire rope for marine, architectural and general industrial use.
As a wholesaler and supplier of stainless steel products to the trade and DIY, known locally and internationally, we carry in stock 316 grade rope in common sizes including 3.2mm.
Installation Benefits
Ordering wire rope and fittings together with one stainless steel supplier not only saves your precious time, but it also eliminates many compatibility issues.
The 316 grade also keeps stainless steel maintenance simple. An occasional rinse removes salt build-up and keeps fittings looking new.
Need Help Choosing the Right Wire Rope?
It’s a very cheap opportunity to allow a balustrade to fail visually or inspection-wise due to a wire choice.
Look through the stainless steel wire rope collection on the web or buy hardware and fittings that match stainless steel wire ropes.
With an experience of more than 23 years in the field, the team of professionals is ready to support you. Contact us for confirmation of the correct construction, diameter and fittings before ordering to avoid the rework, which is extremely expensive.
Final Thoughts on Stainless Steel Wire Rope
When deciding between 1×19 and 7×7 stainless steel wire ropes, the main consideration is the level of rigidity or flexibility required.
In Australian projects, 1×19 in 316 grade brings clean lines and compliance, therefore suits balustrades, decks, pools, and fencing. Flexibility, on the other hand, is 7×7’s domain, which is needed for rigging, shade sails, and trellis systems.
Miami Stainless’s inventory includes both types and all the necessary dressings to carry out an Australian Standards-compliant job.