Wiley —
A good source for cable railing stuff is http://www.cablerail.com/index_2.html. However, cable railings are increasingly difficult to square with building codes. The usual code is that you can’t push a 4″ sphere through the fence with a 50 pound push. Because any long run of cable is easy to deflect sideways, the cables have to be pretty close together to meet the code.
If you want an industrial look that will meet code, consider glass panels. They give a nice open feel to the stair, instead of the usual jail-cell feel of lots of vertical wooden balisters. You can use either wood or metal for the structure. Hang the glass with the “glass clips” which are used in frameless glass shower stalls. http://www.crlaurence.com/ has a bunch of different kinds, and many glass shops will order them for you.
Jamie
Replies
another code problem is that a lot of codes prohibit a "climable " rail
Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
Wiley --
Trapezoidal panels aren't a problem for glass guys. As long as each edge is straight, and there are no concave corners, they can do the score-and-snap trick with a straightedge. You might want to make full-scale OSB templates for the panels, particularly for the trapezoids. I like clips that don't need holes drilled through the glass. CR Laurence has clips that are designed to capture the tip of a trapezoid cut to the usual stair angle -- 72 degrees is it? I use 3/8" tempered glass.
Jamie
W... Noticed post in const.tech "patio doors as sky lights " ,I have used patio doors as sky lights and railings inside and out with customer satisfaction and my own peace of mind . Railings of glass that have been etched add the personal touch , I can't remember who it is here at breaktime but we have a resident professional that could help with the etching.