- May 03, 2021
Pros and Cons: Glass Railing for Decks
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It’s easy to fall in love with the look of a glass railing — in fact, the style continues to trend for interior spaces.
To help you decide if this sleek, modern look is a fit for your project, we put our 60+ years of industry experience to work for you by breaking down the pros and cons of glass railing for outdoor decks.
Photo Source: Houzz
Pro: Serious Visual Appeal
Glass deck railings are on-trend and offer timeless appeal. There’s a reason this style is so popular: it suits both modern and traditional homes thanks to its versatile materials. We have seen our glass and metal railing products elevate a humble deck into an architectural feature on more than one occasion.
Photo Source: Bezdan
Pro: Views For Days
Outdoor glass railings are most notable for their ability to let in light, enhance space, and maximize transparency. Glass panels create a safety barrier without blocking sightlines, making them an optimal choice for unobstructed views.
Photo Source: Bezdan
Pro: Wind Barrier
Depending on where your deck is located, an outdoor glass railing has the added benefit of acting as a wind barrier so your patio party won’t be disrupted by blustery breezes. It also extends the use of your deck in cooler seasons.
Photo Source: Houzz
Pro: Customized Looks
Mix and match colors and shapes to define your unique style. There is plenty of versatility when it comes to outdoor glass railing design. Base shoes, mini posts, glass spigots, and glass standoffs or standoffs form a frameless glass railing with minimal hardware, ideal for maximized light and sightlines. There are also components in trending black stainless to offer even more design options.
Photo Source: Bezdan
Pro: Speedy Assembly
Installers can now benefit from products that offer significant time savings. Adjustable glass spigots allow for the alignment of glass panels while mounted. No shims required.
Installers should also check out Bezdan’s adjustable glass standoffs for quick and efficient alignment of glass panels. No need to remove glass panels and no need for shims.
Photo Source: Houzz
Pro: Durability And Longevity
Compared to wood railings, glass railing lasts far longer on decks. No splitting or warping here — and certainly no concerns about termites or other bugs damaging the material's integrity. Plus, you don't have to stain or paint oglass deck railings to protect them from weather damage. That said, be sure to refer to our metal usage guide to ensure you've selected the best alloy for your metal railing outdoor project.
Photo Source: Houzz
Con: Slightly More Expensive
There are certainly less expensive alternatives to outdoor glass railing systems. But if you’re open to making an initial investment in a product that’s going to last for decades, it’s a worthwhile expenditure.
Photo Source: Houzz
Con: Needs Regular Cleaning
Keeping glass smudge-free on the inside and outside can require fairly regular cleaning, especially if you’re particular. For this reason, you may consider alternatives to glass deck railings, like cable deck railing. But keep in mind: any railing is going to require some maintenance. Cable railing requires some care, and wood banisters may warp and crack with weather over time, requiring costly replacements.
Photo Source: Houzz
Con: Lack Of Privacy
If privacy is your main requirement for your deck guardrail, clear glass panels might not be a fit for you. While we love the sunlight and views that they provide, frosted glass panels may be a better option for those who appreciate privacy — the best of both worlds!
Photo Source: Houzz
Con: Lack Of Air Circulation
While some folks may appreciate that the glass panels of a glass deck railing system block the breeze, others might find that stifling. In a hot climate, the glass can trap heat. It depends on your tastes and the weather in your region.
Get The Look: Glass Railing Hardware for Decks
Create beautiful guardrails and windscreens that can withstand harsh environments. Stainless steel surface mount adjustable glass spigots have a built-in adjustability feature. Installers can now align glass panels once mounted. No shims are required.
Sleek, streamlined glass alignment clips allow the views to take center stage instead of the hardware. Available in both satin stainless and black stainless, easily align glass panels for 90˚ and 180˚ applications.
Create a minimalist outdoor glass railing with 1-1/2" diameter glass mount brackets and standoffs. Brackets are available with many features, including adjustable height, fixed, flat, or round saddles, and pair beautifully with 1 ½" diameter glass standoffs. Available in satin and black stainless options.
Glass standoffs are available in both fixed and adjustable models for quick and efficient alignment of glass panels. No need to remove glass and no need for shims.
Maximize views with base shoes for frameless glass railings. These base shoes boast an ultra-slim profile for a minimalistic look yet have successfully been tested for high-velocity hurricane zones, offering the ultimate combination of safety and aesthetic appeal. Available in top mount or fascia mount options.
Is A Glass Deck Railing Right For You?
You probably guessed this already from reading through the pros and cons but… it really depends! There are so many benefits of outdoor glass deck railing— from their visual appeal to their versatility — but no product is right for everyone.
If you’re still unsure about the right style for you, explore the links below.
- Shop our glass railing products
- Browse the glass railing photo gallery
- Learn more about glass railing
- Request a quote, and one of our friendly, knowledgeable Sales Representatives will contact you with product recommendations.
