5 Commonly Asked Questions on Glass Railings

Glance at a glass railing system and the appeal is clear. The designs are sleek, streamlined, and sophisticated, all the while allowing natural light to flow through. Glass railing systems are a statement-making architectural element that adds beauty to any space, from industrial-chic interiors to modernist homes.

If glass railings are your choice for an indoor staircase or an outdoor deck, it’s essential to look at all aspects of this banister system. Read on for the answers to commonly asked questions about metal and glass railing systems so that you can plan for the right look and proper functionality.

1. What products can save time during installation?

The key to an efficient, easy installation starts with choosing the right products. 

For frameless guards, installers should check out Bezdan’s adjustable glass standoff or adjustable glass spigot. These products have adjustability features that allow for easy alignment of glass panels, so installers don’t need to remove glass once it’s been placed. 

Adjustable features allow for the alignment of glass panels while mounted.

The aluminum mini-post comes with standoffs pre-installed on the post  to avoid the additional labor of drilling and tapping holes. Installers need only affix the post to the substrate and mount the glass panels.

For a speedy installation of a baluster-and-glass railing design, choose off-the-shelf solutions like pre-drilled posts for glass clips that come in various heights for varied placement on stairs. Plus, the machined, polished anchor plates on both our round and square posts are money-saving features as cover flanges are optional.

Installer Resource: Refer to this handy guide for selecting pre-drilled square posts and top mount brackets that meet the 36-inch minimum guard heights. 

Want to avoid sloppy joins? Bezdan baluster systems are designed with extremely tight tolerances. Precision fit components result in virtually seamless joins without the need for spigots, customization or fabrication. Additionally, fittings can be quickly secured with Bezdan approved Loctite 680 quick-bonding adhesive to reduce installation time.

Have you seen the full offering of black stainless components? This innovative finish, now available in off-the-shelf components, eliminates the quality control, process and lag time costs associated with powder coating.

Black stainless components achieve an ultra-modern look, all while retaining the benefits of high durability, scratch resistance and strength of classic stainless steel.

2. Fascia mount vs top or surface mounted railings: Why choose one over the other?

Even if you know you want glass for your guard design, there’s still another decision to make: should you choose a facia or surface mount guard style?

The fascia mount baluster bracket can maximize useable floor space and provides a clean aesthetic.

Fascia mount installations are ideal for:

1. The outdoors in humid/wet climates ensures that components don’t puncture a waterproof membrane preventing mold or rot.  
2. When space is at a premium – components secure to the side of the substrate allowing for more useable space and a cleaner aesthetic with hidden hardware and mounting bolts.
3. Ease of cleaning – floor areas are kept clear, allowing for cleaning right to the edge.

Surface mounted aluminium mini-post were an ideal solution for this deck with overhang.

Top or surface mount installations are ideal for:

1. Ease of installation – top mounted components are less complicated as the installation is done from the walking surface; no need for scaffolding or a scissor lift.
2. Decks or stairs with an overhang – these situations are less suited for fascia mounts. A surface mount post can affix to nearly any surface. 
3. Budget requirements - Typically, fascia  mount installations are a two-person job. One person will need to hold the post in place while the other person marks the holes to be drilled. A surface mount installation can save on labor and, in some cases, expensive equipment to access hard to reach areas. 

3. Which alloy should I use outdoors?

Selecting a stainless steel alloy for your project depends on your location and setting. If you live somewhere with low exposure to salts and pollutants, alloy 304 can be a less expensive and practical choice, even for exterior applications.

Outdoor application using Bezdan Stainless components in alloy 304.

If you live in a climate with exposure to harsher elements, like sea salts, material with more corrosion resistance, like alloy 316 or 2205, is a practical investment for longer life and durability.

Being informed about your building environment will also help you determine your project's best metals or materials. Check out Bezdan's metal usage guide here.

4. How do I maintain the glass railing components?

Another benefit of glass railing? They’re relatively easy to maintain.

The glass itself can be cleaned with standard glass cleaner or vinegar. Any baluster components like spigots or posts in satin, black or colored stainless steel, should be cleaned using a soft cloth or damp sponge with mild soap and warm water. Tip: Buff dry to avoid water deposits.

Important reminder: Just because stainless is stain-less doesn’t mean it’s invincible. Avoid cleaners with ammonia, bleach, acid, or caustic agents, and never use abrasive cleaners or brushes. 

Check out Bezdan’s complete guide to stainless steel care and maintenance here.

5. What glass railing products offer high aesthetic appeal?

Now that you’ve considered the practicalities of glass guards, it’s time to get inspired. Take a look at these gorgeous balusters and frameless glass guard systems with Bezdan products.

Photo Source: Bezdan Sales

MINIMALIST STYLE.  These glass mount brackets offer a minimalist look that pairs beautifully with the Bezdan 1-1/2” diameter glass standoffs.

Photo Source: Bezdan Sales

STREAMLINED BY DESIGN. A discerning eye will notice the details of this modern railing. Low profile cover flanges on the pre-drilled posts, a unique tapered stem on the top mount brackets, and smooth, radiused edges on glass clips provide  finishing details and an extra touch of class that evokes quality.

Photo Source: Bezdan Sales

PANEL PERFECTION. Here, glass panels tuck snugly against each other using black stainless glass standoffs. Topped with a fresh light-wood handrail that matches the stair treads, this entry way has a Scandinavian-chic look.

Photo Source: Bezdan Sales

RIDING THE RAILS. Adding cross tube under the handrail provides an intriguing design element to a baluster-and-glass guard.

The Bezdan Difference

We know that a metal and glass railing can be a significant investment and, in many cases, the centerpiece of a space. But not all stainless steel glass railing systems are created equal. That's why Bezdan considers every detail so you can ensure it passes the close inspection of discriminating clients.

Deliver a product that goes beyond customers' expectations, shop our newest metal and glass products online, or take a peek through Bezdan's latest catalog.