Most deck rails stop you from enjoying relaxing views of nature, and they also keep you from watching your children as you lounge on your deck. If you want to solve this issue, all you need to do is build yourself a beautiful glass deck panels. By using tempered glass, you’ll be able to enjoy the view. However, make sure the rails are sturdy and safe.
A glass deck railing will not only increase the value of your property but also make your outdoor area look a thousand times better. Today we bring you a design for a cedar glass deck railing that requires only basic carpentry skills!
Necessary Tools
Before you get started building your glass deck railing, make sure you have all the tools you’ll need:
- Tape measure
- Hammer
- Saw
- Wood glue
- Drill and drill bits
- Self-sticking bumpers
- Quarter round bumpers
Necessary Materials
Get your materials ready ahead of time by checking this list:
- Tempered safety glass
- Stain
Step by Step Guide to Build Your Glass Deck Railing
If you care about aesthetics, a glass deck railing will add a ton of appeal to your deck and property. This kind of railing looks modern and it’s incredibly easy to customize as well as installing isn’t a big hassle and add versatility to the interior design.
Step 1: Familiarize with Local Building Codes
This is the very first step for any building project. If you live in an area where there are no codes to regulate this kind of building, then you’re free to make your glass deck railing as you wish. If there are codes, then you need to make sure you follow them!
Step 2: Ready Your Top and Bottom Rails
If your old deck is in place, make sure you remove the balusters so that the top and bottom rails are kept in place. If your deck doesn’t have a top and bottom rail or if one of them is missing, then you’ll need to make them.
Step 3: Make Your Glass Order
You’ll need tempered glass to make a durable and safe glass deck railing. To order it, you’ll need to measure the space between the deck posts so the panels fit perfectly. The length of the glass should be the distance between the posts minus 3 inches. Take measurements and note them, both of the width and the height. Then place your order at Fab Glass and Mirror and ask them to ground the edges.
Step 4: Install the Quarter Rounds
Before installing the quarter rounds, stain them first so they match the finish of your deck. Let them dry and apply a high-quality sealer. Next, apply wood glue and press them into place. Lastly, use finish nails to attach the pieces.
Step 5: Ready Your Bottom Rail
Your bottom rail will need to have holes drilled into the bottom so that water can drain off. When this is done, clean off the dust and debris and then attach the vinyl bumpers to the top and bottom rails of the glass deck railing. The vinyl bumpers must go where the glass will make contact with them.
Step 6: Install the Glass Panels
Take your glass and place it on the bottom rail and up against the outside quarter round so the glass is held in place. Then, place your stained and sealed quarter round against the surface of the glass and nail it in place so that it fits tightly into the glass. And that’s it! You have your glass deck railing.
How Much Will This Glass Deck Railing Cost?
A glass deck railing can cost you from $400 to over $500. The priciest material you’ll need is the 3/8inch safety tempered glass, but keep in mind using other materials would be more expensive! You can save money by getting ¼ inch glass panels, but you need to make sure this complies with local building codes.
Advantages of Having a Glass Deck Railing
The first advantage of a glass deck railing is that it allows you to enjoy the views your deck has to offer. You’ll be able to keep an eye on your kids as they play around. It’s also safe for children because the glass will keep them falling off the deck.
Additionally, glass railings are quite affordable and they’re available for installation. Getting them is as easy as calling your local glass shop and ordering what you need. Another great benefit of glass railings is that they provide effective wind breakage, which is particularly necessary for people who live near large bodies of water.
Final Words
Installing a glass deck railing requires a lot of thought. Not just because it’s a building project, but because it will change the face of your deck. It will definitely improve the value of your property, and you’ll be extremely happy with the end result, but you need to make sure that this is a change you want to make before you get started!
