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Design Dilemma
ron1118

Glass railing vs cable rail

13 years ago
Hi,
We are in the process of putting up a roof deck and will be using steel and wood for the railings and stairs. However we can't decide between cable or glass for in between the posts.

I know the positives of glass will be the wind break and the non-obstructed view, but generally how often will they need cleaning? I don't mind cleaning them now and then, but I don't want it to be a constant fight.

Does anyone have any experience with this?

Thank you!
Featured Answer
  • PRO
    11 years ago
    As cable railing professionals we have encountered many glass vs. cable railing discussions as well as cost comparisons, and pros vs. cons. We believe that each system has pros and cons just like wood vs. composite decking. Many times we are submitting quotes to clients who are studying both types of railing system.

    There are issues of aesthetics, price, feel, functionality, etc. SS cable will not provide a wind break; this is a no brainer; however we have yet to encounter a glass railing system that did not require constant cleaning. We work on the California coast where salt air is common. By the beach the air is wet almost every morning despite the season. High end hotels and affluent clientele have maintenance people that diligently clean the glass and it looks and functions top notch. For outdoor dining a glass wind break with a view is unbeatable. Glass systems that feature clips or freestanding panels by using a "shoe" or "boot" are beautiful railing systems and on occasion we even recommend these systems over our own cable railings. Other applications like raised balconies pose a major problem with access and safety for cleaning glass railings. The average homeowner will not be able to afford to pay for someone to maintain the glass. The average homeowner is not comfortable on an extension ladder or leaning over a 2 story drop to clean the glass.

    Cost Factors- cable railing systems are usually less expensive than glass systems but there are exceptions. 100% stainless steel post and framing systems will be similar in cost to free standing glass systems. Wood framed cable railings will be much less expensive than glass. Stainless steel cable can require periodic maintenance via wiping the cables with stainless steel cleaner and protectant. The transparency factor for both systems is awesome and with frameless options and low profile post systems we have more options than ever for low profile installations. It really boils down to several factors when choosing a railing system and weighing wants vs. needs, resources, and aesthetics. We love our cable railings and the trend seems to be leaning more towards cable railings; however our neighbors at Sorrento Glass produce amazing glass railings and when the situation calls for glass we never hesitate to recommend them.

    Comments (17)

    • PRO
      13 years ago
      Glass will not be a 'constant fight'. Occasional cleaning is all you'll need to contend with.
      If you are in a high wind area, make sure posts are properly anchored to prevent excessive movement of the entire assembly when under wind pressure.
      Good luck!
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      Glass handrail only needs a good cleaning when they get wet or dusty.

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    • PRO
      13 years ago
      I love my glass barrier but I have to paint (with wipe off white pen) figures and objects during the spring and fall to stop birds flying into them. There is a moment in the seasons where the light renders the glass totally invisible to birds... and I feel so bad when I find a dead bird on the terrace.
    • 13 years ago
      I think glass looks classier, and if you get the lass that isn't completely see through you will to have to worry about finger prints and cleaning multiple times a day
    • 13 years ago
      eI have glass and I like it except for one thing. My glass pieces are completely framed all the way around with wood. When you are seated in a chair on my deck the top piece of wood, (railing) is right at eye level. This blocks my water view and I am forever slouching in order to watch the world go by. I know some glass barriers don't have that upper piece so the view is truly unobstructed. Something to think about whichever way you go is how it looks from a seated position. I don't need to clean very often and I do like the wind break glass provides.
    • PRO
      12 years ago
      Consider a metal base on three sides with glass and the top leave open. That will look nice.
    • 11 years ago
      how much will a glass railing run? Any recommendations on hardware?
    • 10 years ago

      Thank you for this useful information!!! We are ready to install new railing on our lakefront property!

    • 10 years ago

      I do. I have installed glass railings and they require very little maintenance. But it all depends on what quality of glass railings you use. If you want high quality glass railings and need to enquire more then check out http://www.cplrailings.ca/faq/

    • 9 years ago
      May I ask what you ended up doing? Glass vs cable and if you can post pics? I'm in same boat right now.
    • PRO
      9 years ago

      In the debate between
      glass and cable railing there are a couple of blatant differences.

      • Cleaning- glass will require cleaning often. Cable railing requires very little maintenance. However, we do recommend cleaning your cable railing to ensure a long life.
      • Air flow- glass will create a wind block. Cable railing will keep the air flowing free. Each of these can be positive or a negative depending on what you are interested in.

      The similarity between the two is the unobstructed view.

      • Glass offers a clear view when it is clean. When
        it is not, you will not see much beyond the glass. Cable railing in 1/8" diameter almost disappears. We offer Invisiware fittings that hide inside the post when your application allows.

      We may be biased towards Ultra-tec cable railing systems, however, I
      believe these points are true.

    • PRO
      9 years ago

      Don’t worry about the cleaning, ron1118. Go for glass railings. And why shouldn’t you when they’re elegant and provide the luxurious look you need? By the way, they’re easy to maintain if you purchase of good quality set from the right railings provider.

      You can get a free quote here: https://goo.gl/Lwm26k


    • 8 years ago

      I was just told by a reputable stair and rail designer and manufacturer in GA that cable railing on the exterior deck of a mountain house is a bad idea because of the fluctuation of cable strength and tautness with weather changes. Do you agree with this?


    • 8 years ago
      last modified: 8 years ago

      There can be tightening and slackening of cables with weather changes. It's called thermal expansion/contraction. Yes, you may re-tension once or twice after season changes, but after a couple of adjustments, you'll be done adjusting. Ultra-tec fittings are very easy to adjust by the way. If it were a big deal, cable railing wouldn't be so popular!

      Dan Nourse, Mgr Sales/Cust Svc at Ultra-tec

    • PRO
      8 years ago

      Linda - We have found that preventing cable slacking really comes down to the quality of the materials used for the posts and top rail, which provides a structural frame to sustain the tension loads required to keep the clean lines. Also, having the capability for a subsequent tension will ensure you can always tighten them if needed. We have a few product lines that we recommend in harsh weather environments to meet these needs. Feel free to reach out to us directly, as we would be happy to discuss your project and answer any questions you may have on cable railing materials. Best Regards!

    • 5 years ago

      Hi

      If any interest to build a new glass balcony railing system with a glass floor. You can feel free to consult: Shenzhen Dragon Glass.

      We are a professional glass manufacturer since 1994, we can help.

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