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It’s really amazing to look at the housing market today and to see just how many people are putting decks on their homes. It used to be that when people wanted to make those upgrades, they would build a garage or finish their basement.
However, with today’s glass decking options available to the public at large, more and more people are deciding that building a deck is a way to go.
Many years ago, it used to be that something like glass decking was only in use in really high-end commercial properties like luxury hotels. Now, however, you can find quality companies that will show up and install this sort of deck for you on any type of home.
Glass deck railings are really popular right now, and many people sing their praises very loudly. But is it all just really sunshine and rainbows with this sort of glass decking option? Like everything else out there, glass railings are going to have their positives and their negatives.
If you want an honest assessment of what you’re in for, read below as we tackle both the pros and cons of glass railing systems.
Glass Deck Railing Pros:
They Look Unique and Fantastic
First up, they look awesome. They’re bright and clean and they really fit into any sort of theme you want. They can look traditional or antique, like with an old-world Tuscan theme, or they can stand out as very contemporary and modern.
They’re Bright and Transparent
Being transparent, glass deck railings give you an unobstructed view of your property while also allowing sunlight in. You’re not looking through those wooden bars and only seeing bits and pieces of the view; you see everything.
They’re Solid
These solid pieces of thick, tempered glass do not have spaces between them, which could be bad if you have pets and small children. The horror stories about heads being stuck in between railings; we don’t need to get into all of that. Suffice to say that being solid panes of glass is an advantage here.
More Resilient Than Wood
Wood rots and needs to be protected with sealant, paint, and other methods. You do not have this issue with the glass, nor with the metal brackets holding it in place, which is usually powder coated and will not chip away or rust due to the weather.
A Lot of Resistance
Wood is also very susceptible to things like mould and mildew, and especially to fire. The glass and metal are not, of course, and so you will not end up having these sorts of issues. Imagine not having to worry about things like warping or termite damage.
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Glass Deck Railing Cons:
They Can Get Really Dirty
Every time it rains, every time mud or dirt splashes up, you will have to clean your glass railings. Imagine the windows on your home or your vehicle and how often they need cleaning. It’s not hard to do, but it’s something that you will have to do often.
They Are Fragile (in comparison)
While the glass is thick and tempered and relatively strong, little Johnny smacking a baseball into a pane of glass is likely going to break it. We just mean that the glass isn’t as strong as wooden deck railing options. So, you have to be more careful around the glass.
They Cost a Bit More
You will likely not find any sort of deck options that are very cheap, but the glass railing options can be quite a bit more expensive than your traditional wooden rails. While it is also true that you get what you pay for in this regard, it’s not something that’s in everyone’s immediate budget.
As you can see, there are positives and negatives for glass railing options. It’s not as if glass railings for decks are perfect by any stretch of the imagination.
They need to be cleaned often, they can break, and they’re a bit costly. However, the positives far outweigh the negatives here. You just get so much more out of glass railings than you do their wooden counterparts. It’s pretty easy to see why the glass options are so popular today.
